Title: When I Go to Church I Belong
Author: Elrena Evans
Illustrator: Rebecca Evans
Publisher: IVP Kids
Publication Date: 2023
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32 pages
Approximate Dimensions: 23.8 cm × 23.8 cm × 1.3 cm
Recommended Age Range: 4–8 years
ISBN: 9781514006672
Does everyone feel welcome when they walk through the church doors?
When I Go to Church, I Belong invites young readers, especially children with special needs, into a picture of church as a place of belonging. Through the experiences of six children with varying abilities, Elrena Evans shares a vision of a faith community where differences are honoured and everyone feels loved. With gentle storytelling and Rebecca Evans’s warm, inclusive illustrations, this book reminds us all that we all share a place in God’s family and a seat at His table.
When I Go to Church I Belong
Highlights & Benefits
Evocative Illustrations: Rebecca Evans’s art captures the beauty of a diverse church community with warmth, color, and heartfelt detail.
Backed by Real Insight: Written by a mother of children with special needs, grounding the story in personal empathy and authenticity.
Conversation Starter: Includes a note from the author and is praised by church leaders—ideal for initiating discussions on belonging, accessibility, and the Gospel in church settings.
Recognised Quality: A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, and awarded the Illumination Award Gold Medal.
Perfect for Families & Ministries: Thoughtful, engaging storytelling makes this an excellent resource for homes, church libraries, Sunday school, and outreach efforts