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My Little Golden Book About...
My Little Book About God
A gentle introduction to the concept of God and the wonders of creation that is ideally suited to young readers.
26 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 1956
About the author
Jane Werner Watson
326 books37 followersJane Werner Watson, born Elsa Jane Werner was an American children's author. She also wrote under the names Elsa Jane Werner Watson, Elsa Jane Werner, Jane Werner, Annie North Bedford, Monica Hill, Elsa Ruth Nast, W.K. Jasner, and A.N. Bedford.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 14, 2012
I read this profound little book to my children when they were small and bought a copy for my grand daughter as well. How many books about God first published in 1956 are still in print today? Yet this can still be had at any Woolworths store for less than three dollars. The text by Jane Werner Watson is simple but childlike in its trust. The marvelous drawings by the incomparable Eloise Wilkin remain moving and quietly meditative with their large cherubic faces marvelling at creation's wonders great and small. Try to beat the following for a little piece of natural theology.
Look at the stars in the evening sky.
so many millions of miles away
that the light you see shining left its star
long, long years before you were born
Yet even beyond the furthest star,God knows the way.
Think of the snow-capped mountain peaks,
Those peaks were crumbling away with
age before the first people lived on earth.
Yet when they were raised up sharp and new
God was there, too.
Bend down to touch the smallest flower.
Watch the busy ant tugging at his load.
See the flash of jewels on the insect's back.
This tiny world your two hands could span,
like the oceans and mountains and far-off stars,
God planned.
Unless I become as a little child I doubt I will ever see the kingdom of God.
Look at the stars in the evening sky.
so many millions of miles away
that the light you see shining left its star
long, long years before you were born
Yet even beyond the furthest star,God knows the way.
Think of the snow-capped mountain peaks,
Those peaks were crumbling away with
age before the first people lived on earth.
Yet when they were raised up sharp and new
God was there, too.
Bend down to touch the smallest flower.
Watch the busy ant tugging at his load.
See the flash of jewels on the insect's back.
This tiny world your two hands could span,
like the oceans and mountains and far-off stars,
God planned.
Unless I become as a little child I doubt I will ever see the kingdom of God.
May 16, 2014
Ah, what do I remember about a book I read before I was even old enough to go to Kindergarten? I was able to read at a very young age. I've been told I even went to Sunday School during this time but, oddly enough, I have no memory of that whatsoever.
What I remember about this book is a sunny, warm day. The kind of day that is perfect for swinging in your tire swing (It was a red plastic tire swing which of course I remember going to the store to buy but, oddly enough, no memory of going to Sunday School).
So I'm eating candy red hots. Mmmm. Swinging in the sun, eating red hots, and contemplating God and creation. I was amazed at the concept of a deity up there who made me and my swing and my red hots. I was very, very happy. I remember thinking - God made grass blades and God made me. (I spent a lot of time studying the plant world - probably because I was close to it when I was young and short!)
I believe this was the first book that made a profound impact on my life. Or perhaps it just kick-started the philosophical bent that I have. At the very least, it made me associate candy red hots with God and if I had a writing inclination that might make a very odd and interesting story.
What I remember about this book is a sunny, warm day. The kind of day that is perfect for swinging in your tire swing (It was a red plastic tire swing which of course I remember going to the store to buy but, oddly enough, no memory of going to Sunday School).
So I'm eating candy red hots. Mmmm. Swinging in the sun, eating red hots, and contemplating God and creation. I was amazed at the concept of a deity up there who made me and my swing and my red hots. I was very, very happy. I remember thinking - God made grass blades and God made me. (I spent a lot of time studying the plant world - probably because I was close to it when I was young and short!)
I believe this was the first book that made a profound impact on my life. Or perhaps it just kick-started the philosophical bent that I have. At the very least, it made me associate candy red hots with God and if I had a writing inclination that might make a very odd and interesting story.
May 12, 2009
Absolutely beautiful!!! I read this as part of a collection of Golden Books illustrated by Wilkin. Though her illustrations are always charming, I felt these had a special glow about them and Watson's wording is far prettier and warmer than most of the other Golden Books from that era. These contain the "updated" illustrations Wilkin made in the '60s, I believe, to include multi-cultural children. Absolutely stunning and heartwarming!!! A classic not to be missed!
July 21, 2012
I just re-purchased this book on eBay for $3.00 because I needed to have a copy. I remembered this year, after seeing a picture of it, that I had it when I was little, and that I turned the prayers into songs at night with my mother by my bed.
May 9, 2008
I am just a sucker for this golden books with their big-headed children living gently in quiet worlds. These are very soothing books to look at as a child, they don't engage your imagination, they don't require much from you except a turn of a page. Sometimes a quiet book is a very nice thing.
August 7, 2016
First sentence: GOD IS GREAT.
Premise/plot: Originally published in the 1950s, My Little Golden Book About God is a picture book for young children about GOD. The book is written is simple, yet detailed too. All in rhyme as well.
My thoughts: It is not theological in nature. But I'm not convinced it has to be or needs to be. It is not a gospel presentation or tract. It is not a catechism. It is a story parents can share with their children, perhaps even as a bedtime story. I do think it is important for parents to talk about God, to talk with their children as if God was very real, very present with them. I think it is a good thing to encourage kids to think about God, to talk about God, to ask questions, etc.
God is presented as CREATOR and SUSTAINER of the world. He has planned everything; everything is under his control. God is always there.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: Originally published in the 1950s, My Little Golden Book About God is a picture book for young children about GOD. The book is written is simple, yet detailed too. All in rhyme as well.
My thoughts: It is not theological in nature. But I'm not convinced it has to be or needs to be. It is not a gospel presentation or tract. It is not a catechism. It is a story parents can share with their children, perhaps even as a bedtime story. I do think it is important for parents to talk about God, to talk with their children as if God was very real, very present with them. I think it is a good thing to encourage kids to think about God, to talk about God, to ask questions, etc.
God is presented as CREATOR and SUSTAINER of the world. He has planned everything; everything is under his control. God is always there.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
September 10, 2008
Another one of my favorite books as a child.
September 2, 2018
The Little Golden Books are some of my most favorites!
September 17, 2008
I LOVE this book. I remember rec. it as a gift as a very young child and I loved the pictures and about wore it out looking at it over and over. It was a gift from my Aunt who passed away while I was pregnant. My daughter shares her middle name. My heart stopped while at the store one day and I saw that little girl with her big head! Of course I had to buy it for my daughter. We read it again and again, I love it.
October 7, 2015
I love this book - warm and gentle, God in the simplest terms and truths. Why make it complicated?
'He gives us a small, still voice in our hearts to help us tell wrong from right. God gives us hopes and wishes and dreams, plans for our grown-up years ahead.
He gives us memories of yesterdays, so that happy times and people we love we can keep with us always in our hearts. For GOD IS LOVE.'
'When we're hurt or sorry or lonely or sad, if we think of God, He is with us there.'
'He gives us a small, still voice in our hearts to help us tell wrong from right. God gives us hopes and wishes and dreams, plans for our grown-up years ahead.
He gives us memories of yesterdays, so that happy times and people we love we can keep with us always in our hearts. For GOD IS LOVE.'
'When we're hurt or sorry or lonely or sad, if we think of God, He is with us there.'
June 19, 2010
This book is just oozing with sweetness. The version we read dates from 1980, and while it is multicultural it mostly has pictures of white kids. There are a few black kids.
It does of course talk about God, and in a comforting manner. It doesn't mention Jesus, so it is good for many religions.
It does of course talk about God, and in a comforting manner. It doesn't mention Jesus, so it is good for many religions.
November 10, 2014
While written for children, this book has something for everyone. Reading just now, it has provided some perspective to the messed up weekend I have had.
God is indeed great. We need to remember that even when everything seems so bad. That is a timeless message.
Yes, this is a very good book.
God is indeed great. We need to remember that even when everything seems so bad. That is a timeless message.
Yes, this is a very good book.
August 31, 2014
I had high hopes for this book, because I was a huge fan of Little Golden Books as a child. However, I found the story mundane, at best, and the illustrations... well, I found many of the illustrations of children creepy. They looked like pod people or something, with their wide, vacant stares. So color me disappointed.
March 24, 2008
This is one of the first books I ever remember"reading". it was one of the books we were allowed to have in church...I followed that with 2 of the kids. Katrina has a tendency to rip, so she can['t have this one yet. This brings back memories of OLF's crying room....
January 25, 2010
A non-denominational book about God... easily adaptable to my own belief... I say Heavenly Father in place of God when I read it to my children as it seems more personal to me. Has a sweet rhythm and engenders gratitude for this beautiful world and all creation.
Read
May 2, 2010that no matter what, how terrible it is, whatever happens to you in life the sun will still come up the next day like it has for millions of years. the mountains will be there the rivers will still flow and you will have survived. i still read this as an adult
October 14, 2008
My children often lost interest during in the words of the book, but we enjoyed identifying the images on the pages, which are sweet and peaceful to look at.
August 22, 2009
I remember the last page of this book to this day. The picture is so beautiful.
January 27, 2010
Illustrated I think by Eloise Wilkin. I love the illustrations and I love the peaceful confidence and trust it shows towards God. I want my children to know there is a Creator who loves us.
May 13, 2010
This is my girls' favorite book. we made up a song for the p[oem in the back and we sing it every night before lights out!!
May 10, 2012
Notes:
sweet illustrations with sweet text
sweet illustrations with sweet text
February 28, 2013
Love the beautiful illustrations, very nice text and concepts that are simple for little children. A way to introduce God's love through the simple things. Well enjoyed here!
July 10, 2013
Love, Love, Love this book. A great introduction to God for little ones and the illustrations are by Eloise Wilkin, one of my most favorite children's books illustrators.
December 3, 2017
I love the message, but the words are awkward at times. Is it prose or rhyme? And some of the eyes in the drawings of the children are creepy.
February 24, 2019
Simple book pointing out the many things that we see daily that can remind us of God.
May 17, 2026
one of the most beautiful books ever made
August 26, 2023
The book brings God into relatable situations for little children, yet also contains essential truths for adults to meditate on. Syntax and word choice are a little messy at times.
February 27, 2026
This is so sweet and nostalgic!
April 18, 2019
Little Mutaqeen Recommends: ‘My Little Book About God’
With vintage illustrations and lyrical text, this simple book about God and His love is a personal favorite. It’s a board-book suitable for early years but would benefit just about any child.
Red Flags: I wouldn't call it a flag but when it says ‘God is the love of our mothers kiss’ don’t take it literally and start a theological debate about Wahdat-ul-wojood. This needed to be said.
Interest Level: 4+
Reading Level:6+
Worth shipping from another part of the world: This is not really a Muslim book per se. So if it's not easily accessible, give it a pass.
With vintage illustrations and lyrical text, this simple book about God and His love is a personal favorite. It’s a board-book suitable for early years but would benefit just about any child.
Red Flags: I wouldn't call it a flag but when it says ‘God is the love of our mothers kiss’ don’t take it literally and start a theological debate about Wahdat-ul-wojood. This needed to be said.
Interest Level: 4+
Reading Level:6+
Worth shipping from another part of the world: This is not really a Muslim book per se. So if it's not easily accessible, give it a pass.
June 26, 2019
The illustrations are so perfect 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews