S9Ep19: Jesus is for Kids Series - Jesus and the Outsiders

This week host Tricia Goyer talks with go-host and author Mike Nawrocki as well as producer, singer, songwritter, Steve Taylor to catch up on The Dead Sea Squirrels and the newest book release, #13, CyperSquirrelsThe Dead Sea Squirrels discover artificial intelligence! Begin a new story arc in the hilarious action-packed adventure series by Veggie Tales’ Mike Nawrocki.Merle, Pearl, Michael, Justin, and Sadie thought their epic adventures in Israel were over. But after returning to Tennessee, they’re faced with an even bigger challenge―make-up homework! Desperate to escape the mountain of assignments, Michael and Justin strike a deal with their teacher and agree to create an educational presentation for the class about their time abroad. Sounds easy, right? But how can they keep Merle and Pearl a secret when they’re in every photo? With artificial intelligence!Merle discovers the wonders of AI and encourages the boys to use it to create an epic presentation featuring questionable images of the squirrels’ AI-generated doppelgangers, Uncle Merge and Aunt Purge. But will their teacher believe their elaborate story of car chases, illegal border crossings, and daring rescues? As things spiral out of control, the boys begin to wonder if the cost of lying is worth it.Book #13 in the popular Christian kids’ book series packed with adventure and family-friendly humorCute and funny illustrations that will appeal to even the most reluctant readersYoung readers will learn about the Bible story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den and remaining truthful in the midst of hardshipIncludes strong themes and life lessons about honesty and integrity------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week on The Bible for Kids Podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome author Connor Shram to discuss the newest release in the Jesus Is for Kids series, Jesus and the Outsiders.Who is Jesus, and why does His message still matter for kids today? Authors Connor Shram and Jared Neusch are passionate about helping children discover the real Jesus through engaging Bible stories that build faith, compassion, and trust in God from an early age. Their Jesus Is for Kids series introduces children to the heart of the Gospel through imaginative storytelling, humor, and biblical truth.In Jesus and the Outsiders (Tyndale Kids, May 2026), kids learn an important lesson about inclusion, kindness, and loving others the way Jesus did. This entertaining Christian picture book for families, churches, and children’s ministry explores what it feels like to be left out and shows how Jesus welcomed outsiders with grace and compassion.The book highlights three powerful Bible stories about belonging and acceptance:• The Samaritan woman at the well• Zacchaeus• The repentant thief on the crossThrough humorous storytelling and colorful illustrations, children discover that Jesus loves people from every background and calls us to show kindness, acceptance, and friendship to others. Parents, homeschool families, pastors, and children’s ministry leaders will find this a meaningful read-aloud that helps kids better understand the love of Christ and the importance of including others.Listen now to hear Connor Shram share the inspiration behind Jesus and the Outsiders, the mission of the Jesus Is for Kids series, and why helping children know Jesus personally can shape a lifelong faith.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week on the The Bible for Kids Podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer are joined by authors Troy Schmidt and Dan Lynch to discuss ALIVE, the thrilling final book in THE SEVEN series.In Book 7, Josh, Maria, and the rest of THE SEVEN travel through time for one final battle to stop Bales and protect biblical history, but they soon face something they never expected. Packed with action, faith, mystery, and adventure, ALIVE brings the epic Christian time-travel series to an unforgettable conclusion.THE SEVEN is a bestselling Christian middle grade adventure series that follows a group of kids who discover supernatural gifts connected to the fruits of the Spirit. Together, they battle forces attempting to alter key moments in Bible history. Along the way, readers explore real archaeology, biblical events, hidden clues, and secret codes that make every book an interactive adventure for young readers.If your family enjoys Christian books for kids, Bible-based adventures, time-travel stories, mystery series, or faith-filled middle reader fiction, this episode is a must-listen.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer talk with Butch Hartman about his animated carton, In The Garden.Butch Hartman is an award-winning animator, creator, and producer best known for creating some of Nickelodeon’s most successful animated series, including The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F. Puppy, and Bunsen Is a Beast. Over his 20-year tenure at Nickelodeon, Hartman helped shape the network’s golden era of animation, with The Fairly OddParents becoming its third-longest-running animated series, earning multiple Emmy and Annie Award nominations and two BMI Cable Awards.Following his time at Nickelodeon, Hartman expanded into digital media and family-focused entertainment, partnering with Pocket.watch to launch HobbyKids Adventures, which quickly reached millions of views and expanded into national retail. A prominent digital creator, Hartman has built a combined social following of millions across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where he continues to engage fans through animation, commentary, and creative education.Hartman is the author of MAD HUSTLE and Christian Creativity, and is the founder and CEO of Butch Hartman Studios, a production company dedicated to creating family-friendly content for global audiences. Current projects include The Garden Cartoon, The Big Blue Book, and The Marriage Show. He also illustrated the Garden Children’s Bible (HarperCollins).In addition to his creative work, Hartman co-founded The Lion & Lamb Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting faith-informed, family-friendly entertainment and educational resources that protect and uplift children and families. He is also a co-founder of Hartman House, a nonprofit supporting underprivileged children worldwide through education, housing, and humanitarian aid. For more information about Butch Hartman and Butch Hartman Studios, visit www.thebutchhartmanstudios.com. ------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer talk with author Champ Thornton about his new children’s book, It’s Good to Be a Boy.This fun, upbeat, and faith-filled picture book offers a joyful and encouraging vision of boyhood, helping kids understand and celebrate God’s good design. With engaging language and a memorable, action-oriented refrain, this is a read-aloud families will come back to again and again.“It’s so refreshing to find a book that reminds us that God has a good plan for creating us. We can relax and enjoy who we are and how we were made.”, Customer review of the companion title, It’s Good to Be a GirlIn this episode, you’ll discover:How God gives boys strength to serve othersExamples of men in the Bible who lived out their faith in different waysWhy God’s design for boys is something to celebrate with joyKids will love the energetic refrain: “High-five, praise God, and shout for joy, because it’s good to be a boy”Perfect for families, classrooms, and churches, It’s Good to Be a Boy helps children build a positive, faith-centered identity rooted in God’s design.Also check out the companion book, It’s Good to Be a Girl, celebrating God’s design for girls.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week hosts Tricia Goyer and Mike Nawrocki talk with author Dominique Okonkwo about her new picture book, God of Wonders.Set along the shore, God of Wonders invites children into a beach adventure filled with curiosity, creativity, and faith. From seashells and ocean waves to hermit crabs and sea creatures, every moment points to the beauty and design of God’s creation.Through engaging rhymes and vivid illustrations, Dominique shares how science and faith work together, helping young readers see the natural world as a reflection of God’s handiwork. As a young boy and his mother explore the beach, readers discover both the joy of outdoor play and the deeper meaning behind what they see.This read-aloud book for ages 3–8 highlights: • Biblical truth, including Psalm 19:1, pointing to God’s glory in creation • Early STEM learning through simple, engaging nature observations • Calm, imaginative storytelling perfect for bedtime or family reading • “Did You Know?” facts that connect faith and science in a kid-friendly wayIf you’re looking for a Christian children’s book that blends faith, science, and the wonder of the outdoors, this conversation and book are a great place to start.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week Mike and Tricia talk with co-authors Brock Eastman & Shawn Stevenson about Book one in their Parable Port series, The Sower's Secret.A hilarious action-adventure series for Christian kids set in a town where the parables of Jesus literally come to life.When Anthony and his mom move to the seaside town of Parable Port, they’re just hoping for a fresh start. Anthony soon finds out that there’s something unusual about this little town: it’s a place where Jesus’ parables come to life in surprising ways.The adventure begins when a flock of orange birds stalks Anthony and flowering vines grow everywhere, knocking people out cold with their pollen. In the good old days, the living parables would help the town to flourish. But now? Something or someone is messing with the Parable of the Sower and causing chaos.With the help of his new friends Duck, J.R., Grace, and Brooklyn, Anthony must uncover clues, decipher riddles, and stay one step ahead of the birds and vines to save the town—before it’s too late.This Christian book series for middle schoolers features:A map of Parable Port—Follow along as the kids run around town to solve the mysteryChapter opener illustrations—Comedic and engaging artwork brings the story to lifeSpiritual lessons—At the back of the book, expand your Bible knowledge with a kid-friendly devotional that explains the Parable of the SowerPenguincast podcast—Get the inside scoop from the characters themselves with a QR code for J.R.’s boots-on-the-ground interviews and analysisA fast-paced story line that makes it perfect for reluctant readersHilarious antics including an electric blue Cadillac escape car, a secret passage, and a silkie chicken chase will make you laugh out loudJoin this fun-loving friend crew for their very first faith-filled adventure in Parable Port! Perfect for boys and girls ages 8-12.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week on the podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome author Rob Currie to discuss his powerful new middle-grade historical novel, Time for Courage.Set during the final months of World War II in the Netherlands, Time for Courage tells the gripping story of ordinary families who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Nazis. When the German occupation intensifies and the Gestapo begins hunting Jewish youth, the only hope for survival comes from the brave men and women of the Dutch Resistance.In this sequel to Hunger Winter, thirteen-year-old Dirk and his family relocate to a farm near Utrecht, Netherlands, in January 1945. As the Nazis escalate their efforts to capture Jewish children and send them to concentration camps, Dirk’s family secretly joins the resistance effort. Using forged ration cards and hidden safe houses, they help rescue Jewish children and place them with families willing to risk their lives to protect them.Endorsed by award-winning authors and multiple Holocaust museums, Time for Courage combines authentic World War II history with fast-paced adventure and suspense. In this episode, Rob Currie shares the inspiration behind the story, the real historical events that shaped the novel, and why stories of courage, sacrifice, and hope remain so important for young readers today.If you enjoy historical fiction for kids, stories about the Dutch Resistance, or books that help children understand the realities of the Holocaust and World War II, you won’t want to miss this conversation.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer sit down with author Carl Laferton to talk about his brand-new book, Beginning with God: 92 Bible Devotions for Young Children.If you’ve got little ones at home, this is a resource you’re going to love. These devotions are designed to help young children discover our promise-keeping God in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.Each devotion is short, engaging, and easy to do, perfect for busy families, and just right for keeping young attention spans focused. More importantly, they’re helping lay the foundation for a lifelong love of God’s Word.As a family, you’ll spend intentional time together with Scripture through simple questions, guided prayers, and read-aloud moments from God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook.And it’s not just reading; there’s plenty of interaction built in. Every devotion includes optional activities, retelling prompts, and even a sticker that connects to the story you’ve just explored, which kids absolutely love.Here’s how each devotion is structured:You’ll start with a simple question to get your child thinking, followed by a short prayer. Then comes a read-aloud from God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook, along with a few easy review questions to reinforce what they’ve learned. You’ll wrap up with another prayer, a fun sticker moment, and an optional activity to bring it all to life.There’s so much here for kids to see, hear, talk about, and do, making Bible time something they genuinely look forward to.If you’re looking for a simple, meaningful way to connect with your preschooler or kindergartner and grow together in faith, Beginning with God is a fantastic place to start.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This week hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer talk with authors Brock Eastham and Shaun Stevenson about their new book, The Sower’s Secret.A hilarious action-adventure series for Christian kids set in a town where the parables of Jesus literally come to life.When Anthony and his mom move to the seaside town of Parable Port, they’re just hoping for a fresh start. Anthony soon finds out that there’s something unusual about this little town: it’s a place where Jesus’ parables come to life in surprising ways.The adventure begins when a flock of orange birds stalks Anthony and flowering vines grow everywhere, knocking people out cold with their pollen. In the good old days, the living parables would help the town to flourish. But now? Something or someone is messing with the Parable of the Sower and causing chaos.With the help of his new friends Duck, J.R., Grace, and Brooklyn, Anthony must uncover clues, decipher riddles, and stay one step ahead of the birds and vines to save the town—before it’s too late.This Christian book series for middle schoolers features:A map of Parable Port—Follow along as the kids run around town to solve the mysteryChapter opener illustrations—Comedic and engaging artwork brings the story to lifeSpiritual lessons—At the back of the book, expand your Bible knowledge with a kid-friendly devotional that explains the Parable of the SowerPenguincast podcast—Get the inside scoop from the characters themselves with a QR code for J.R.’s boots-on-the-ground interviews and analysisA fast-paced story line that makes it perfect for reluctant readersHilarious antics including an electric blue Cadillac escape car, a secret passage, and a silkie chicken chase will make you laugh out loudJoin this fun-loving friend crew for their very first faith-filled adventure in Parable Port! Perfect for boys and girls ages 8-12.------------------------------------------------------The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org