Arlo has made a bad choice. His guilt causes him to go to drastic measures to cover up his poor judgment. What will happen when his mom notices?
This children’s book paints a relevant picture of repentance and forgiveness for little hearts. Arlo’s mom points him to Gospel truth in a valuable reminder for kiddos and parents alike. The artwork is beautiful, and the story is written in a way to continue conversations as parents disciple their children.

First sentence: It happened during quiet rest time. Arlo noticed a scratch on the wall, just over his bed. The scratch looked like a mouth.

Premise/plot: Arlo, the star of this Christian picture book, is tempted during rest time to do something naughty--really naughty: draw on the wall with MARKERS. He isn't just tempted; he gives into temptation--all the way. But once he sees what he's done--its permanence, its obviousness, well, Arlo feels DREAD and regret. What will his mom say? Is it really there forever and ever? Will it be a forever reminder of his disobedience? What sounded like a great, fun, super idea...has turned into something awful.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I was a bit hesitant at first. Would this picture book be well written? Would it be preachy from cover to cover? Would the characters be relatable? Would it be super cheeseful? But I was well pleased. I thought Arlo and his situation were definitely relatable. As were his feelings. It didn't really turn preachy until the last page--and it was a good kind of preachy. (If that makes sense.)

Overall, I definitely liked it and would recommend it.

I received a copy of this sweet book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a Christian picture book about a boy who disobeys his mother and is faced with consequences. Arlo accepts responsibility for his actions and is forgiven.

While I loved the illustrations, I felt like the parable was a little heavy-handed for my liking. However, finding lovely, diverse books to recommend to the Christian families I serve is a challenge, so this is one I will absolutely suggest!

This was our first story by Betsy Child's and all of the kids loved it!! I have kiddos ranging from 11 to 4 and they were all engaged in the story. We loved the illustrations and the way the story flowed! The best part for this mama was the teaching inside this story. We were able to have some awesome, meaningful conversations on why we don't hide things and how one little lie will snowball into something bigger. We were also able to discuss how God sees everything no matter if we try to hide it or not. Definitely a lot of conversations ensued from this little book and we highly recommend it especially if you are of Christian background and want to use this as a teaching tool in your home.
My kids give this a thumbs up and we will definitely be checking out more of her books!

FTC Disclosure: I received this copy from Netgalley. All views and opinions are my own.

Such a cute story with very nice illustrations. Arlo doesn't follow his mothers directions during nap time. He gets out of bed when he's not supposed to and writes on the wall. He knew his mother would be upset about it and tries to cover up what he did. His mother finds out and Arlo learns that even though we are ashamed and unhappy about some of the mistakes we have made, we can't hide from them. Arlo's mom couldn't have helped him unless he told the truth, even though he would still be punished.

I can see why this might work for some families and that is great. It’s a Christian book and when Arlo makes a mistake the conversation is about guilt and sinning. I happened to be the wrong match for this one. The mom is illustrated super cute to me though!

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up is a Christian=based picture book about lying and the importance of telling the truth. Arlo has made a big mistake and he has colored on his bedroom wall. Instead of telling his mom, Arlo tries to hide his drawing. Arlo's mom quickly finds his mistake and takes the time to teach him about the importance of telling the truth. She also reminds him that God knows everything, and he sent his Son, Jesus, to help us when we sin. Just like Arlo needed his mom to help him out of the mistake that he made.

This book uses religion to teach a lesson about telling the truth. I wasn't aware there was scripture in it, which was an unpleasant surprise.

If you use Christianity to teach your children, then this book is for you. It talks about sin and how one cannot hide his or her sins from god, so confession and repentance helps clear the conscience and make things right.
If you're not religious or follow a religion other than Christianity, I recommend passing on this one.

The illustrations are great, and before religion pops in, it's cute and silly. This book is not for me or my kids. I probably should have read through it before reading it to them. My mistake.

I loved the illustrations from this book. There is an Arlo in all of us; desperately trying to cover up our mistakes but
there is great relief and hope when our sins are brought into the light AND we discover that we are still so very, very loved.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Christian parents along with their children will gleam valuable insight on forgiveness and mercy. As a parent, you want your children to be open and honest with you when they sin. It is an opportunity to show the heart of God when we offer our children mercy and teach them with discipline. Arlo's story does that as he disobeys his mother and then tries to hide it. You can feel the tension as Arlo does everything to cover it up. It is only when he confesses, his mom shows him mercy while teaching Arlo what is right. I highly recommend this reading for both parents and their children.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This is a sweet book about a boy who makes a mistake and feels the guilt and anxiety of trying to cover it up. When he confesses his mistake to his mother, they are able to work together and make things right.
I read this book to my son and we enjoyed it because of how relatable it is to our life.
I believe that it is ok to make mistakes as long as you are honest about it and that is exactly what this book reflects.
I would recommend to anyone with small children.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the ARC

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this storybook about a boy who does something he isn't supposed to do and then tries to cover it up. Clever and relevant to many children. Perfect for parents trying to teach their kids to do the right thing.