LJ & Family

A faith-filled animated series for kids

Real kid struggles. Jesus at the center.

Short animated stories about the things kids really face: a new school, a rushed homework page, a scary storm. LJ works through each one with Mom, Dad, Grandma and his community, and every episode ends with a Bible story.

Watch the newest episode Get the free family guides

Every episode has captions in English, Español, Português and Français.

LJ in his yellow hoodie racing his new friend Marcus across a sunny playground, both laughing New: The New KidEpisode 13 · 4 min · Galatians 6:10

Five minutes, once a week

How families use each episode

Made for the car ride, the kitchen table or bedtime. No prep needed.

1

Watch together

Each story runs a few minutes, told by one warm narrator with gentle music.

2

Talk about it

Three simple questions help your child connect LJ's story to their own week.

3

Pray and try it

A short prayer to say together, plus one small thing to try at home this week.

Season 1

Kids Bible stories: watch every episode

Free to watch. Each one comes with a printable family guide: the Scripture, talk-about-it questions, a prayer, a try-this-week idea and a space to draw.

Kindness and including othersGalatians 6:103:40

Episode 13

The New Kid

On Monday morning, a new boy named Mateo rolls into Ms Harper’s class in a wheelchair with bright blue wheels. Mateo waves at LJ, but LJ looks down at his desk. He wants to be friendly, but he doesn’t know what to say, and at recess he walks the other way. That evening Mom hugs him tight and reminds him that God made every person in His own image, and Mateo is wonderfully made, just like him. Dad tells LJ about his childhood friend Kevin, who talked with a stutter, and how he learned to see his friend, not the difference. The next day LJ takes a deep breath, walks over with his crayons and says, “Hi, I’m LJ. Do you like dinosaurs?” Soon LJ, Mateo and Marcus are drawing the biggest T. rex ever. Then Grandma tells Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan, who didn’t walk past.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.”Galatians 6:10 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Why did LJ look down at his desk when Mateo waved? Have you ever not known what to say?
  2. What did Dad learn from his friend Kevin? What does “see the friend, not the difference” mean?
  3. The Samaritan stopped to help. Who could you say hello to, or sit with, this week?

Pray together

God, thank You for making every person in Your image. Help me see the friend, not the difference. Give me courage to say hello to someone who is new or alone, and help me be a good neighbor like the Samaritan. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Saying sorry and forgivingEphesians 4:323:26

Episode 12

Mean Words

On Saturday, LJ’s big sister Londyn is practicing her keyboard song for church, and LJ really wants a turn. When she says “not right now,” LJ gets so mad he shouts, “You’re mean! I wish you weren’t my sister!” Londyn quietly closes her keyboard and walks away, and LJ’s angry feeling turns into a heavy, sad one. Mom kneels down and reminds him that words are powerful: they can build someone up, or tear them down. Dad tells LJ about the day he shouted mean words at his best friend, and how saying sorry first made things right again. So LJ makes Londyn a card with a big red heart, says sorry, and Londyn forgives him and teaches him a song. Then Grandma tells him how Joseph’s brothers were mean to him, and Joseph forgave them anyway.

“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”Ephesians 4:32 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. How did LJ’s words make Londyn feel? How did LJ feel afterwards?
  2. Why does saying sorry take courage? Who helped LJ find the courage?
  3. Joseph forgave his brothers. Is there someone you can forgive, or say sorry to, this week?

Pray together

God, thank You for forgiving me. Help my words build people up and not tear them down. When I hurt someone, give me courage to say sorry, and when someone hurts me, help me forgive like You do. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Not giving up when it’s hardPhilippians 4:133:29

Episode 11

I Can’t Read It

LJ finds a library book with a big red rocket on the cover, but in reading circle the words jumble together, and at home he pushes the book under a cushion: “I can’t read it. I give up.” At bedtime Mom opens her Bible and reads with him one word at a time. Dad remembers how Grandpa taught him to build a birdhouse, one careful cut at a time. Ms Grace the librarian shows LJ a trick for sounding out big words, and back in reading circle LJ reads the whole page. Grandma tells him how Moses said he wasn’t good with words, and God promised to be with him.

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”Philippians 4:13 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What felt too hard for LJ? What feels hard for you right now?
  2. How did Mom, Dad and Ms Grace help LJ keep going?
  3. Moses said, “I can’t.” What did God promise him? How can God help you?

Pray together

God, thank You for helping me when things feel hard. Give me strength to keep going one little step at a time, and help me remember that I can do all things through Christ. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Staying safe onlineProverbs 2:113:28

Episode 10

The Tricky Game

LJ is building a castle in his tablet game when a box flashes: “Free treasure! Type in a grown-up’s card number!” Then someone he doesn’t know asks, “Where do you live?” LJ stops, taps nothing and runs straight to Mom, who tells him he did exactly the right thing. Dad remembers being tricked out of his allowance by a “magic” card pack full of plain paper. Officer Kim visits LJ’s class with three things to remember: Stop. Don’t share. Tell a grown-up. And Grandma shows LJ that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, whose sheep know His voice.

“Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you.”Proverbs 2:11 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What made LJ’s tummy feel funny? What would you do if a game or a stranger asked you for something?
  2. What are Officer Kim’s three things to remember?
  3. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. How can we learn to listen to Jesus’ voice?

Pray together

Jesus, thank You for being my Good Shepherd. Give me good sense to stop when something feels tricky, and help me always tell a grown-up and listen to Your voice. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

When someone you love is gonePsalm 34:183:25

Episode 9

Goodbye, Goldie

One morning LJ finds his goldfish Goldie floating still in her bowl. Mom kneels beside him, gently tells him Goldie has died and holds him while he cries: “It’s okay to be sad. God sees every single tear.” Dad tells LJ about Buddy, the dog he loved as a boy, and the true verse his own dad taught him. Their neighbor Mr. Walter brings orange flowers to plant for Goldie, and on the garden bench Grandma tells LJ that Jesus cried too, when His friend Lazarus died.

“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”Psalm 34:18 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Have you ever lost a pet or something you loved? How did it feel?
  2. What did Mom, Dad, Mr. Walter and Grandma each do to help LJ?
  3. Jesus cried with His friends. How does it help to know that Jesus is sad with us when we are sad?

Pray together

God, thank You for the people and pets we love. When my heart hurts, help me remember that You are close to me and You see every tear. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Trusting God when you’re scaredPsalm 56:33:32

Episode 8

Thunder Night

A big storm rolls in at bedtime, and when the thunder booms, LJ disappears under his blanket. Mom comes right in, plugs in a little nightlight, props a verse card by his bed and prays with him. Then Dad tells LJ he hid from storms too when he was little, until his own dad taught him to pray Psalm 56:3. When the thunder cracks again, LJ still jumps, but this time he holds his card and whispers the verse. The next afternoon Grandma opens her big Bible and tells LJ about the night Jesus calmed the storm: “Peace! Be still!”

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”Psalm 56:3 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What makes you feel scared, like the thunder made LJ feel?
  2. What did Mom, Dad and Grandma each do to help LJ?
  3. Jesus was in the boat the whole time. How can remembering that help us when we’re afraid?

Pray together

God, when I am afraid, I will trust in You. Thank You for being with me in every storm, even in the dark. Help me remember that You are always near. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Love makes a familyEphesians 3:153:45

Episode 7

The Family Puzzle

In class, LJ draws his whole family. Then a classmate says his three big sisters aren’t his real sisters because they don’t look like him, and LJ folds the drawing up and throws it away. Mom smooths it flat and holds him close. Dad tells him how a kind man took his hand when he was four and became his dad by love. Pastor Reed says that in God’s family nobody is half or step, and his sisters come home and finish the family puzzle with him. The episode closes with Ruth, who chose to stay with Naomi: “Your people will be my people.”

“For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.”Ephesians 3:14–15 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Why did LJ fold up his drawing and throw it away?
  2. What did Mom, Dad, Pastor Reed and his sisters each show LJ about family?
  3. Ruth wasn’t born into Naomi’s family, but she chose to stay. What makes someone family?

Pray together

God, thank You for my family, every single piece of it. When someone says we don’t belong together, remind me that You put us together and love holds us there. Help me love my family the way You love me. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Telling the truth1 John 1:94:45

Episode 6

Grandma’s Broken Vase

LJ kicks his ball in the house and Grandma’s blue flower vase ends up in pieces. When Mom and Dad come running, he points at the broken window like the ball came from outside. He hides the pieces under his bed, one lie grows into two, and it gets heavier every day. Then Dad tells him about the window he broke as a boy. LJ tells Dad the truth first, carries the box to Grandma himself, and she hugs him before she says one word about the vase. The episode closes with Jesus’ story of the son who came home, and the father who ran to meet him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What did LJ break, and what did he say when Mom and Dad came running?
  2. Why did the lie feel heavier and heavier, even though everyone believed him?
  3. Grandma hugged him before she said one word about the vase. Why does that matter so much?

Pray together

God, when I do something wrong, help me tell the truth right away instead of hiding it, even when I’m scared. Thank You that You forgive me and make me clean. Thank You for the people who love me before they hear the end of the sentence. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Not giving upGalatians 6:92:10

Episode 5

Game Day

LJ is sure today is the day he scores, but in the last minute his kick rolls wide and his team loses. At home he shoves his cleats deep in the closet and says he’s never playing again. Mom kneels down, prays with him and tells him God loves him winning or losing, Dad remembers Grandpa’s words, “work hard,” and Coach Davis stays late just for him. LJ practices in the yard every evening — and when the same last minute comes around again, the net swings. Grandma closes with young David, who practiced for years before he ever faced the giant.

“Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.”Galatians 6:9 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Why did LJ want to quit? What was he really feeling?
  2. Who helped LJ try again, and what did each of them actually do?
  3. What is something hard for you right now? What would not giving up look like this week?

Pray together

God, when I miss and I want to quit, remind me that You see me trying. Help me keep doing good and not give up, whether I win or whether I lose. Thank You for the people who stay late for me. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Giving & generosity1 John 3:182:10

Episode 4

Not Enough to Give

LJ has been saving a jar of coins for a soccer ball when he hears that his friend Marcus’s house caught fire. His family got out safe, but everything they had is gone, and against a whole house LJ’s coins look like nothing. Mom folds his hands around them and tells him God never asks for enough — He asks for yours. So LJ asks his class, his family and the neighbors to give with him, and his little jar comes back full. Grandma closes with the widow who gave two tiny coins, and Jesus said she gave more than anyone.

“Let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.”1 John 3:18 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Why did LJ think his coins wouldn’t make any difference?
  2. What did each person do to help Marcus?
  3. What is in your hands today that you could give this week?

Pray together

God, when what I have looks too small, remind me that You never ask me for enough. You ask me for mine. Give me eyes that notice people and hands that open. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Get the books

LJ & Family Story Collection, Volume 1Hardcover collection (Eps 1–4) · $29.99 · Buy on Amazon →
Facing fearJoshua 1:93:10

Episode 3

The First Swim

LJ loves swim day until Coach Nia says it is time to put your face in the water, and he is the only one who stays up. The next week he says his stomach hurts and sits on the bench, dry, until Mom prays with him in the car and Dad tells him about being afraid of the lake when he was small. Dad gives him Grandpa's old fishing bobber and God's promise, walks him in, and simply stays — and LJ takes one big breath and swims all the way across.

“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What was LJ afraid of, and what did he say instead of saying he was scared?
  2. Dad did not say very much at the pool. He just stayed. Why did that help LJ?
  3. What is something that feels a little scary to you, and who can be beside you while you try it?

Pray together

God, when I am afraid, help me trust You. Thank You for the people You put beside me. Give me a brave heart today, and remind me that You go with me wherever I go. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Get the books

LJ & Family Story Collection, Volume 1Hardcover collection (Eps 1–4) · $29.99 · Buy on Amazon →
Focus & doing your bestColossians 3:232:10

Episode 2

The Homework Race

LJ races through his homework to get back to his tablet, and his teacher notices the messy work. When his big sister tells him to focus while scrolling her own phone, the two of them drop their devices in Mom's basket and work side by side. Grandma closes with Mary and Martha: Mary chose what matters most.

“And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.”Colossians 3:23 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. Why did LJ rush his homework?
  2. What happened when LJ and his sister put their devices in the basket?
  3. What is one thing you can do with your whole heart this week?

Pray together

God, help me slow down and do my best. When I want to rush, help me give my whole heart to what matters most. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Get the books

The Homework Race: Reading BookFull-color picture book · $11.99 · Buy on Amazon →
LJ & Family Story Collection, Volume 1Hardcover collection (Eps 1–4) · $29.99 · Buy on Amazon →
Worry & friendshipMatthew 6:262:10

Episode 1

The Worry Backpack

On his first day at a new school, LJ eats lunch alone, and every worry drops a heavy rock into his backpack until it's too heavy to run and play. With Mom, Dad, his teacher and a prayer for courage, the rocks begin to disappear, and back in the lunchroom LJ becomes the friend someone else needs.

“Look at the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?”Matthew 6:26 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together

Talk about it

  1. What made LJ's backpack so heavy?
  2. What happened when LJ hid his worry, and what happened when he shared it?
  3. How did LJ help Marcus? Who could you sit with this week?

Pray together

God, thank You for caring for the birds, and for caring for me even more. When my worries feel heavy, help me tell You and someone who loves me. Help me be a friend to someone who feels alone. Amen.

Family guide (PDF) Watch on YouTube

For teachers: Lesson plan (PDF) · Coloring page (PDF) · Full lesson page

Get the books

The Worry Backpack: Reading BookFull-color picture book · $11.99 · Buy on Amazon →
The Worry Backpack Coloring Book25 scenes to color · $9.99 · Buy on Amazon →
The Worry Backpack Read & Color EditionStory + 25 pages to color · $16.99 · Buy on Amazon →
LJ & Family Story Collection, Volume 1Hardcover collection (Eps 1–4) · $29.99 · Buy on Amazon →

See the real book →

For parents and grandparents

Free printable family guides for every Bible story

Each episode above has a printable family guide with the Scripture, three questions for the dinner table, a prayer and a try-this-week idea. No sign-up, no email, nothing to create. New episodes and guides are added every week.

Get the family guides Subscribe on YouTube

For churches and children's ministries

Free Sunday school lessons for kids, ready to print

Each episode is short enough to open a lesson and rich enough to build one around. Everything is free.

  • The episodeTwo minutes, captioned in four languages, stream it from YouTube in class.
  • Printable family guideSend it home so parents can keep the conversation going.
  • A 20-minute lesson plan and a coloring pageScripture, a Bible story tie-in, discussion questions, an activity and a closing prayer. Free to download below, no sign-up needed.

Permission to show: churches, Sunday schools, VBS programs, Christian schools and homeschool groups are welcome to show LJ & Family episodes to their groups at no cost. Please play them from our YouTube channel, keep the credits, and don't charge admission.

Grandma in her armchair telling a Bible story to LJ and his big sister

Download the ministry kit

Everything is free. Print as many copies as your group needs.

Whole kit, Episodes 1–13 (ZIP) Permission-to-show letter (PDF)
Ministry kit downloads by episode
EpisodeFor classFor coloringTo send home
Ep. 13 The New KidGalatians 6:10 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 12 Mean WordsEphesians 4:32 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 11 I Can’t Read ItPhilippians 4:13 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 10 The Tricky GameProverbs 2:11 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 9 Goodbye, GoldiePsalm 34:18 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 8 Thunder NightPsalm 56:3 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 7 The Family PuzzleEphesians 3:14–15 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 6 Grandma’s Broken Vase1 John 1:9 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 5 Game DayGalatians 6:9 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 4 Not Enough to Give1 John 3:17–18 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 3 The First SwimJoshua 1:9 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 2 The Homework RaceColossians 3:23 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide
Ep. 1 The Worry BackpackMatthew 6:26 Lesson plan Coloring page Family guide

New lesson plans, coloring pages and family guides are added here with every new episode, so this page always has the full kit. Questions? Email hello@ljandfamily.com.

About the series

A real family, a real faith, and stories kids can see themselves in

LJ & Family grew out of one family's dinner-table conversations. LJ is a curious, big-hearted boy with very curly hair, a yellow hoodie and the same everyday struggles your child has. His family is blended, close and united, and they face each challenge together.

In every episode Mom brings faith and love, Dad shares a time he was once in LJ's shoes as a little boy, a teacher, coach or neighbor lends a hand, and Grandma closes with a Bible story that ties it all to the words of Jesus. The goal is simple: help kids know that God loves them no matter what they're going through.

New episodes arrive every week, with collection videos every few episodes for longer watching.

LJ & Family is produced by J2 Sutton Capital Group LLC, a veteran-owned company in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is built on the same values that guide the company: treating people with dignity and respect, and building relationships through partnership.

Mom hugging LJ
MomFaith and love
Dad kneeling beside LJ on the porch
Dad"I was in your shoes once"
Grandma reading her Bible with LJ
GrandmaBible story time
LJ and his friend Marcus laughing and sharing snacks at lunch