Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness

by Terence Lester; Zion Lester; Subi Bosa

Publisher:

IVP Kids

, 2024

Overview

From May 1-August 31, a portion of the proceeds from Zion Learns to See will be donated to Zion’s Closet, a resource center in schools created by Love Beyond Walls for families facing poverty and homelessness.

2025 Independent Press Awards – Picture Books Ages 4-8

2024 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Winner

2024 Black Authors Matter Childrens Book Award Winner

Every person matters to God. And that means every person should matter to us.

Join Zion and her dad on a life-changing Saturday in Zion Learns to See, a heartwarming story by father-daughter duo Terence and Zion Lester. Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated book teaches lessons of connection, compassion, and faith in action.

Follow young Zion as she accompanies her father to a local community center serving people experiencing homelessness. What begins as an ordinary day soon becomes a powerful lesson that changes Zion’s perspective. As Zion learns about people experiencing homelessness, young readers will see how everyone matters to God and feel inspired to make a difference in their own communities.

With dynamic illustrations by Subi Bosa and an author’s note encouraging further conversation about the content, this book is perfect for families, churches, and classrooms that want to foster deeper conversation and discuss practical ways to extend God’s love to the marginalized.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

• Teaches Important Values: Introduces themes of mercy, justice, and community in ways that are age-appropriate and accessible
• Builds Compassion: Encourages children to see and care for others the way God does
• Encourages Deeper Conversation: A note from the author facilitates meaningful conversations about homelessness and how faith moves us to action.

Discover what happens when children learn to see that every person matters to God. Add Zion Learns to See to your collection today and share with children the things that matter to God!

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Praise for Zion Learns to See

"Zion Learns to See is a delightful read and a necessary nudge. In the Gospels, Jesus was filled with compassion when he saw people who were marginalized by society and religion. This book gives us an opportunity to be like Jesus and motivates readers to join Zion in seeing and loving our neighbors as fellow image bearers. Let’s be that generation empowered with a fresh vision of neighborly love, building a better world where everyone flourishes!"

"With beautiful illustrations and powerful storytelling, Zion Learns to See shows readers that living a life of love depends on both our words and our actions, and we each have a unique role in being God’s hands and feet. Through Zion’s eyes, we are reminded of timeless, invaluable truths: dignity is for everyone, generosity is contagious, and no one is invisible."

"I wholeheartedly recommend reading my daughter’s inspiring book, where a young girl’s compassion and kindness shine as she befriends and supports a person experiencing homelessness. This touching story beautifully captures the importance of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness. I’m incredibly proud of her for creating a narrative that fosters understanding and compassion in readers of all ages."

"Zion Learns to See is a heartwarming children’s book that tackles a sensitive topic with grace and compassion. Through the eyes of young Zion, readers embark on a journey of understanding and empathy as she accompanies her father to work and discovers the realities of people experiencing homelessness. This beautifully illustrated story not only educates children about the challenges faced by those without stable homes but also instills in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and the power of small acts of generosity. Zion Learns to See is a must-read for parents, teachers, and children. It encourages conversations about social issues and nurtures a sense of community and care for others."

"A heartwarming children’s book fostering empathy and awareness about homelessness. Zion Learns to See invites young readers to see the world through a lens of hope and compassion while empowering youth to take action in their communities."

"I so, so appreciate all the IVP Kids line, and this one is a standout. It is written with such joy and warmth, but yet, quietly at times, shouts ‘every person matters to God — and that means every person should matter to us.’ "

"We appreciate this book’s exploration of a topic that is rare in children’s books — naming economic disparities. The diversity of faces and ages in the illustrations are powerful and important . . . ."

Product Details

• Title: Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness
• Authors: Terence Lester, Zion Lester, Subi Bosa
• Publisher: IVP Kids
• Print Publication Date: 2024
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 32
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781514006702, 9781514006696, 1514006693, 1514006707
• Resource ID: LLS:9781514006702
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-05-07T01:47:28Z

About the Authors

Zion Lester became interested in her dad's work on a Saturday morning when she was seven years old. Since then, she has grown to become a community leader, writer, and speaker. She has also continued to regularly serve with Love Beyond Walls and encourages others her age and younger to volunteer too.

Subi Bosa is an illustrator of picture books, comics, and graphic novels. Growing up in South Africa, Subi drew all the time and in every room of his house—sometimes even on the walls! Today, he lives in Cape Town, South Africa, where he produces a podcast for creatives and continues his passion for illustration.

Terence Lester (PhD, Union Institute and University) is a minister, speaker, community activist, author, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization.