“For Greater Things” by Ruthie Godfrey

For Greater Things

Ruthie Godfrey
Independently Published (2026)
ISBN: 978-1952402708
Reviewed by Courtney Lowry for Reader Views (09/2026)

For Greater Things is a Christian picture book by Ruthie Godfrey, illustrated by Pablo D’Alio. It’s the story of a family of birds living in a tree on a farm with the Good Farmer. Momma Bird’s eggs have just hatched, and the baby birds are introduced to the Good Farmer. The birds watch as the farm gets busier, wondering why some grapes are being used, and others aren’t. Momma bird teaches her babies that some of the grapes will be used for “a different plan” and “something greater.” Momma bird also teaches her chicks that the grapes can be used for raisins or wine at a communion or wedding. When the Good Farmer chops some of the grapevines, Momma Bird teaches her children that this is a part of the pruning process so that the grapes can be ready and strong in the springtime.

When the Good Farmer plants seeds, her now older chicks think that the Good Farmer is burying the seeds because they are dead. But Momma Bird shares that, in actuality, the seeds are being planted. She says, “They must go in the ground now for greater things ahead.” Momma Bird lets her children know that the grape seeds will take root and sprout to create more grapes. At the end of the book, the Good Farmer has seeds for the birds, and Momma Bird tells her offspring that they can trust the Good Farmer. The story finishes with the Good Farmer encouraging the birds, expressing to them that a big day is ahead and that they were created on purpose to fulfill a greater plan.

For Greater Things is a book that gently teaches about God. It takes a promise of God (Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”) and makes it easy to understand for the intended age group of young readers. During the part where the vines are being pruned, another verse that comes to mind is also John 15:5 (“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”). This book provides the opportunity for readers to dive deeper into God’s Word by inspiring them to look up verses and connect further with the Lord. Parents who are reading this to their children can remind them of the Scripture references and further share the wonder of the Bible.

The Good Farmer is a symbol for God, planting us, tending to us, and using our gifts for His greater purpose. The text on each page is short and easy to read. The repetition of the phrase “greater things” emphasizes the message that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and He is constantly using us, even when we don’t understand or can’t see it (2 Corinthians 4:18).

A highlight of this book is the illustrations. Mr. D’Alio’s painterly, hand-drawn style makes the illustrations colorful and interesting to look at. The illustrations accurately depict the story and are a nice complement to the text. (Mr. D’Alio has been drawing since the age of five.)

For Greater Things has strong reread value, making this a picture book that is perfect for afternoon story time in the classroom or a bedtime story to read before being tucked in.

Overall, I enjoyed this book because of the Christian message along with the child-friendly illustrations and simple readability.

Ms. Godfrey has won awards for her writing and writes books to help “make children feel seen, heard, and understood.” She is a former public elementary educator.