Jax’s Tail Twitches When You Are Angry by David Powlison Book Review

Everyone gets frustrated when something important to them goes wrong. In Jax’s Tail Twitches, the whole Squirrel family ends up out of sorts when acorn gathering doesn’t go according to plan. Although Papa, Mama, Jax, and Caspian Squirrel all get angry, they also learn about the power of saying sorry, seeking forgiveness, remembering God’s words, and praying together. Edited by David Powlison, Jax’s Tail Twitches ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching children how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes how we respond when life goes wrong. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will help children and adults remember to turn to God for help when they are angry.

A new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family—bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces. The last page of each book contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps children apply biblical truth to specific issues. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.

My Thoughts:

Our kids mimic our actions often. We tell them not to do something and yet we do what we told them not to do. Kind of hypocritical aren’t we as parents. WE are sending our kids a mixed message. Our actions should speak as loud as our words.

This beautifully illustrated hardback book is for ages 3 to 8 year olds. The illustrations are adorable and full of details. I loved the acorn wallpaper and the mitten as a floor mat. The details of the illustrations within the pages that Joe Hox created are eye-catching with its full colored illustrations.

This is a story about a family of squirrels. It starts out with Jax being mad at his brother because he was the first one in the kitchen. Before he can complain to his mother his father burst into the door and announcing the good news. “Today is a big day,” says father. “The acorns are finally ripe” and “All paws needed to collect acorns for winter!”

Immediately Jax makes a rude commit about his neighbor and his brother follows suit. A day that should be joyful and fun ends up being a disaster with Dad getting angry. Next its Jax, Caspian, and Mama turn to show that ugly temper and get real angry. Only the baby Jolie doesn’t lose her temper.

Through all this Jax makes a discovery about themselves and now it’s time to make things right. They sit down and pray together as a family and read the word together.

What a cute story that much wisdom can be taught to our little ones about anger and losing our temper. There is an underlining message for use parents that we should take away from the story. Caspian said it spot on, “I guess the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

In the back of the book there is a section for parents, “Helping Your Child with Anger.” There are nine suggestions with scriptures to apply in your family with your child. Also included is a cut out with “Back Pocket Bible Verses” with six scripture verses to carry with you to remind yourself not to get angry.

Jax’s Tail Twitches When You Are Angry is wonderful and heartfelt story to share with your kids.

I received a free copy of this product from New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.