Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World, Tara Hackney. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514010495) 2025.

Summary: A board book with a fresh version of this song and images representing all the children of the world.

Many of us grew up singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School. But in more recent years, some have struggled with the racially stereotypic language of the third line of the song. Yet the idea of Jesus love for all children (and we were all once children) is a wonderful truth, especially in our divisive times.

IVP Kids is publishing a wonderful new board book written by Tara Hackney, who founded Jesus Loves You Ministries. And one of the first things I liked about this book are the fresh lyrics to this familiar children’s song. There are three verses of them! Here is the first. And notice the new third line:

Jesus loves the little children,
all the children of the world.
Every color, every shade,
just exactly as he made,
Jesus loves the little children of the world!

As is evident on the cover image, the photography in this book represents children from around the world in all sorts of settings–different seasons, activities, and dress. In addition, I particularly appreciated the representation of children with disabilities. The images include a child who appears to be undergoing cancer treatments, a child in a wheelchair, and a child with Down Syndrome.

Another plus of this book is that it is child safe. Not only are the page edges rounded but the publisher indicates that the gloss coating is non-toxic. Young children not only like to read books. They have to taste them as well!

In conclusion, this book is an absolute joy to look at, read, and even sing to your children. Not only does it speak of Jesus’s love for all children. It shows it. I can’t think of any better for a child’s first book!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.