Author: Melissa B. Kruger

Illustrator: Samara Hardy

Introduces Children to the Dangers of Envy and the Joy of Contentment

One Saturday morning, Lucy and her brother, Lewis, each get to choose one piece of candy from the store. But Lucy's delight quickly disappears when she unwraps her chocolate and discovers it melted! Envying her brother’s long-lasting lollipop, Lucy spirals into a pattern of discontent: see, covet, take, and hide. Her envious actions make her feel miserable, but her dad helps her find the path to freedom and grace.

Everyone struggles with wanting what others have. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise helps children understand the dangers of letting desire fester into envy. Through colorful illustrations and engaging characters, Lucy’s story shows kids how to fight against envy and reminds us all that Jesus offers freedom from both the penalty and power of sin.

• Written for Kids Ages 3–7: Accessible story accompanied by colorful illustrations to keep kids engaged 
• Teaches Kids an Important Life Lesson: Through an engaging story, kids will learn the dangers of envy and the joy of contentment 
• Practical Approach for Parents and Guardians: A “Note to Grownups” provides advice for furthering the conversation on the topic of envy 
• TGC Kids Series: Teaches kids biblical truths while engaging their hearts and imaginations

About the author:

Melissa Kruger (BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) serves as vice president of discipleship programming for the Gospel Coalition (TGC). She’s the author of multiple books, including The Envy of Eve; Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood; Growing Together; and Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know. Her husband, Mike, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and they have three children.

About the illustrator:

Samara Hardy is a freelance illustrator and designer who creates artwork for greeting cards, stationery, housewares, children's books, and more. She has worked with clients across the globe, such as Hallmark, Trader Joe's, Oxford University Press, and American Greetings.

Endorsements:

“With beautiful writing and robust theology, Melissa Kruger offers parents a resource that will help them explain to their children the struggles of temptation and desire. This book helps children see, in language they can understand, how resisting sin is possible only through the work of Christ and the power of the Spirit. You’ll want this book in your home, in your children’s ministry, and in your school.”  ~Daniel Darling, Director, The Land Center for Cultural Engagement; author, A Way with Words; Agents of Grace; and The Dignity Revolution

“We’ve all been in Lucy’s shoes: seeing something that someone has and wanting it too. Melissa Kruger helps us put words to that temptation so we can help our children grow and change. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise is a wonderful story and provides a lesson that will help kids for the rest of their lives.”  ~Trillia Newbell, author, Jesus and the Gift of Friendship; The Big Wide Welcome; and God’s Very Good Idea