God Gave Us Family: A Picture Book

God Gave Us

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special.

Even the members of Little Pup’s pack make up an important role in his family, although they sometimes pester him. Papa gently reminds his son…

“We need to love the family God gave us.”

A heartwarming and colorful addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, this tale will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2017

About the author

About

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Tawn Bergren has written a nice book about the different types of families. From the viewpoint of a wolf family, Little Pup wants to know why they only have one child. Mama and Papa explain that it is the family that God has given them up to this point and may be the only child they have. It is pointed out how others have a lot more in their family but that is what God has given them. It is also mentioned that some parents choose to adopt, and some children are raised by grandparents. And it is also talked about how we are part of a bigger family, like a pack or cousins. I personally related it to include a church family. Sweet story for children to hear or read with lovely illustrations by David Holn.

[Tina Haigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian book that teaches children about different kinds of families. God and love are strong themes throughout. It covers topics of only children, multiple children, two parents, single parents, grandparents, adoption, family not always being blood, and getting along. My only qualm is it doesn't include two moms or two dads but that was to be expected with a religiously themed book. However I still feel like it's a really good book to introduce different family dynamics to young children. I would recommend this for children age 4 to 8.

[Amanda Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute illustrations are coupled with a dialogue-themed story to explain how God fits everyone into the family that He chooses. It goes from some families having only one child to other families having several to children raised by grandparents to extended being a part of extended family. The little wolf learns that the cousins he thought were annoying one year were great fun the next year. It’s a pretty thorough little book, explaining all aspects of family and love, and how our earthly family is like being a part of a spiritual family.

Part of the thoroughness was that some mamas and papas couldn’t be a part of raising their family (divorce). I doubt the author intended to make it sound this way, but it could almost come across that God makes some families divided, because of the quote, “God gives us family in lots of different ways…look at Graham the Goose. His mama is raising all of those goslings by herself.” I realize this is me being nit-picky, but considering the children I’d read it to, it would bring up questions about “So is God the one who pulls a family apart?” (which, I’ll admit, would lead to a great discussion about man’s choice)

All in all, though, this book was very cute and had a good message of being content in the family you’re in.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on Faithfully Bookish

I appreciate the way important family issues like annoying siblings are approached in a kind and encouraging manner. The kids especially enjoyed the outdoorsy activities that the wolf pack enjoyed together and we all agree that family is a precious gift from God! This book is an instant favorite for us!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"God give us family in lots of different ways" . . .

Exploring the gift of family, the author explains in the simplest and sweetest terms, how God places each and every individual into the safe cocoon of "family", which can sometimes look very different on the outside, but accomplishes the same purpose on the inside.

And, "because we're family, we figure out how to get along".

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read More on my blog Grits & Grace

About:

Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special. Even the members of Little Pup’s pack make up an important role in his family, although they sometimes pester him. Papa gently reminds his son… “We need to love the family God gave us.” A heartwarming and colorful addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, this tale will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love.

Through colorful illustrations and easy to follow plot, this story will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love. From single parents to being raised by grandparents, this book touches on a lot of the normal family dynamics we see today.

This book is perfect for reading aloud, my kindergartner enjoyed trying to read this on her own. While she is still learning, it was very easy for her to follow along, out of 40 pages we really only struggled with a few (less than 15) words.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be looking into other books from the series. The explanation of various types of families was very well thought out.

The ending scene of everyone around the camp listening to grandparents tell their stories is certainly something my family (and most families I know) can relate to.

Stating the obvious:
I know this is a Christian book, so I'm not surprised there's no mention of LGBT families, I would like to see this series touch on that one day. I would also love to see on in the near future on step-families as well.

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Read More on my blog Grits & Grace

[Jessie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What it Means to be a Family
Thank you Blogging for Books!

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and as most of us know not all families are ideal, however, in “God Gave us Family” we learn what it means to be thankful, respectful, appreciative and loving towards the family we do have, the one God gave us.

In this new addition to the “God Gave Us” series Lisa Tawn Bergren takes us on a trip through the forest to a family reunion for Little Pup and his parents. On the way, Little Pup explores the meaning of what it is to be a family, from the single mother goose to the grandparent moose raising their grandchild to the family of raccoons who sleep all day. It does not matter what a family looks like as long as you are surrounded by people who love you. When Little Pup and his parent’s meet up with the rest of their pack he sees his cousins and meets new ones, they play and climb and built forts and listen as grandma and grandpa tell old stories. Little Pup realizes something, in the beginning, he may not have understood why families are so different but he sure is happy he has the one God gave him.

With beautifully painted illustrations of nature by David Hohn, “God Gave us Family” is a welcome addition to my own families library. I received this book (yes an actual hardcover book!) as a free review copy from the site ‘Blogging for Books’ presented by the Crown Publishing Group (Penguin-Random House) and I couldn’t be happier I took a chance on an author and a series I had not yet been familiar with.

Here is a link if you would like more information on the book and its author along with a link to the Blogging for Books website, it is a great program for those of us who love to read, write, and get the opportunity to be one of the early readers of the newest books on the market.

My Blog; https://wordpress.com/view/jessyrobin...
http://lisatawnbergren.com/book-table...
http://www.bloggingforbooks.com

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better way time to discuss families then on the way to a family reunion? In God Gave Us Family, Little Pup's wolf family is having a family reunion in the woods. As they travel to the reunion, Little Pup asks his Mama and Papa all sorts of questions about families. They give him some warm and reassuring answers as they remind Little Pup that God gives us each a family. Little pup learns that families come in all different sizes and types, but we need to love the family He gave us.


God Gave Us Family is written for children ages 3 to 8. This book is positive and affirming, besides being fun to read as a family. Along with the story, I especially love the adorable illustrations of the wolf family and their camping reunion in the woods. I would think many families would be able to relate to this family camping adventure with illustrations of family members roasting marshmallows, sleeping in tents, playing games, hiking and catching lightning bugs to put in a jar. Even though animals are featured in the story, it looks a lot like many people's camping adventures complete with a front cover that includes a family photo from the reunion.


I should mention that God Gave Us Family covers mainly traditional types of families, since this is a Christian book. Families with an adopted child, those led by single parents and families led by grandparents are all mentioned in this book, along with the typical two-parent led families with various numbers of children. It is part of a series of God Gave Us books that include God Gave Us You, God Gave Us Thankful Hearts (previously reviewed on my blog) and God Gave Us Easter.



This book releases on October 17 and is available now for Pre-order.


I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run for this author who reminds me of the children’s books I’ve read by Max Lucado. This author gives a unique insight into what makes up a family. The story starts out with Max’s family heading to a get together of wolves. Max looks around him at other families and asks his dad why his family only has one child. His father explains that there are lots of different families. He tells him how they are thankful for him. When he arrived they became a family.

Each page has adorable colorful pictures to illustrate the diverse types of family. And the character of these families. The pictures are fun, expressive as they go about their adventures in the woods with other animals.

The dad goes on to explain that some families are quiet, some loud. They do this and/or that. One not being better than the other just different. Then the mom talks about how God’s family works. “He brings together those who love him to create an even greater family.”

Great message and so many opportunities to discuss lots of topics such as adoption, single families, and the family of believers. I can’t wait to read this one to my grandkids.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
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[Oak · Rating 3 out of 5]

God Gave Us Family is a touching children’s book by Lisa Tawn Bergren that shows how families come in all different sizes and forms, but that each family is loving and special in its own way. Bergren sends the message that no one kind of family is better than any other, and her words are positive and affirming for young children.

The protagonist of the book is a wolf, Little Pup, who is an only child, and the book would especially be suited for an only child who is questioning why they do not have any siblings. For a youngster who has mixed feelings about being an only child, the book demonstrates that their family is perfect the way it is. However, if an only child is already fine with the way things are in his family, this might not be the best book for him, since the book begins with Little Pup saying things like, “Wally’s family has eight kids! And we only get one?” and “We could ‘dopt a baby.”

Hohn’s illustrations are delicate and detailed, with a lot of action happening on each page. I imagine that children will love looking at the pictures! My favorite illustration is the one where the grandparent wolves tell old stories to their grandchildren.

The only concept I would add to this lovely book is that a couple without children is also considered a family. One of the lines in the book says, “But we thank God for you. Your arrival made us a family.” However, some couples never have children, but God has still made them a family.

*I received this book for review*

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love Lisa Tawn Bergren's "God Gave... " series. For those that we've read, my favorite has been "God Found Us You" speaking to the unique journey of adoption. It was gifted to my little guy on his adoption day by my mom and it's my personal favorite.

In this edition, Little Pup and his family are headed to their family reunion. Along the way, Little Pup questions his parents about why they only have one child in their family. They explore the idea that families come in all different styles: grandparents, single parents, adoption. In the end, Little Pup decides he loves the family that he's been given, crazy cousins and all.

Pros:

talking about different types of families
mention of adoption
beautiful illustrations
positive parent/ child relationship
Cons:

Part way through the book the story changes from dialogue to narrative. Although I still loved the story, it would have been better to keep it all in one style or have a mix of the two throughout. Having the book change halfway through 'caused it to loose it's continuity. And it was sad to see the dialogue with Little Pup's parents disappear.

All in all, I did enjoy this book and think it would be especially helpful for any child struggling with family relationships. It's also a great starting point for discussion about different types of families. While not my favorite within the series, it is a sweet story and would make a nice gift for the child in your life.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Haley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Bergren is one of my favorite authors. Her series, River of Time, is one of my all time favorite series.
When I saw that she wrote children’s books, I was so happy. Kids’ books are the best. No judgement to anyone who still reads children’s books!
David Hohn did a wonderful job. The illustrations are adorable! It was hard to focus on actually reading the book instead looking at the pictures!
The point of the story was really cute. “We need to love the family God gave us.”
The cover deserves 5 stars. I really need to find more of David Hohn’s books!
Little Pup’s story also deserves 5 stars. This is a great story for all kids’ to read!

Title: God Gave Us Family
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrator: David Hohn
Author’s Website: http://lisatawnbergren.com/
Illustrator’s Website: http://www.davidhohn.com/

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I really loved the story a lot, and the illustrations are just beautiful. God Gave us Family has a very easy to understand base of a story - and teaches children that family doesn't always mean just blood relatives. It teaches that we need to love the people that God has placed in our lives and in our family, no matter how they came to us. The kids has many questions throughout, and it was a wonderful conversation starter. Reading this book gave me a chance to explain about things like adoption, and church family. I will be looking to purchase more books like this one in the future for sure.


I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
This in no way reflects how I rate the book.

[Lauren Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! "God Gave Us Family" was a sweet story about families and their different dynamics. It shamed no type of family, but instead gave purpose to each and every family story... no matter how different they may look. This is an impactful story for kids of this generation, especially. So many kids see families of all shapes and sizes, and it can be easy for comparison or confusion to arise. This book showed Gods purpose for all of His creation, in all different ways! The illustrations were very engaging, and the flow of the book captivates the attention of its readers. I highly, highly recommend!

[Emma Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little pups family is teaching him about all the different kinds of families. How he should appreciate every type of family God gave him. They mention families that involve adoption, single mothers and grandparents taking care of grandchildren. They teach him what a family really means. "Whenever somebody is loving and caring for another, that is a family". I enjoy the idea of young Christian books to share with young minds. Not sure if I am able to use it in a classroom unless it is a private Christian school. (portfolio 2)

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the message of this book. A family is a family. Sometimes it born. Sometimes adopted, sometimes made. All families are different, and sometimes they don't get along, and sometimes they are best friends. For this book, all this is given by god, which is a fine message to send. I love the illustrations. They are fun and colorful. This is a too add book to any christian book shelf.

[†Reviews of a FearStreetZombie† · Rating 5 out of 5]

I intentionally got this book as a gift but I wanted to read it before I passed it on.

I realize I must be a horrible person because I ended up loving it so much I wanted to keep it for my daughter. Lol This was such a cute and uplifting read! I think even adults should read this book because of the love it shows and how even though families are different, they are still family no matter how big or small.

It warmed my heart reading this.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The pictures are so great and the story line is wonderful. This book talks about all the different kinds of families and makes it a great read for a group as many will not have the same type of family. It makes them all feel included and a part of the story. I look forward to more of these books.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books, the review is my own.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how this books teaches that all kinds of family are good and important. I'm not super fond of concept of calling friends family.

Talking points: How many people in your family can you name? What are the gifts of each of your family members? How many people would you have if you could choose?

Essential Oil Pairing Tips: Diffusing doTERRA's Marjoram can help build a sense of community and connection. It can especially help those who have a hard time feeling part of things.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book about a young pup and his parents traveling to a family reunion. along the way they meet and talk about different types of families and how God has brought all of them together. A perfect mix of religion and heart. Preschool and up or one on one. I received a copy of this book from the blogging for books program in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIttle Pup wonders why he is the only kid in his family. Dad and Mom go on to explain how there are so many different kinds of families from multiple children, single parent, adopted children, separated parents, grandparents as caregivers, friends that are like family, etc. The overall message is that God give us family in all shapes and forms.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf parents teach their lone pup about being a family and how God gave each family different members. Some families are big, others small. Sometimes families are frustrating, other times fun. But we have to learn to get along and love the family we have.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christian Children's book on family. I received this as part of a gift and voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. I liked the way this author explained family. Again, the wording was great for the young.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a lucky winner of this book here on goodreads.com. This was a very cute book. My daughters loved it!!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

A Little Wolf asks his Mama Wolf why his family only has one kid. Cute pictures and story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new one in the series that focuses on a new family- the wolves. Lil Pup learns to appreciate and love the family that God has given him, just the way it is.

[Colleen Miller Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave me this sweet and simple book in celebration of my new grandchild. The illustrations are well-done and the colors used are beautiful.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
Cute children's book. Has colorful and engaging pictures. Has an engaging storyline. Kids can learn about animals as well as why family is important.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Pup learns more about family and why God gives us one.

[Nanny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about all types of families.
Cute illustrations.