The Friend who Forgives: A True Story About How Peter Failed and Jesus Forgave

Dan DeWitt is the Associate Professor of Apologetics & Applied Theology at Cedarville University, Ohio and Director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics & Public Christianity. He is the author of "Life in the Wild" and "The Friend Who Forgives". Dan and his wife, April, have four young children. Dan blogs regularly at theolatte.com

Catalina Echeverri is a Colombian freelance illustrator specializing in children's books. She is based in London, UK, and illustrated the best-selling The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross.

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. -- Sam Allberry (Pastor at Immanuel Church, Nashville; author of Is God Anti-Gay? and What Does God Have to Say About Our Bodies?)

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. -- Jimmy Scroggins (Lead Pastor, Family Church)

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 favourite to add to the collection. -- Jane Watkins (Director of Mentoring, Growing Young Disciples)

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! -- J.A. Medders (Author and pastor)

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. -- Melissa Tucker (Associate Professor of Education, Chair, Teacher Education Program at Boyce College)

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. -- Bryan "Braille" Winchester (Recording artist known as Braille and member of the group Beautiful Eulogy)

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

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. -- Karen Swallow Prior (Author of Fierce Convictions—The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist)

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. -- Crystal K. Gray (Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Clear Sight Music)