Picture book retells the Biblical story of the woman at the well

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Learning Bible stories from a young age helps children build their faith, provides a foundation for their worldviews, and shows them why those stories are still relevant today. But sharing some of these stories can be difficult when a story includes concepts that can be difficult for children to understand or covers topics they aren’t yet ready for.

One such story, found in John 4:3–43, demonstrates Jesus’s unfailing love and acceptance of His children, a message that is important for believers of all ages to hear.

A new picture book, The Wonder at the Well by Vicky Wedel (Redemption Press), tells the story of the woman at the well in a child-friendly and appropriate way. A woman who has been looked down upon by her fellow Samaritans takes a trip she has made many times before to retrieve water from the well. But when she arrives, she is surprised to find someone else there.

She is even more surprised when this man speaks to her, something other men do not do. The greatest surprise of all comes when He tells her that He is the Messiah! In her excitement to share this news, she leaves her water jar behind, setting an example for how overjoyed we, too, should be when it comes to sharing Jesus with others.   

The provided letter to the readers includes background information that explains the Samaritans’ culture, why the woman was treated this way, and her reactions when she first met Jesus. This explanation highlights just why she was so shocked by Jesus’s unconditional love for her.

The author hopes that readers come away with a strong desire to share about Jesus. She says, “The townspeople’s response to her news of meeting the Messiah … humbled me … I [felt] driven to write her experience in story form for children in hopes others would meet Him as she did and … be compelled to tell others.”

With richly detailed illustrations that will delight readers and a biblically accurate storyline that shares a beautiful message, this book is one that can be treasured for years to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vicky J. Wedel is a follower of Christ, a wife, mother, and friend. She loves children and taught kindergarteners at church for twenty-three years. She also loves writing devotions, poems, and children’s books to share what God has taught her. Her hope is to share His message of love, grace, mercy, and relentlessness so they can work all together, even in the messiness of our lives, for the ultimate good of those who embrace Jesus as our Creator, Sustainer, sovereign Savior, and Lord. She wants readers to know that the Lord alone has the power to change hearts and lives, growing in them a desperate dependence and devotion.

For interviews, contact vicky@findingrestinthemess.com

Facebook: Vicky J Wedel

Instagram: Vicky J Wedel (@vickyjwedel) • Instagram photos and videos

Suggested Interview Questions

1. What drew you to retelling this story in particular?
2. How do you think children might see this story differently than adults do?
3. Why do you think this story is still so relevant today?
4. Did you need to conduct any research before writing this book?
5. Did you encounter any difficulties when it came to adapting the story for a child audience?
6. How did you use illustrations to help children understand some of the concepts in this story?
7. Your picture books always have a thoughtful letter in the back for adults. What inspired you to start adding these letters to each of your books?
8. What do you most hope younger readers learn from this story?