About the Series

This is a fictional series that can be read to children or read by independent readers over 7. It follows the adventures of 9-year-old Abigail as she figures out what faith means for her everyday life. Young readers are inspired to read the Bible, talk to God, and apply what they believe to their own lives.

Each of the books includes a book club kit with questions for discussion. Readers can also enjoy the same worksheets and other activities that Abigail uses in the book, which are available for download in Abigail’s Adventure Central. The books work well for homeschool groups or book clubs.

photograph of Bethany McIlrath, the author

About the Author

Bethany McIlrath loves to get lost in a book and to help others discover their next read in her marketing role at The Good Book Company. When she’s not reading stories, she’s usually writing them or dreaming about them as she comes up with real-life creative adventures for friends, her husband, and a doorbell-like dog named Indy. Serving in children’s ministry is also one of her greatest joys.

Photograph of the inside of Abigail and the Big Start Over

Photo of Abigail and the Career Day Catastrophe

For Parents

Do you remember being about 9 years old? It’s a wonderful age. You’re old enough to ask thoughtful questions, come up with complex ideas, and really hold a conversation. But, you’re still young enough to be silly without feeling too self-conscious, to get lost in your imagination, and to be quite open to what the adults around you are saying about you, the world, and God. Thoughtful, silly, realistic stories particularly resonate at this stage of life.

This series is intended to give your child, niece, Sunday school students, or any young person you know a character that they’ll relate to. Abigail echoes many questions, ideas, hopes, and feelings that are common for kids. In the echo, I pray they’ll hear about the wonderful God who is growing and shaping them, as well as see what it can look like to follow Jesus in their everyday life. I pray their faith will become all the more their own as they adventure after Jesus right alongside Abigail Brenner.

Praise for the Books

Laura Wifler

Cofounder, Risen Motherhood

“Bethany has created a delightful series that helps young readers connect their faith with their everyday life. Abigail’s adventures are fun and relatable, delivering valuable lessons for all kids and making this series a great one to add to your bookshelf.”

Amanda Cleary Eastep

Author, Tree Street Kids Series

"Fun, relatable, grounded in Scripture, and full of bold illustrations, Abigail and the Big Start Over by Bethany McIlrath is a story kids will love.”

Dannah Gresh

Author, Lies Girls Believe

“Bethany McIlrath has written a fabulous book that somehow entertains while it teaches truth!”

Bob Hartman

Author and Storyteller

“In the Abigail books, Bethany McIlrath demonstrates how a family’s commitment to their shared faith can help a nine-year-old girl navigate the everyday problems that children face."

Abbey Wedgeworth

Author and Speaker

“Delightful. Relatable. Entertaining. Accessible. True. These stories about Abigail will doubtless impact the stories of their readers in a powerful way.”

Caroline Saunders

Author and Bible Teacher

“This engaging book will help kids honor others, seek to understand others, extend grace to others, and grow in grace themselves.”