Inspire determination, bravery and persistence in kids through this inspiring biography of Scottish Reformer John Knox.
Part of the Do Great Things For God series.
A true tale of adventure, the story of John Knox inspires kids to have courage because of Christ.
Kids will follow John Knox’s exciting life through the twists and turns of persecution, enslavement, exile, and a crucial role in the Reformation.
Vivid illustrations bring the cannons, castles, and other features of John Knox’s story to life. Renowned theologian Sinclair Ferguson’s engaging storytelling conveys a clear call to trust in Jesus.
This book is part of the Do Great Things for God series, designed to show kids how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Download free extras such as worksheets to help children interact with the true story and think of ways in which they can also follow God and encourage his people today.
This series can be read to young children or enjoyed independently by early readers. The free extras make these stories useful for homeschool, Sunday school, missions events, and more.
John Knox: Illustrated biography
Questions, Timeline, and Map
| Age range: | 4+ |
|---|---|
| Contributors | Sinclair B. Ferguson, Cecilia Messina |
| ISBN | 9781802543186 |
| Format | Hardback |
| First published | September 2025 |
| Dimensions | 7.7" x 9.4" x 0.3" |
| Weight | 9.21 oz |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 32 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
I will definitely be reading this book to my children about an influential Scottish minister called Knox by an influential Scottish minister called Ferguson. A great read on one of the heroes of our Reformed faith!
This is not just a great little introduction to a hero of the faith. It is a wonderful encouragement for children, showing that the Lord really is sufficient for every situation, that he is faithful, and that he does, in truth, use all things for the good of those who love him.
For years, I lived in Edinburgh, just steps from the historic John Knox House and St. Giles’ Cathedral. Yet, there was so much about his life I never knew. Sinclair Ferguson’s new children’s book on John Knox reveals fascinating details about his early years, offering an engaging glimpse into the man behind the Scottish Reformation. Perfect for young readers, the Do Great Things for God series is an excellent introduction to church history while providing faithful encouragement for both children and adults.
I love how this series introduces our kids to strong people in the faith. With colorful illustrations, I think it helps these stories come to life for our kids!
I'm so thankful for a book like this one!
The Timeline is also a favorite of mine - a reminder that the life was real and well lived!
This is a great introduction to John Knox. It hits the main points of his life, emphasizing what he did for the formation of the Protestant church in Scotland. The language is clear and the illustrations are beautifully done. But what I liked most about this book is the reflection questions, timeline, and map included at the end. There is also a QR code so that parents can get free resources. All of these things can help facilitate deeper engagement and further discussions, making this book a great resource for families to learn about church history.
There are many important figures in our history that have made huge impacts, and many not as well known. I’m always excited to learn of more, especially those I regrettably hadn’t heard of, and am thrilled to share this book with you.
With an easy to follow story, it gives you a brief overview of John Knox’s life. Really, it’s a great learning tool for both kids and adults. It’s a great way to teach kids about important historical figures.
And the pictures, so cute. They add so much to the story, and help bring the story to life. Absolutely a great addition.
What pleasantly surprised me? A map of all of his travels, and a timeline. Both are easy to follow, and are great teaching tools! Such amazing and exciting additions!
So, this is my first book of this series, but now I need to go back and try to collect them all. They’re going to be perfect to help teach my kids about history and important historical names!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from The Good Book Company. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
“The Queen of Scotland didn’t like John’s preaching about Jesus - but John didn’t let that stop him. He loved Jesus, cared for the poor, and helped churches get ministers and lots of schools get teachers!”
My girls and I love this whole series. These inspiring biographies have introduced my children to so many stories of faithful women and I was so excited to see that there have now been two men added to the series (C. S. Lewis and John Knox). Our kids truly need to hear stories of bold and faithful Christians who stood for truth and loved others like Christ. John Knox has an amazing story and helped to spread the gospel during a time of persecution for Christians. This book includes a timeline of John’s life and discussion questions. There are also free resources available on the good book company’s website that you can print out and use with your children (great for family devotionals or for homeschool families).
What the book touches on:
đź“– John putting his trust in Jesus
đź“– His friend being martyred
📖 John’s preaching
đź“– Forced to row a French warship as a prisoner
đź“– Escape to Germany and then Switzerland
đź“– Helping to produce the Geneva Bible
đź“– Returning to Scotland and writing the Scots Confession
“For years he was in danger and had to live far from home. Now, he is enjoying being with Jesus for ever. And we can be with Jesus for ever too, if we trust him as our Savior and Lord.”
Definitely recommend adding this book to your home or church library! 🙌🏻
I’ve loved the Do Great Things for God series for years, and I was thrilled to see that they’ve started to include men’s stories too.
This book introduces children to John Knox in an accessible overview of his life, highlighting his courage, bold faith, and deep conviction. It shows how God can use even one faithful life to spark lasting change.
Like all the titles in this series, the writing is engaging for children and the story points clearly to God’s work through ordinary people. This biography of John Knox is an inspiring reminder for kids (and adults!) that God calls us to live courageously and trust Him with the results. Another excellent addition to a series we treasure!
*I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I have been so grateful for the “Do Great Things for God” series published by The Good Book Company as I introduce my kids to heroes of the faith.
The latest book in the series (just released!) is about John Knox - he played such a significant role in the reformation of Scotland, and this book brings him to life with his love for the Lord and God’s Word.
I love how this book touches on his role in the translation of The Geneva Bible. I recently read an article about The Geneva Bible and it pointed out that “The Geneva Bible was the Bible of Shakespeare; it was the Bible of the Puritans; it was the Bible carried on their ships by the Jamestown settlers and the Plymouth Pilgrims.” (Roger Nicole on the Ligonier Ministry website) Isn’t that amazing??
Grateful for this hero of the faith and now my kids know him too.
The books from this series are favorites in our house! We love the way they introduce kids to the great men and women of our faith’s history. From a very little age, they get the chance to hear of the myriad of ways Christians have served God in the past - most of them ordinary people, but because they chose to trust God and follow Him God used them in extraordinary ways. After the story is finished, kids have a chance to look over the individual’s timeline, see a map of where they’re from, and read their favorite verse. We especially appreciate the option for free worksheet downloads to extend the learning and help the kids make the stories applicable to their own walk with God.
The two newest releases from @thegoodbookcompanyusa share the stories of John Knox, a pastor from long ago, and C.S. Lewis, a beloved author & theologian. I so appreciate them sending me complimentary copies to share with all of you!
I had heard the name John Knox, but I did not know much about him until I read this book with my almost 4-year-old son. The story tries to cover a lot of big parts in his life, but I wish it went into a little more detail on those parts. I think the author wanted to get in as much as he could, but didn't want the book to be too long either. This story also briefly touches on martyrdom which may be a hard conversation for younger children. I like how John Knox's story tries to show children that he believed in and followed Jesus in a world where it was dangerous.
The Do Great Things for God series from @thegoodbookcompanyusa is one of our absolute favorites, and we’re always thrilled when a new release arrives. This week, we were excited to dive into John Knox: The Boy Who Changed a Country.
Through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations, this book introduces children to the Scottish Reformer who faced persecution, enslavement, and exile—all while faithfully following Christ. We especially loved reading about the role John Knox and other believers played in producing The Geneva Bible. Since we have a copy in our home, I was able to pull it out and show my girls, giving them a real-life connection to Knox’s story and his lasting impact.
While the book doesn’t go into full historical detail about the Reformation, what is presented feels age-appropriate and opens the door for parents or teachers to explore more if they’d like to dive deeper. Most importantly, the gospel is clearly and beautifully presented.
🍎 Recommended for ages 4+, this makes a wonderful read-aloud or can be enjoyed independently by early readers.
Families can also take advantage of free downloadable resources that encourage kids to engage with the story and think about how they, too, can follow God and encourage others.
Thank you @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
John Knox is one of my favorite reformers, and I was so excited to read this biography with my little one. The book does an excellent job showing the persecution of his day, the challenges he faced, and the role he played in standing for the Gospel, all in a way young readers can understand. I loved how clearly it highlights Knox’s love for Christ and the hope he held in Him throughout his life, even in difficult circumstances. This was such a rich addition to the Do Great Things for God series, and I’ve already added a copy to my church library. Perfect for family reading time, homeschool lessons, or anyone wanting to introduce children to key figures in Christian history.
I received a complimentary copy as a reviewer, and all opinions are my own.
