Book Review—Wow! The Good News in Four Words

At its core, the gospel is quite simple. So simple that author Dandi Daley Mackall figured out how to express the good news in just four words.

And then she wrote a picture book about it.

Wow! The Good News in Four Words
written by Dandi Daley Mackall
illustrated by Annabel Tempest
published by Tyndale Kids (2017)
32 pages, 11 x 0.2 x 11 inches, jacketed hardcover

The four words are
Wow,
Uh-oh,
Yes, and
Ahh.

Wow, because God loves us.

Uh-oh, because our sin results in a broken world and separation from God.

Yes, because we can have forgiveness and a new start through Jesus.

Ahh, because saying yes to Jesus gives us eternal life and peace.

And, because as we grow in faith we want to tell others the Good News, that brings us back to Wow.

The text explains each word in 4-5 short rhyming blocks.

The concept is simple, but big! So I like that the size of the book (11 x 11) and the bursting-with-color-and-detail illustrations match the big concept.

I love the diversity of the people in the illustrations as well. Although I would have liked Adam and Eve to be a little less pink, there’s a good variety of skin tones and ages, men and women, boys and girls in the pictures.

A wonderful bonus at the back provides 5-6 Scriptures that explain and amplify the ideas in each part of the book.

All in all, Wow! is a most appropriate title for this gem.

About These Reviews and Recommendations

My career as a children’s book editor, acquisitions editor, and editorial director greatly influences my response to books. I have high standards for text, illustration, book design, and the purpose of a book.

I understand too that parents, grandparents, and others who buy books want and need good value in the books you choose. Your book budget is not unlimited.

I’m not writing these reviews as hype or promotion for fellow author’s books. I do care about helping authors—after all, I am one. I understand the effort authors pour into every book and the hopes they have for each one. The books I recommend, however, I’m choosing because of the merit I see in the book, no other reason.

I want to point you to the best books more than I want to point out books I don’t like, so I won’t be writing negative reviews. If I can’t support a book, I just won’t write about it. At times, however, I may note details or features I would have changed in a book I otherwise recommend. This is to help you make your own decisions about what books are right for your family.

– Diane

2 Responses to “Book Review—Wow! The Good News in Four Words”

  1. Reply Amy Houts

    Fun to read your blog, Diane! This book looks good! Thanks for sharing your expertise. Looking forward to reading more of your book reviews.

  2. Reply Diane Stortz

    Thank you for the affirmation and encouragement, Amy! I’m looking forward to helping readers find more good Christian books for kids and families.

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