Book Summary

Do you ever talk before you think? Mess up? Let others down?

That’s what Peter did, again and again and again, and it led him to abandoning his best friend, Jesus.

Peter loved Jesus. He felt terrible when he pretended not to know him. He thought all was lost when Jesus died.

But after Jesus rose from the dead, he went and found Peter and forgave him. He explained that his death took the punishment for all of Peter’s mistakes and that his resurrection showed that the penalty was lifted.

Peter spent the rest of his life telling people that if they put their trust in Jesus, they could be forgiven too—again and again and again.

Children know all about failing, but they don’t always experience true forgiveness. This book points them to Jesus, the friend who will forgive them again and again and again.

ENDORSEMENTS

Sam Allberry
Author and speaker
We don’t need to look like Peter or sound like Peter to find ourselves acting like Peter — saying foolish things to and about Jesus Christ. So it’s great to be reminded how Jesus is always a far better friend to us than we are to him.

Jimmy Scroggins
Lead Pastor, Family Church
This book is beautifully illustrated, theologically strong, and, most importantly, kids will love it! As a dad, I want this book because it will help me instill the importance of forgiveness in my kids from a young age.

Jane Watkins
Head of Children's Work, Above Bar Church, Southampton
A stunning book that tells the story of bumbling, enthusiastic Peter and his friendship with Jesus, through the good and bad times. It's illustrated with the most beautiful, detailed, and characterful pictures. Another favorite to add to the collection.

J.A. Medders
Author and pastor
Don’t underestimate this children’s book. Sure, it’s written for little ones, but its message is gigantic. Dan reminds us of the glorious and mega-ton truth that children and adults need to hear: Jesus offers forgiveness to sinners! My kids love this book—and I do too. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Dr. Melissa Tucker
Associate Professor of Education, Chair, Teacher Education Program at Boyce College
Dan presents a biblical picture of forgiveness that is big enough for the adults reading it as well as accessible for the children to whom they will read it. This is a great resource to teach children about the forgiveness and friendship they can find in Jesus.

Bryan "Braille" Winchester
Recording artist known as Braille and member of the group Beautiful Eulogy
Nothing stirs our love for God more than our knowledge and experience of his love for us. And God has shown us his love in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. “The Friend Who Forgives” is a reminder that Jesus is ready to forgive us when we fail. As a parent and a pastor this is a message I constantly want to keep before my children and the congregation I serve. Jesus is a friend of sinners. Even when we fail, his love doesn’t. In a book with bright and fun illustrations, the story of Peter and the forgiveness he received from Jesus is told in a clever and memorable way.

Barbara Reaoch
Director, Children's Division, Bible Study Fellowship
I love this book and am sure children of all ages will too! Dan DeWitt makes big truths about Jesus clear and compelling.

Karen Swallow Prior
Author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books and Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me
My lifelong love of reading began with books like this one. The best children’s books captivate young readers with playful words, bright colors, and lasting lessons. This book has all these qualities but, centered on an essential biblical truth, even more.

Dr. Crystal K. Gray
Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Clear Sight Music
The Friend Who Forgives is a wonderfully illustrated book that teaches children the value of forgiveness in the context of friendship. Children can readily relate to Peter’s feelings of sadness, fear, and uncertainty of not being forgiven. This book takes you on an uplifting journey with someone who made wrong decisions, but found forgiveness at every corner. Children will be inspired to follow in both Peter and Jesus’ footsteps by asking for forgiveness, and, giving it to others.