Jesus Loves the Little Children:
A Journey from A to Z
Building on the June 24 release of the IVP Kids title Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World, Tara Hackney has signed a second contract with InterVarsity Press (IVP) for the Spring 2027 release of the children’s devotional tentatively titled Jesus Loves the Little Children: A Journey from A to Z.
Hackney’s first book Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World: Fresh Lyrics for a Beloved Song offers refreshed lyrics to the classic song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Hackney said that although it is a timeless and true song, the words didn’t fully capture God’s love for everyone. Hackney wanted a version that would resonate with her adopted daughter, “a version that would include everyone—all the children of the world. Every color, every shade, just exactly as He made.”
In her forthcoming devotional Hackney helps children move from a place of knowing they are loved to loving others. Jesus Loves the Little Children: A Journey from A to Z will give elementary school-age children the opportunity to both learn about children in other parts of the world and pray for those children.
Elissa Schauer, acquiring editor for IVP Kids, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Tara Hackney on a second book—her enthusiasm and joy are evident in everything she does!”
Children will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of other children from around the world, from Australia, Brazil, and Canada, all the way to Zambia. Each page will include a unique greeting, a country-specific anecdote from the point of view of a child who lives there, a Scripture, a prayer, and a fun fact about the country.
Schauer said, “We love that this devotional is a gentle introduction to children around the globe, offering families a tool that can prompt awareness and conversation. Even more so, this book reverberates with the foundational message of God’s good and great love. What could be more important?”
Tara Hackney is the founder of Jesus Loves, a ministry of encouragement dedicated to recapturing the wonder, exploring the depth, and spreading the good news of the world’s greatest love. As a mother of five, she can often be found scrubbing out grass stains, judging coloring contests, doubling recipes, and driving all over town.
Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com
Tara Hackney is married to her favorite human, Spence. Together they have five children who keep them busy, make them laugh, empty their pockets, and fill their hearts. Tara can often be found folding mountains of laundry, cheering from the sidelines, reading books about Jesus, and making themed dinners. In the quiet hours, she enjoys date nights, pajama days, decorating for holidays too early, and getting sand between her toes.
Tara lives with her family by the sea in Wilmington, North Carolina.