Every book needs to be categorized so stores and libraries know where to place them. People need to know if it is an appropriate read for them. This book is considered a Juvenile Christian Fiction with Animals, a Christian Inspirational Read and a Christian Education for Children. It is a good read aloud for the very young. An independent reading level would be for children 8 years and older.

However; anytime God’s Word is present in a book the Holy Spirit is able to touch the hearts of anyone. When these words were written I imagined my audience to be people tender in age and people tender in faith. I prayed that any reader would know the love of Jesus after reading the book. Here are some experiences people have shared with me after they read the book, note the diverse audience:

*A preschooler was gifted a picture of Jesus from the book. The giver instructed, “Place this by your bed. Jesus will be the last thing you see when you close your eyes to sleep and the first thing you see in the morning.” With peaceful smile the child said, “Now I won’t have to be afraid when I sleep at night.”

*A middle school Bible instructor reads the book to her students. They then discuss ways to use the stories for witnessing to neighbors. I imagine this scenario: When asked, “Why do you go to church with all those rules?” You can answer, “You mean the Ten Commandments? The Good Rules of Love? When you are with people that follow these loving rules you experience love and safety. When you break the rules there is forgiveness for the wrong you have done and you are still loved.”

*At a Women’s Ministry Conference, I met a young mother who was new to the faith. She wanted to buy several books, one for her children, one for her neighbor and one to gift her church as a thank you for telling her about Jesus. She did not have enough money for three books. She went back to her room to find more money. While gone, some newfound-friends from the conference said they wanted to do something to encourage her and her tender faith. They gave me the balance she was short with instructions they remain anonymous. When the young mom came back, she was sad because she only had money for one book. She then saw the gift of money. With tears in her eyes, she gladly paid for the books with the words, “I feel so loved since I have known Jesus.”

*A retired gentleman, who was widowed, shared with me how much he loves the illustrations of the book. With tears in his eyes he said, “When I pray at night the tender pictures of Jesus go through my mind and keep me focused on God’s love for me.”

*My friend took the book to read to a relative in a mental care unit. This loved one’s eyes lit up when she saw the pictures. My friend began to read the book to her. After a page or two, she took the book from my friend and began reading it on her own. It brought her such peace.

*A neighbor was in the last days of hospice. I barely knew her but her friend was willing to take her a copy of book one. The pictures and words were such comfort to her. Every time her friend left her, she asked for the book to be placed within reach. It was time for another hug from Jesus.