Arlo and the Great Big Cover-up by Betsy Childs Howard

During his quiet time, Arlo draws a face on his bedroom wall. After thinking about it, he tries to wipe it off, but it won’t come. He feels afraid and decides he needs to cover-up the face. He piles enough toys on his bed to finally cover the face. When he hears his mom coming in, he hides under his bed.

After admitting to his mom what he has done, he loses his screen time for today and tomorrow. Then he asks his mom if the face will always be on his wall. His mom happily says she can get her sponge and clean it off the wall. She tells him that she sometimes wants to hide her sin from God too but she always feels terrible when she does. When we confess our sins, God is waiting to help us. That’s why he sent Jesus.

This beautifully illustrated book is filled with real-life situations and the truth of Jesus. Arlo’s situation is so relatable for kids as are his choices. It teaches children that when we hang on to sin we feel terrible but God is just waiting for us to come to Him, to stop trying to cover it up. This is also a good reminder for parents to not shame their children when confessing and moving away from their sin, but to rejoice when they do so. That was a bit convicting for me. This is a wonderfully truth-filled book that I highly recommend for your family!

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1. Even though Arlo knew it was wrong, why do you think he decided to draw a face on the wall?
2. Have you ever done something that you knew was wrong but did it anyway?
3. How did you feel after you did it?
4. If Arlo’s mom loves him, why did she give him a punishment?
5. What does God want us to do after we sin?