Esther and the Very Brave Plan - Hardback

A Story of Courage, a Queen, and a God Who Never Fails

Every child loves a good story. And the story of Esther — a young woman who found herself in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, and who chose courage over comfort to save her people — is one of the very best.

Esther and the Very Brave Plan brings this classic Bible story to life for the very youngest readers, with a faithful retelling perfectly shaped for little hearts and minds, and vibrant illustrations that leap off every page.

About This Book

Written for children aged 2–4, Esther and the Very Brave Plan is a beautiful hardback picture book that retells the biblical story of Esther in a way that is both true to Scripture and completely accessible for toddlers and preschoolers. Even the youngest child will follow the story — and leave it knowing that God’s plans to rescue his people never, ever fail.

Tim Thornborough’s child-friendly retelling keeps God at the centre of the story throughout, showing how he was quietly, faithfully at work in every twist and turn — through a brave queen, a wise cousin, and an evil plan that could not stand against God’s purposes. Jennifer Davison’s bright, vivid illustrations bring warmth and energy to every page, with expressive characters and rich colours that capture and hold a young child’s attention from first page to last.

This is a book to be read aloud, read again, and read again after that.

What Makes This Book Special

Faithful to the Bible — The story stays true to Scripture while making it beautifully simple for the youngest children. Parents can read with full confidence that what their child is hearing is what the Bible actually teaches.

God-centred from beginning to end — Rather than presenting Esther simply as a brave role model, this book shows children that God was the one with the plan all along — and that his rescue plans never fail. That is the truth little ones will carry with them.

Gloriously illustrated — Jennifer Davison’s illustrations are bold, bright, and full of life. Reviewers have noted with appreciation that the Biblical characters are drawn with culturally appropriate skin tones, helping children connect with the story as the real, historical account that it is.

Interactive storytelling — Like others in the Very Best Bible Stories series, this book uses engaging storytelling techniques that invite young children into the story rather than simply narrating past them.

Hardback and durable — Built to survive the enthusiastic handling of toddlers and preschoolers. A gift-quality book designed to last.

What Children Will Learn

• That God had a plan to protect his people — and nothing could stop it
• That being brave means doing the right thing even when it is scary
• That God is always working, even when we cannot see it
• That God’s people are precious to him, and he will not abandon them
• The story of Queen Esther told faithfully, simply, and memorably

Who This Book Is For

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–4) who want to introduce their children to the Bible’s great stories with a book that is both theologically faithful and genuinely enjoyable to read aloud.

Grandparents looking for a meaningful, beautiful gift for young grandchildren that will plant gospel seeds from the very earliest years.

Sunday school and crèche teachers wanting a high-quality picture book to use in preschool or nursery Bible sessions — the bold illustrations are clearly visible even from a distance when held up in a group setting.

Christian schools and playgroups building a library of biblically faithful children’s resources for the youngest age groups.

Anyone looking for a baptism, dedication, or birthday gift for a young child in a Christian family — this hardback makes a lasting, meaningful present.

About the Author and Illustrator

Tim Thornborough is the founder and Publishing Director of The Good Book Company, where he has spent decades creating books and resources that express the core truths of the Christian faith clearly, carefully, and accessibly. He is the series editor of the Explore Bible-reading notes and the author of the Very Best Bible Stories series. Tim is married to Kathy and has three adult daughters.

Jennifer Davison is a freelance illustrator based in Northern Ireland, working from her studio surrounded by children’s books, toys, and numerous cups of tea. As a child she was always drawing, imagining, and creating. She began her career as a digital artist in an animation studio in Belfast, working on children’s TV, and has been telling stories through pictures ever since. Her illustrations for the Very Best Bible Stories series have been widely praised for their warmth, colour, and cultural attentiveness.

Series Information — Very Best Bible Stories

Esther and the Very Brave Plan is part of the Very Best Bible Stories series by The Good Book Company — a collection of faithful, fun hardback picture books introducing preschool and nursery-aged children (ages 2–4) to classic Bible stories.

Each book in the series features Jennifer Davison’s bright, vivid illustrations and interactive storytelling techniques — including opposites, counting, and other engagement tools — that help the very youngest children enter into the story and remember its truth.

Other titles in the series include stories from across the Old and New Testaments. Look for the full Very Best Bible Stories collection at forthetruth.in.