For years, readers of the various Christian Science magazines in many countries asked for more articles and materials for children. With the Herald team's expanding view of the magazine and its mission to proclaim the availability of Truth to humanity, the editors began to explore the possibility of producing Herald issues for special audiences, including children and teens. The first periodical geared to young people was the Teen Herald, published in 1999. A Herald for younger children was the next step. The Herald editors and staff took a good look at the needs of today's children and the mission of the Herald in meeting them. They studied current children's literature and what had been published for children by The Christian Science Publishing Society up to that point. They invited a children's writer to hold a workshop on creative writing for the staff. From this research and study, criteria for a children's publication developed.
The new special issue for children was My Herald, and it was geared to children between the ages of three and eight. It included stories, illustrations, and games to help children learn about the Bible and God's presence in their lives. Children's own reports of healing were also included.
The first issue of My Herald was published in the fall of 2000. The cover illustration was a castle, and words hung across its two towers read "Safe in God." Since then, two more My Heralds have been published: "God will catch you in His arms!" in 2001, and "Love is all around you!" in 2002.
