Ruth Chou Simon’s’ first foray into Children’s publishing is exceptional! Home is Right Where You Are is a scripturally inspired picture book based on Psalm 23 and Ruth’s experience as a mother of six boys. This aesthetically pleasing picture book will keep littles snuggled close listening as well as growing in their Biblical understanding of who God is, in relationship with them. Whether this book is bought for personal use or to gift, readers of all ages will not be disappointed!!

This book is absolutely beautiful. The words, the water color illustrations... from start to finish, it was stunning. The book is based on Pslam 23 with the core roots branching from your children leaving the "nest."

Beautiful work and story! Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Home Is Right Where You Are is truly one of the most beautifully illustrated and written children’s books that I’ve ever seen. Ruth Chou Simmons has a true gift and I can’t wait to gift this book to family and friends. They will be thrilled to receive such a beautiful, timeless book.

What a beautiful book! 4.5 stars rounded up. The illustrations are breathtaking and the words pull at the heartstrings for sure. As a new mom, this one was hard to get through without tears forming. It would make a wonderful baby shower or child dedication gift. The only critique I have is that the message of the last page is a little unclear. I think that the author is trying to convey that she and her child will always be connected by faith, but the lines between the child’s relationship with God and their relationship with mother become a bit blurred here. This wouldn’t keep me from displaying and reading it often, though!

Thank you so much to Ruth Chou Simons, Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC!

Absolutely stunning book (I expected nothing less from Ruth). This book will be definitely given to my Christian friends who have babies. It's a mother's love letter to her child (which I love Ruth depicts a boy. Like her sons) and her wish for her child to walk with the Lord.

It truly is a way to introduce Psalm 23 as well. Truths made simple and yet theologically sound.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 ⭐

Marvellous book. A marvellous message. A marvellous interpretation of God in everyday life.
I particularly liked the intensity of the illustrations and the relevance given to certain words throughout the messages.
This book is a tool for introducing God into the lives of the little ones, as well as a strength and security for them to take with them on their journey through life.

A gorgeously illustrated book told from the POV of a mother as she explains to her son that God is with him wherever he goes. This book would be great for a kid undergoing a life transition or struggling with separation. Highly recommend this book for your home library!

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I couldn't love this sweet book more. Ruth Chou Simons has given us another breathtakingly, beautiful book. This book, full of Ruth's incredible artwork, teaches children to truths found in Psalm 23. This lyrical book flows so well and is full of goodness and truth. Our family will read this book again and again! Even if you don't have children, read this sweet book to yourself. Highly recommend!

This beautifully illustrative cover caught my eye and then the sweet title cemented the deal. I had to read this children's book. I absolutely love the font and styling of the text. It makes it extremely easy for my eyes to read, while also being captivating. This is a Christian children's book and in so, it turns out the story is all about that. I was not expecting that and do not read Christian fiction. However, the illustrations, the prose and the text styling are very beautiful. For those interested in Christian fiction for children, this seems to be a very well done title.

This is heartfelt love letter and top notch artwork from a mother to her children who are "leaving the nest". And what better way to send them off than give them God's Word specially Psalms 23. At first I'm skeptical that the author would use that popular and most beloved psalm to what she is going through. I don't see the connection. However after I read the story, Simons gave this to her children, all grown up, as a gift and reminder that God will never leave them and He is the only one who can give assurance, just like a shepherd to a sheep. Simons pushes the reader (and her kids) to God. I've been disappointed with some children's books that I read by big Christian publishing company that has this vague spiritual stories. This book is a unique one among those who are in the big league.

Home Is Right Where You Are is a beautiful story inspired by Psalm 23 that a mother wrote for her six children. Throughout Psalm 23, we are reminded of the incomparable love of God. As our shepherd and dwelling place, the Psalm reminds us of God's goodness. Parenting begins the minute we hold our babies for the first time. It does not end the minute they leave for college or begin their first job. Our prayer is that God's Words spoken at home have taken hold and that the seeds we've sown will grow and flourish.

The artwork and words are absolutely beautiful. Here are a few pages from the book.

Oh my goodness, this is one of the cutest childrens book I have ever read. I taught preschool teacher for many years and I wish I had this book to read to my students. This would make the most darling book for a gift also. Loved it!!

This picture book features watercolor art and reassuring text that is inspired by Psalm 23. The author wrote this based on her own motherhood journey, and encourages other parents to speak these kinds of messages over their children. Because this book is a tearjerker about entrusting your child to God's care, this will appeal to parents more than children, but the message and illustrations can appeal to all ages.

This would make a lovely gift book for a special occasion, and it can be especially meaningful in cases where life circumstances require parents and children to spend a long time apart from each other. The book encourages children to find peace in God, and to know that God will lead them and provide for them through all of life's highs and lows.

This beautifully written picture book is delightful. Carefully taking the words of Psalm 23 to assure and teach young ones (or old ones) of God's faithfulness. The watercolor-like paintings are my favorite part though evoking a sense of imagination throughout. Wonderfully done!

I didn’t expect less from Ruth! This book is so beautiful and simple for every child and adult to wonder and understand the truth of God!
A great book to gift your children and grandchildren so they will never forget the love of God that is always there for them!

“Home Is Right Where You Are” is a lovely book filled with truth from Psalm 23 for God’s children, young and old. The art is sweet, beautiful, and peaceful, matching the message of God’s love and care that is conveyed through the text of this book. Ruth Chou Simons has used this book to help convey the vast and unfailing love of The Shepherd to children and adults in a way that is easy to understand and visually memorable. This book would be a wonderful gift for a child or a family. I do wish that the book was a little longer in content so it felt less hurried and could convey the truths even more clearly to the readers. A picture book like this is such a good opportunity to convey truth to the next generation, and for the cost of the book, I feel the author (and publisher) should take advantage of the chance to share God even more clearly.

I requested a complimentary copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

what a masterpiece!
I love the use of Psalm 23 and all the beautiful affirmations this book offers our little ones.
Even if you are not religious it's still worth reading. I also really liked the beautiful illustrations.

Gentle and reassuring for young readers.

"Home is Right Where You Are: Inspired by Psalm 23" by Ruth Chou Simons is filled with beautiful illustrations, and completed by lyrical text. It brings to life the message of Psalm 23 for young readers. I really enjoyed reading this book with my 6 year old son, and thought it delivered the Psalm's message of comfort and guidance well. The simple, poetic text is thoughtfully tailored for children, helping them to understand and connect with the timeless message of peace and protection. I would definitely purchase this book to have at home to read to them before bed, particularly on nights when they need some extra reassurance. I think it would also be a fantastic addition to the classroom of lower grades (specifically Kindergarten and Year 1) to both introduce children to a classic scripture, and also foster a sense of security within themselves.

Thank you NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for sending us this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful reminder, especially for me, in many situations in my life, I always come near to God, as my home is near to God's presence. I hope that my family can feel home too, in the presence of God.

I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley for review purposes.
What a beautifully illustrated, encouraging read. I will be purchasing this for home when it is released so I can share it with my sons. 🤍