Toad and the Tough Truth

Christian apologetics with James and Ruth picture book series

Preschool-3rd Grade

What does the Bible say about Hell?

What is hell? There are several commonly held views about the nature of hell, and disagreements on the topic are often emotionally charged. For this reason, Toad and the Tough Truth uses language repeated in Scripture and champions the alternative eternal state offered by salvation through Christ.

Although we understand fears that discussing hell may frighten children, myriad books, songs, movies, and television programs have no such concern. Problematic imagery

in media can easily become a child’s first exposure to the concept of hell, fueling misconceptions and building a faulty framework. That’s why we believe age-appropriate, truthful, Biblical conversations about tough concepts are so important.

We pray this story will help you introduce children to the biblical concept of hell, preempt common misconceptions, and lay a foundation for deeper conversations.

What’s it about?

While James and Ruth enjoy a rainy day, they meet a toad with questions about Hell. Is Hell a place with fire and devils? If you do too many bad things, will God send you there? What does the Bible really tell us about Hell?

Use Toad and the Tough Truth to encourage deep conversations, equip children with faith-strengthening tools, and embolden them to defend their Christian beliefs from an early age.

Key takeaways

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

After the story

  • Chart of common misconceptions and truthful Bible verses

  • Letter to adults explaining the intention and scope of the book

  • Additional resources and research, including 6 recommended books from scholars and experts

  • What happens when we die? printable diagram

Read aloud to Sunday School class

Story time for families

Introduce the subject and encourage discussion in a co-op setting

Related resources from Picture Book Apologetics

Pooch and the Pearly Gates:
A story about Heaven

Fox and the Hard Day:
A story about the Problem of Evil

Chameleon’s Can of Worms:
A story about Absolute Truth

Coloring sheet

What happens when we die diagram