Name: Arlo Takes Off
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

TGC Picture Book Helps Kids Embrace the Way God Made Them

When Arlo’s favorite TV show tells him he can be anything he wants to be, he decides he wants to be like a bird and fly! When both he and his high hopes hit the ground, Arlo learns a painful lesson. His parents help him understand that, no matter what others may tell us, we can only be who God made us to be. In a world that promises endless possibilities, it’s easy for little ones to feel discouraged when things don’t go as they imagined. But by learning how God uniquely created each of us—with our bodies, abilities, and limitations—we discover a more joyful way to live.

Written for children ages 3–7, this engaging picture book helps kids resist the message of expressive individualism that their feelings define who they are. At the end of the book, a special section for parents provides advice for helping kids navigate disappointments and embrace the joy of God’s perfect plan.

Written for Kids Ages 3–7: Accessible story accompanied by colorful illustrations to keep kids engaged
Teaches Kids an Important Life Lesson: Without directly addressing gender, this story addresses bodily limitations and teaches kids that stepping outside of God’s design only leads to harm
Practical Approach for Parents and Guardians: A “Note to Grownups” provides advice for helping kids embrace who God made them to be, handle disappointment, and live within the boundaries of his design
TGC Kids Series: Teaches kids biblical truths while engaging their hearts and imaginations

Title

Arlo Takes Off
Author(s)

Betsy Childs Howard and Samara Hardy
Series

TGC Kids Illustrated Storybooks
ISBN

9798874906863
Format

Hardback
Publisher

Crossway
Age Range

4-7s
Topic

Growing Up
Audience

Children
Pages

40
Published

05/05/2026

Betsy Childs Howard

Betsy Childs Howard (MA, Beeson Divinity School) is an editor for the Gospel Coalition. She is the author of Seasons of Waiting and served as an editor for The New City Catechism. Betsy lives with her husband, Bernard, in Manhattan, where they planted Good Shepherd Anglican Church in 2017.

See other titles by this author

Samara Hardy

See other titles by this author

Overall rating

5.0 based on 1 review

Embracing God's good design

Whether it’s trying to be a different gender or believing a lie because it feels good, this book teaches children that we can only be who God has made us to be. In today’s world, no matter how much we try to protect them while they’re young, children will encounter messages that question the way God made them—even suggesting it’s a mistake. This sweet story shows that rejecting the body God has given us can lead to harm and consequences. When we embrace the way God made us and live within the limits He has given, we flourish. It also introduces children to the idea that, as humans, we do have limits and sometimes face disappointment. The illustrations are bright, and the story is engaging. Most importantly, it’s a thoughtful way to teach children a biblical perspective on identity. *I received a copy from the publisher for my honest review.