Images of God for Young Children

by Marie-Hélène Delval, Barbara Nascimbeni (Illustrator)

The Bible describes God in many different ways: God is light; God is joy; God is wisdom. God is the beauty that fills the earth and the rock we stand on, the promises we live by and the fire that purifies us. This volume offers a collection of these images, presented in simple language that young readers can easily understand. This book's bright artwork and lyrical text, written by the bestselling author of Psalms for Young Children, explores how, even though we cannot see or touch God, we can still discover him in our world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Theology, Religion, Christian, Spirituality

96 pages, Hardcover

First published December 9, 2010

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved looking through this book and thinking of writers and mystics from history whose work explores these images. I love how simple words connect with a compelling illustration, creating a space for children to encounter God through imagination.

[S.A. McNutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, but I want to give a review to help those who may wonder if they should share it with their children. I think the intention is good, but the clarity of theology is more inline with gnostic view of God and His relation to people. There are some moments that fit well, and explain principles of that relationship, but the language to children is pandering in a way that actually complicates a point rather than bringing clarity. The images are nice and fit well with a traditional children's book.

I would recommend reading it first and offering your own explanation to your child about the idea presented. I think it would be better if there was a verse that goes along with the particular "Image of God" being represented.

There are some good moments, but again I would read with clarity and maybe with sharing scripture alongside.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Children's librarian, I read LOTS of picture-books, but this one is special for sure. Can be read in one sitting or as a daily devotional. Each facing-page spread looks at one single facet of the character of God, extrapolated form Holy Scripture. Cheerful & inviting child-like illustrations support each facet: God is breath, or light, or silence, or joy, or even darkness or tears. Sweetly rendered and accessible to the young, but still resonates with adults as well.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each page begins with a "God is...." statement (example: God is light.)

Then, there are several sentences expanding on that statement.
It would be stronger if there were Bible references.

It's good to expose kids to different images for God, so I think this is a good book that I would put in rotation with a Bible story book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of wonderful illustrations and many images of God that are presented in Scripture. It is a treasure trove for parents wanting to instill positive images of God into their children. I am going to read it with my Adult ESL students to help them process what images of God they might have.

[Joshua Coolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated collection of thoughts from the Christian scriptures. It's written for kids - but I found it to be a great resource for centering and meditation / contemplation.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful images and expansive biblical images

[Marcia McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustrations. So many images of God. This is for all ages!

[Sue Mosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure if children would understand the imagery, but it's a great book for adults.

[Bob Hayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you explain an abstract idea to children? This book tries to explain who God is by means of visual, concrete images or analogies that young children can grasp.

40 different themes, such as "God is light, God is savior, God is a promise" are explored by means of a full page, thought-provoking illustration, as well as a few sentences which try to explain this description of God in simple terms. The illustrations are superb, and the book promises to offer an opportunity for parents to teach in their own words, who God is to their children as they work through this book.

From the book's description:

The Bible describes God in many different ways: God is light; God is joy; God is wisdom. God is the beauty that fills the earth and the rock we stand on, the promises we live by and the fire that purifies us. This volume offers a collection of these images, presented in simple language that young readers can easily understand.

This book's bright artwork and lyrical text, written by the bestselling author of Psalms for Young Children, explores how, even though we cannot see or touch God, we can still discover him in our world.

You can pick up a copy of this title at Amazon.com, or direct from Eerdmans Books.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Eerdman Books for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

[Huggiworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

a well-written yet weighty children's book. The authors states that "it is appropriate for children while remaining faithful to the spirit of the biblical texts." Each set of two pages explores a concept of God. They are: breath, light, night, the word, silence, secret, our tears, joy, a spring, a rock, a stream, the root, wind, a path, fire, a fortress, a promise, strength, wisdom, deliverance, a covenant, a mystery, beauty, justice, holiness, peace, mercy, love, a shepherd, a king, a healer, a friend, a savior, majesty, smallness, a face, a parent, bread, life, and with us. The whimsical artwork contained within expresses each of these attributes perfectly.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are lovely. The sentiments are nicely soft. It would probably be a very helpful book for a young child of the Christian tradition that was dealing with tough issues like family/friend death or other tragic events. I was really hopeful that this could be for both those of the Christian faith and Judaism but there's one really Jesus-y page that ruined that.

Still a good add for a more diversified religion collection.

[Janet Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book which I used to help my students begin to understand the concept of "God." It offers colorful artwork which helps to explain the text. An example is 'God is majesty." After reading several selections and sharing the pictures, my students draw what God looks like to them. Great book!

[Malerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving & beautifully written and illustrated, an absolutely perfect way to discuss the aspects of God with your little ones with plenty of depth to grow with. I can't get through this without choking up. A keep forever sort of treasure.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but found it long, the text being a bit abstract even though trying to cut through the abstractions for children. The illustrations come closer to capturing the mystery.