Through the Eyes of a Child

God Created it All #1

by Pam Funke

God created the heavens and the earth. He created all of the plants, animals and birds of the air. He created man. When God was finished He looked at all that He had created and saw that it was good. Come see the world through the curious eyes of a child.

65 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2013

About the author

I am no longer an author. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Since I've been old enough to read, I've been devouring books. Besides writing, I also enjoy drawing, painting, scrap-booking, photography and cooking. I am a very creative person.

Reviews

[Kitty Muse Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine, if you will, an afternoon on the beach in the summer. The light is waning, and evening is approaching. There’s the breeze on your face, coming off the ocean and whisking the hair off your face. The sand is still warm between your toes, and the birds are circling and crying out to each other.

What an idyllic day! That is what Bella experiences with her mother. And today she gets an extra-special treat. Not ice cream, although that would be delicious. No, her mother gives her something much more valuable and memorable.

Her mother gives her stories.

Stories about animals, and how they get to know their Creator, in short, entertaining tales. Bella is enrapt as she hears about:

Delilah the beetle, who feels sorry for herself because she is so much like the others, and is not recognized for her hard work. God speaks to her, and gives her a special gift to make her stand out from the crowd. But what Delilah experiences is not what she expects, and she learns a hard lesson about humility.

Lizzy the Lizard, who enjoys watching the humans in her world, but doesn’t understand anything beyond what she sees around her. It is through a conversation with a woman in her garden that Lizzy comes to understand the realm beyond what she can see with just her eyes.

Noah the seagull, who learns trust the hard way, when he is knocked off-course during his migration, and his plans change abruptly. The ensuing months teach him that there are good people in the world, and that love can come from very unexpected places.

and

George, the littlest mamba snake in his family. The poor snake feels lost among his siblings, and thinks that his mother doesn’t love him like the rest. It is only when he runs away, and hears God in the silence around him, that he finds that he is loved, not only by his family, but by the One who created him as well.

So many wonderful lessons Bella learns! And they are presented in a way that is very appealing to young children. At the age level for these stories, children love to believe animals can talk and can think like they themselves can. To present the animals talking, living, laughing, and being in the presence of their Creator, is a very creative way to convey to little people how much God loves them, and that He is also present in their young lives as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Through the Eyes of a Child”. Pam Funke, your book is a blessing!

[Jennifer Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Pam Funke, and I love it! I have a 6 year old daughter and this book easily kept her attention. Not only that, but it generated many curious questions for her which opened such a beautiful line of communication between us. She started looking at other animals and making the connections between God and our world. I have to say, the thing I loved most about this book was that the author used real pictures, and not illustrations. It allowed my daughter to make tangible correlations in her world, as opposed to make believe characters. I recommend reading this book with your child, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, Sunday school classes... I personally plan on purchasing a few copies for Easter gifts.

This book is more than a book! I'm so pleased that I took the time to read it, and it was a gift to share this with my daughter.

If I had to give any feedback for future children's stories, I would suggest finding more opportunities to tie in vocabulary explanations. Example, Bella or the animals could ask, "What does forsaken mean?" Or "What does Alpha and Omega mean?" But at the same time, it's a great conversational piece between child and parent. However, the author seems to have an amazing ability to bring examples of God to children, so it would be beneficial to have her words.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is five stars! This book was written for children but even adults can get lessons from it. It is only 64 pages but packed full of "Truths". The pictures are something that you can talk to you child about also.

A mother and her daughter Bella are on the beach and Bella finds a sea cucumber and asks her mother where it came from and that prompts the mom to tell stories about God using animals, A click eyed beetle, a lizard, a seagull,a mamba,

These animals are just like little children and ask questions like "Who is God and why is he concerned with me" and others. These stories explain who God is and how He is there watching over them and protecting them.

These stories touched my heart and spoke to me as well, even adults need reminders that God loves us and protects us.

I highly recommend this books to all children and anyone that needs a gentle reminder that God loves us.

I was given a ebook copy for my honest review!

[Paula Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Eyes of a Child, written by Pam Funke, is a special collection of six sweet, simply told stories. An easy read complemented by the author's photographs, this book is sure to hold your child's attention. This book is written to teach your child about God's creation -- from those living in the sea or crawling across the trees in the forest to those flying through the air -- and you will like reading it tp them over and over again. The whole book softly breathed with the appreciation of life. Sometimes what a child needs to feel secure is the assurance that all of God’s creation – including them – are special. This charming book emphasizes that for them, and these positive stories are sure to make you and your young one smile.

Please note: I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Corine Hyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the Eyes of a Child is a wonderful combination of faith and God’s wonderful creation. This book includes six short stories that cover topics such as love, faith, trust and self-acceptance. During each story, the reader is introduced to a unique animal. I love the fact that there is a photographic of each animal in the book. The story of the animal is then used to teach different concepts such self-acceptance, unconditional love, faith, love, and trust just to name a few. The overall theme of this book is just as God loves all people on Earth for their individual qualities, he also loves animals the same way. This book has many deep concepts and can be read to children over and over again. I highly recommended this book as a bedtime story or for the special snuggle time with the little one in your life.
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my review.

[Penelope Bartotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful novel that depicts a mother sharing lessons on God with her daughter is the base concept here,and it has a very nice idea. Unfortunately I felt that the lessons were redundant at times, sharing the same morals, I would have liked to see more variety created. Ultimately I would have loved to seen the stories made into a series of picture books. Each individual story is well written and would be more attractive to a younger audience with pictures. I did enjoy the fact that the book never came off as being preachy, but rather it taught a lesson, or told a tale. Often preaching consumes the fictional aspect driving some readers away. Funke avoided that deftly.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pam Funke hopes to instill in children a love of all God's creatures by presenting six short stories that she shares on a beach with her daughter, Bella. The dialogue is narrated through a series of questions and answers. By sharing these stories and experiences of creatures both great and small, Mom and daughter express to readers of this book how to appreciate the wonders of nature and the creatures God created. Underlying the story line is the theme that we are all unique and special in our own right.

Recommended especially for children in the seven to ten year old age range. Parents and teachers should be aware that this book is written from a strong Christian point of view.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book with a pleasant story. I agree with other reviewers that this will make a great bedtime book. I also see it as a great pre-school/church nursery book. What stood out for me was the constant theme of the characters thinking there is a "thing" wrong with them (size, color....) but God let them know that He made them "special" just the way they are and they are perfect in His eyes. What a beautiful theme to start our young ones with in today's world of everyone not feeling "good enough". I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Michelle Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that answers questions children have about themselves and creation. It has four cute stories - not cheesy! - about animals and weaves in nature and God's love throughout. Great for younger children.

[Rhonda Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative

This book is for curious minded kids. If they love learning and fun they will love this adventure. Not a lot of pictures but they are original pictures taken by the author which is great. I think kids will have a fun adventure learning as I did.

[Fiona Mcvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down
I loved the short stories about how God can affect every once life
Great and small
Great work Pam keeps it up
Look forward to reading more of your work

[Rose Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful read! Highly recommended to every mom, grandparent, and everyone else who reads to children! An absolutely adorable book. Noah the Seagull is my favorite!

[Melissa Cunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it's just a collection of five short stories being told in a storytelling fashion to Bella, a young child, they are so endearing you can't help but love them. The lessons of acceptance of self, acceptance of others, trust, and friendship (among others) are so clearly taught in these simple stories. Definitely a book that should be read to each and every child today.

The only thing that took away from the enjoyment a little was the grammar errors. Minor words missing I can over look once or twice but there was even a sentence that was all mixed up and it looked like a piece had been moved and it was written backwards. I actually thought the sentence just wasn't finished until I found the other part further down the page. Editors should catch this kind of thing.

[Kari Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this title in exchange for an honest review, which in no way guarantees a positive review.

Through the Eyes of a Child is a collection of short stories that center on teaching children a life lesson in a short, easy format. Could be used at bedtime or as a homeschool Bible lesson for young learners.

Each story is only a few pages long and includes a photo of one of God’s creatures along with a story. I would recommend this is read via computer or tablet, the pictures don't come through as well in black and white and kids will enjoy the various pictures of bugs. Lizards, etc.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing kids book that both of my girls enjoyed.