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What Is God Like?
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The late, beloved Rachel Held Evans answers many children's first question about God in this gorgeous picture book, fully realized by her friend Matthew Paul Turner, the bestselling author of When God Made You.
Children who are introduced to God, through attending church or having loved ones who speak about God, often have a lot of questions, including this ever-popular one: What is God like? The late Rachel Held Evans loved the Bible and loved showing God's love through the words and pictures found in that ancient text. Through these pictures from the Bible, children see that God is like a shepherd, God is like a star, God is like a gardener, God is like the wind, and more. God is a comforter and support.
And whenever a child is unsure, What Is God Like? encourages young hearts to "think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel loved, and what makes you feel brave. That's what God is like."
Children who are introduced to God, through attending church or having loved ones who speak about God, often have a lot of questions, including this ever-popular one: What is God like? The late Rachel Held Evans loved the Bible and loved showing God's love through the words and pictures found in that ancient text. Through these pictures from the Bible, children see that God is like a shepherd, God is like a star, God is like a gardener, God is like the wind, and more. God is a comforter and support.
And whenever a child is unsure, What Is God Like? encourages young hearts to "think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel loved, and what makes you feel brave. That's what God is like."
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 15, 2021
16 people are currently reading
2200 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Held Evans
24 books1,731 followersRachel Held Evans was a New York Times best-selling author whose books include Faith Unraveled (2010), A Year of Biblical Womanhood (2012), and Searching for Sunday (2015). Hailing from Dayton, Tennessee—home of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925—she wrote about faith, doubt and life in the Bible Belt.
Rachel was featured in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Christianity Today, Slate, The Huffington Post, The CNN Belief Blog, and on NPR, The BBC, The Today Show, and The View. She kept a busy schedule speaking at churches, conferences, and colleges and universities around the country.
Rachel was featured in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Christianity Today, Slate, The Huffington Post, The CNN Belief Blog, and on NPR, The BBC, The Today Show, and The View. She kept a busy schedule speaking at churches, conferences, and colleges and universities around the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
June 10, 2021
There is a popular concept in Celtic lore called, "thin places," which is the idea that there may be spaces that exist in the world where there's less of a barrier between us and the Divine... that if we go there, we can find the God our hearts so desperately search for.
I believe that in WHAT IS GOD LIKE?, the late Rachel Held Evans' debut children's book, co-authored with Matthew Paul Turner, a "thin place" has been created. This gorgeous book will take your breath away. What I love about Rachel and Matthew's words in this book is that comfort is found in the mystery of God—too many Christian resources for children (and far, far too many of those same resources for adults) set up a very reductive, black-and-white understanding of how God works and leave no room for the reader to be truly amazed by the diverse beauty of the Divine. Many Christian writers are now starting to present lovingly the mystery of God in their works for adults (which very much includes Rachel's catalogue) and it is so wonderful to see those truths distilled—but not diluted—in a way a child can understand and love. As it is in life, there is no easy answer spoon-fed to the reader in this book—each analogy of what God is like inspires critical thought and profound imagination. I have hope for the children of the church if WHAT IS GOD LIKE? and the many other works it will inspire are part of how they are introduced to the question—what is God like? This one is a must read. I can't wait to share it with all of the children in my life.
(P.S. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention also the awe-inspiring illustrations from Ying Hui Tan. The vibrant colors and expert skill are a marvel to behold. Each page more than lives up to the high echelon Rachel and Matthew's words lie. Moreover, the diversity of all the people—gender, ethnicity, disability, and more—featured in this book ensures that every reader will be able to find someone they can point to and say, "that looks like me!" This makes the reader feel seen—by Rachel, Matthew, Ying Hui, and God as well)
I believe that in WHAT IS GOD LIKE?, the late Rachel Held Evans' debut children's book, co-authored with Matthew Paul Turner, a "thin place" has been created. This gorgeous book will take your breath away. What I love about Rachel and Matthew's words in this book is that comfort is found in the mystery of God—too many Christian resources for children (and far, far too many of those same resources for adults) set up a very reductive, black-and-white understanding of how God works and leave no room for the reader to be truly amazed by the diverse beauty of the Divine. Many Christian writers are now starting to present lovingly the mystery of God in their works for adults (which very much includes Rachel's catalogue) and it is so wonderful to see those truths distilled—but not diluted—in a way a child can understand and love. As it is in life, there is no easy answer spoon-fed to the reader in this book—each analogy of what God is like inspires critical thought and profound imagination. I have hope for the children of the church if WHAT IS GOD LIKE? and the many other works it will inspire are part of how they are introduced to the question—what is God like? This one is a must read. I can't wait to share it with all of the children in my life.
(P.S. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention also the awe-inspiring illustrations from Ying Hui Tan. The vibrant colors and expert skill are a marvel to behold. Each page more than lives up to the high echelon Rachel and Matthew's words lie. Moreover, the diversity of all the people—gender, ethnicity, disability, and more—featured in this book ensures that every reader will be able to find someone they can point to and say, "that looks like me!" This makes the reader feel seen—by Rachel, Matthew, Ying Hui, and God as well)
August 29, 2025
This is such a beautiful book, and although it is a children's book, I think every adult can benefit from reading it too. The illustrations are gorgeous. The theology is so good and beautiful.
One of my absolute favorite lines is "God is like a mother, strong and safe. You can crawl up into her lap whenever you want to, and she will hold you until you fall asleep."
And as I just heard Sarah Bessey say during the book launch event, I'm not sure anyone has summarized the idea of perichoresis so succinctly and well before! -> "God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God's elegance and rhythm in your life."
And then there's the last page, which reiterates that this question is a very big question! A question that so many people from all over the world and throughout all of time have answered in different ways. The encouragement is to "keep wondering. Keep learning about God. But whenever you aren't sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That's what God is like." (And I'm crying again...)
Seriously, go buy this book for yourself, your kids, your friend's kids, your nieces and nephews. It is so incredibly beautiful.
One of my absolute favorite lines is "God is like a mother, strong and safe. You can crawl up into her lap whenever you want to, and she will hold you until you fall asleep."
And as I just heard Sarah Bessey say during the book launch event, I'm not sure anyone has summarized the idea of perichoresis so succinctly and well before! -> "God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God's elegance and rhythm in your life."
And then there's the last page, which reiterates that this question is a very big question! A question that so many people from all over the world and throughout all of time have answered in different ways. The encouragement is to "keep wondering. Keep learning about God. But whenever you aren't sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That's what God is like." (And I'm crying again...)
Seriously, go buy this book for yourself, your kids, your friend's kids, your nieces and nephews. It is so incredibly beautiful.
November 22, 2021
#GoodReadsGiveAway
Thanks to Convergent Books for the chance to read this book.
First let me start with what can be said without reservation. The illustrations by Ying Hui Tan capture the text well. They are also vibrant and inviting. She can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show....
Now, the author (or framer) of this book is Rachel Held Evans who died at 37 years leaving a young family. My profound sympathies go out to them. The work was carried to completion by the efforts of her husband, Daniel Jonce Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Kudos to them.
In the forward, her husband mentions that "you'll find Rachel's heart for people, love of words, and the solace she discovered in the unknown." The emphasis is mine and is the crux of my interaction with this book. The question really comes down to "How is God knowable?" If there is a God, how can he be known and in what way? These are profoundly difficult questions that have challenged people of faith all over the world. The way in which these questions are answered may determine your enjoyment and acceptance of this book. In general, those who hold to historical orthodox Christianity will find God most fully known in the person and work of Jesus Christ (i.e. in the known Christ, not in the unknown). Yet, there is no mention of Jesus in this text. There is no mention of his life, suffering, death, and resurrection.
This is surprising for a book that includes in its Cataloging-in-Publication data, the Library of Congress Subject Heading of "God (Christianity)." It's right there in the subject heading, "Christ." And yet, no Christ is in this book. It begs the question about what other aspects of the Christian God have been left out as being too harsh, or unpopular, or unpalatable. What God then remains?
I'm sure if you walk in the same theological stream as Rachel Held Evans (with Matthew Paul Turner) you will love this book. If, however, you hold to a more conservative, historically orthodox theological outlook, then you can certainly find something better.
Thanks to Convergent Books for the chance to read this book.
First let me start with what can be said without reservation. The illustrations by Ying Hui Tan capture the text well. They are also vibrant and inviting. She can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show....
Now, the author (or framer) of this book is Rachel Held Evans who died at 37 years leaving a young family. My profound sympathies go out to them. The work was carried to completion by the efforts of her husband, Daniel Jonce Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Kudos to them.
In the forward, her husband mentions that "you'll find Rachel's heart for people, love of words, and the solace she discovered in the unknown." The emphasis is mine and is the crux of my interaction with this book. The question really comes down to "How is God knowable?" If there is a God, how can he be known and in what way? These are profoundly difficult questions that have challenged people of faith all over the world. The way in which these questions are answered may determine your enjoyment and acceptance of this book. In general, those who hold to historical orthodox Christianity will find God most fully known in the person and work of Jesus Christ (i.e. in the known Christ, not in the unknown). Yet, there is no mention of Jesus in this text. There is no mention of his life, suffering, death, and resurrection.
This is surprising for a book that includes in its Cataloging-in-Publication data, the Library of Congress Subject Heading of "God (Christianity)." It's right there in the subject heading, "Christ." And yet, no Christ is in this book. It begs the question about what other aspects of the Christian God have been left out as being too harsh, or unpopular, or unpalatable. What God then remains?
I'm sure if you walk in the same theological stream as Rachel Held Evans (with Matthew Paul Turner) you will love this book. If, however, you hold to a more conservative, historically orthodox theological outlook, then you can certainly find something better.
June 13, 2021
Yeah, aside from the questionable artwork and ... interesting ... analogies, the fact that the author refers to God as "she" and "they" is just ... it's a no for me.
June 9, 2021
This is one of the most wonderfully written and illustrated books about the nature of God that I have read in a very long time. As a pastor who loves communicating Gods love with children I am always looking for picture books that combine a loving and compassionate image of the divine alongside inclusive and intersectional illustrations. You can hear the voice of the late Rachel Held Evans as God is described in loving action, constant companionship, and delightful images. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who is looking for a children’s book about God and faith.
June 16, 2021
This children’s book is a work of poetry and art that speaks to a child’s imagination and sense of wonder and love. It is not a theological treatise or a recounting of the life of Jesus. This book is not meant to give a picture of orthodox Christianity. And Christians who hold to a fairly traditional, orthodox teaching will be on their guard against something they see as trying too hard to be inclusive, as well as depicting a vague theism that is feelings-based. The use of different pronouns towards the end will bother some readers. I see it as a good starting point for conversation. Would any seminarian worth their salt deny for a second that God is neither man nor woman? What about the mystery of His triune essence, hinted at in the very first page of Genesis in the plural word “Elohim”?
I would encourage these readers to not throw the baby out with the bath water, to stop for a minute and think about the message and who could really need it. Identify the things that make you uncomfortable and examine why that is. Reading this as an adult, I reflect on my upbringing in a conservative Christian church and knew a lot of scripture and doctrine, but I was an anxious child who could have benefited from Rachel’s gentle reminder of the sort of God I could trust not only intellectually, but also emotionally and intuitively.
Despite any failings it may have, this book does point toward powerful truths about God. God is beyond our human categories and limitations. He is everywhere and always with us. He is wholly good. He is strong and safe. That is something I would like the whole world to know, including my children. Is it the whole story? Of course not. It is an illustration, a sign post, a poem. Don’t stop there. But please, in your attempt to uphold orthodoxy, don’t be afraid to recognize truth where it may be found.
June 15, 2021
The day we lost Rachel, I cried all day long. And when I found out the last book she was writing was a children's book, I cried once again. What a gift to the world this book is. It's message is simple, inclusive, and beautiful, but also challenges adults as much as it encourages children.
I'm so thankful that Dan, Rachel's husband, reached out to Matthew Paul Turner to have him aid in finishing the book. MPT's children's books are just exceptional. I've yet to be able to read one of his books without crying.
This will be my new go-to book for baby showers!
I'm so thankful that Dan, Rachel's husband, reached out to Matthew Paul Turner to have him aid in finishing the book. MPT's children's books are just exceptional. I've yet to be able to read one of his books without crying.
This will be my new go-to book for baby showers!
November 1, 2021
I read this one aloud to myself like a bedtime story every night for a week and it was delightful. I think it could be a practice we all enjoy every once in a while. In the market for recommendations of this kind!
August 15, 2021
First sentence: What is God like? That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world have wondered about since the beginning of time. And while nobody has seen all of God (because God is far too big for any of us to fully see), we can know what God is like.
What is God like? That is THE question being asked and answered in this picture book. It's a solid question. No doubt about it. This question is FUNDAMENTAL to anyone who reckons themselves to be religious or spiritual. She argues that the question is universal, and it is. It is as universal as you can get.
How you answer the question "What is God like?" matters. It does. It's a question worth wrestling with. It's a question you may spend hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades wrestling with. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are--at some point you may very well ask yourself WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
And it's because the question is so fundamental and foundational that the answer is so crucial and critical.
Evans answer is Christ-less. Think about that. How can a Christian answer the question What is God like without mentioning the name Jesus Christ?
I think the book is Christ-less because Evans never once uses the Bible either as source or support. I'll try to clarify the best I can. I'll back up a bit. Where can any human being find the answer to the question What is God like? Has God by chance revealed himself to humans in some way? Has God himself in fact spoken? The answer is yes and yes. We have the Word of God...and the Word of God. That is we have both the Holy Scriptures and Jesus Christ, himself the Word of God. We have big questions and we can go to a big book. We can seek and find...in Scripture...the answer to the question What is God like? We don't have to rely on instincts, gut feelings, emotions, or whimsy. In fact, we shouldn't rely on those! We cannot know God apart from God's self-revelation in His Word. Now without a doubt the heart is an idol-making factory. From the very beginnings we humans have been making, remaking, molding, shaping "god" into a "god" of our own liking and making. Each person can easily have an idol named MyGod. Think of it like a Build a Bear Workshop. We can pick and choose the attributes and characteristics we want, and discard anything we don't want. We can make the comfiest-coziest-snuggliest god that makes us feel awesome about ourselves.
You might think. Okay, you're exaggerating. You're surely not suggesting that she is suggesting that the readers imagine God any way they like. I give you the end of her book...
Evans' book doesn't set about answering the question What is God Like? by using the Bible as her guide and reference. It is an ear-tickler of a read. So open-ended and non-specific and safe-for-everyone-no-matter-what that it couldn't possibly offend.
Well, mostly. There are still some that hold to the Bible as the Word of God and Christ as THE way, THE truth, THE life. But this is a book for the masses that don't care if Christ is missing. Which begs the question...why is Christ missing and no one caring? Because people have lost sight of why Christ came. Christ is not needed as a Savior and so he's not worth mentioning in her book.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that every sentence is completely and totally wrong. But I think that's a matter of a stopped clock--a clock that has stopped keeping time--being right at least twice a day. If you happen to look at it at just the right moment. Or perhaps the better comparison would be if you set about to paint a picture of an elephant, but you happened to leave off the big ears and the trunk. Sometimes enough is left out that what remains is lacking and insufficient.
The book answers the question with poetic language, imagery, metaphors. Her narrative is spiritual-sounding, life-affirming, feel-good-on-the-ears. Evans is sharing HER God with readers without fact-checking if HER God is one and the same with the God revealed within the pages of the Word of God, the Bible. And she's asking her readers to do the same. The way she's answering the question leads me to believe the real question is either a) What is YOUR God like? OR b) Who do YOU think God is?
She closes the book urging her readers to "Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning." But she doesn't once point them to the place where they can find REAL answers. Instead she points them inward.
What is God like? That is THE question being asked and answered in this picture book. It's a solid question. No doubt about it. This question is FUNDAMENTAL to anyone who reckons themselves to be religious or spiritual. She argues that the question is universal, and it is. It is as universal as you can get.
How you answer the question "What is God like?" matters. It does. It's a question worth wrestling with. It's a question you may spend hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades wrestling with. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are--at some point you may very well ask yourself WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
And it's because the question is so fundamental and foundational that the answer is so crucial and critical.
Evans answer is Christ-less. Think about that. How can a Christian answer the question What is God like without mentioning the name Jesus Christ?
I think the book is Christ-less because Evans never once uses the Bible either as source or support. I'll try to clarify the best I can. I'll back up a bit. Where can any human being find the answer to the question What is God like? Has God by chance revealed himself to humans in some way? Has God himself in fact spoken? The answer is yes and yes. We have the Word of God...and the Word of God. That is we have both the Holy Scriptures and Jesus Christ, himself the Word of God. We have big questions and we can go to a big book. We can seek and find...in Scripture...the answer to the question What is God like? We don't have to rely on instincts, gut feelings, emotions, or whimsy. In fact, we shouldn't rely on those! We cannot know God apart from God's self-revelation in His Word. Now without a doubt the heart is an idol-making factory. From the very beginnings we humans have been making, remaking, molding, shaping "god" into a "god" of our own liking and making. Each person can easily have an idol named MyGod. Think of it like a Build a Bear Workshop. We can pick and choose the attributes and characteristics we want, and discard anything we don't want. We can make the comfiest-coziest-snuggliest god that makes us feel awesome about ourselves.
You might think. Okay, you're exaggerating. You're surely not suggesting that she is suggesting that the readers imagine God any way they like. I give you the end of her book...
What is God like? That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world throughout all time have answered in many different ways. Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning about God. But whenever you aren’t sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what you makes you feel loved. That’s what God is like.
Evans' book doesn't set about answering the question What is God Like? by using the Bible as her guide and reference. It is an ear-tickler of a read. So open-ended and non-specific and safe-for-everyone-no-matter-what that it couldn't possibly offend.
Well, mostly. There are still some that hold to the Bible as the Word of God and Christ as THE way, THE truth, THE life. But this is a book for the masses that don't care if Christ is missing. Which begs the question...why is Christ missing and no one caring? Because people have lost sight of why Christ came. Christ is not needed as a Savior and so he's not worth mentioning in her book.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that every sentence is completely and totally wrong. But I think that's a matter of a stopped clock--a clock that has stopped keeping time--being right at least twice a day. If you happen to look at it at just the right moment. Or perhaps the better comparison would be if you set about to paint a picture of an elephant, but you happened to leave off the big ears and the trunk. Sometimes enough is left out that what remains is lacking and insufficient.
The book answers the question with poetic language, imagery, metaphors. Her narrative is spiritual-sounding, life-affirming, feel-good-on-the-ears. Evans is sharing HER God with readers without fact-checking if HER God is one and the same with the God revealed within the pages of the Word of God, the Bible. And she's asking her readers to do the same. The way she's answering the question leads me to believe the real question is either a) What is YOUR God like? OR b) Who do YOU think God is?
She closes the book urging her readers to "Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning." But she doesn't once point them to the place where they can find REAL answers. Instead she points them inward.
June 15, 2021
I have struggled with how to talk to my son about faith and God. Most resources we could find had messages and theology we didn’t agree with, so we ended up not saying much when he was very small. This culminated in a very special Easter service where he demanded (a little too loudly), “Wait, Jesus DIED?” Massive fail. Talking to kids about God in healthy and constructive ways is one of the main reasons I am in divinity school.
This book would have been great for our family. It has a lovely message that talks about metaphors for God to help kids understand a loving, comforting, creative, and welcoming God who cares very much about you, your growth, and your place in the world. There is a lot you can do with this book to talk about metaphors for God. I also think this would be a good stepping stone to talk about Jesus (who did die on Good Friday but that’s not the end of the story), because if we want to understand God we can always look at Jesus. This is a strong addition for family and church libraries. I will say that it will probably be a while before I can read it without crying.
This book would have been great for our family. It has a lovely message that talks about metaphors for God to help kids understand a loving, comforting, creative, and welcoming God who cares very much about you, your growth, and your place in the world. There is a lot you can do with this book to talk about metaphors for God. I also think this would be a good stepping stone to talk about Jesus (who did die on Good Friday but that’s not the end of the story), because if we want to understand God we can always look at Jesus. This is a strong addition for family and church libraries. I will say that it will probably be a while before I can read it without crying.
June 1, 2021
What Is God Like? is one of the most meaningful and special children’s books in our library. Rachel Held Evans was, without a doubt, the most influential writer and pastor to me as an adult before she died. Matthew Paul Turner writes children’s books that my two kids absolutely adore and read over and over again. How special it is for MPT to have brought her vision to life in this treasure of a book. The language is inclusive and the illustrations breathtaking. This book paints a picture of the God that Rachel preached - one who is bigger, vaster, more loving and beautiful than we could ever imagine.
Thanks to Convergent Books and NetGalley for the early copy. I can’t wait to by this for all the children in my life.
Thanks to Convergent Books and NetGalley for the early copy. I can’t wait to by this for all the children in my life.
February 27, 2022
"What is God like? That's a very big question, one that people from places all around the world have wondered about since the beginning of time...we can know what God is like."
The book then goes on to tell you what God is like based on what I suppose is their own opinion? How can we know what God is like? Where are you getting this information, what is it based on? On what authority can you write this book telling us what God is like?
This came across as New Age garbage. It really isn't saying anything at all, no substance, no value, no real logic...just a feel good word salad.
"But whenever you aren't sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That's what God is like."
So God, the creator of the universe, is defined by my personal feelings? Maybe having a ton of money makes you feel safe, is God like greed? Maybe punching old ladies in the face makes you feel brave, is God like senseless violence? I don't even want to go into all the messed up things people do to feel loved.
Overall, I recommend this to no one, ever, for any reason.
The book then goes on to tell you what God is like based on what I suppose is their own opinion? How can we know what God is like? Where are you getting this information, what is it based on? On what authority can you write this book telling us what God is like?
This came across as New Age garbage. It really isn't saying anything at all, no substance, no value, no real logic...just a feel good word salad.
"But whenever you aren't sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That's what God is like."
So God, the creator of the universe, is defined by my personal feelings? Maybe having a ton of money makes you feel safe, is God like greed? Maybe punching old ladies in the face makes you feel brave, is God like senseless violence? I don't even want to go into all the messed up things people do to feel loved.
Overall, I recommend this to no one, ever, for any reason.
June 10, 2021
This is a beautiful book that the children of this world needed so very much. The co-authors have done a simple yet profound job of explaining God through similes and metaphors that children can imagine and understand and delight in. I especially love the mixture of he, she, and they pronouns throughout instead of just referring to God as God all of the time in a gender-neutral way. (God is he like a father and she like a mother and they like the trinity.) It is a vivid depiction of the all-encompassing truth of a triune God and how we all bear His, Her, and Their image. Story and metaphor convey truth better than anything in this world -- and that is exactly what this book does. The illustrations are colorful and imaginative and have such movement and wonder -- they are a joy to spend time with as well as the provocative and transformative words. Highly recommend this treasure.
June 29, 2021
0/10...would not recommend for anyone who actually wanted to know what God is like. The illustrations are artistic, although I noticed an inequitable representation of men in the story. I would have given it a solid 9 out of 10 until I reached the last few pages where God is called "she" and "they". Pardon the theological tangent but in the Shema, which precedes the greatest commandment, God says He is one (Deuteronomy 6:4); God, although 3 persons, is one. The masculine is his preferred pronoun.
The misunderstanding of basic theology is the reason I would not avoid this book.
The misunderstanding of basic theology is the reason I would not avoid this book.
October 30, 2021
A compact, inviting little jam of a read for kids about how a higher power operates in our world and lives. Beautifully illustrated and inclusive. For those into progressive theology and the like, check out more from Rachel Held Evans, who tragically died in her late 30s as this book was nearing completion. Such a legacy of love, diversity of thought and open-minded belief. This is a children's book about God that gladly abides in all of life's mysteries, its grace and its gray space.
June 9, 2021
This book is a beautiful explanation for the question I’ve asked myself for years, and I am so grateful for a way to share this explanation with my kids when they start to ask themselves.
December 26, 2023
Me: This is a nice way to think about God
Alex: I like God.
Owen: Huh?
Alex: I like God.
Owen: Huh?
September 13, 2022
I thought this book was really good. This is a great children's book for learning the basic concepts about God. The book just goes through and explains the different things that God is. In the end, you can figure out that God is everything, and he his everywhere.
I do not think that I would be able to use this book in my classroom due to the separation of church and state, but if I were to use it in my classroom I would use it as a positive outreach tool, to help kids feel better and things like that.
I do not think that I would be able to use this book in my classroom due to the separation of church and state, but if I were to use it in my classroom I would use it as a positive outreach tool, to help kids feel better and things like that.
August 15, 2021
"But whenever you aren't sure what God is like..." read the Bible! This is what it should say next, but that is found nowhere in this book, which is extremely disturbing coming from a so-called, but highly doubtful to actually be, Christian. God isn't this nebulous undefinable entity, He has revealed Himself through his actions, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." (Ex 20:2, NASB) and through His word. It's sad that she is still leading people astray from The Truth even from the literal pits of Hell.
August 27, 2021
Who Should Read This Book – Parents who desire for their young children to develop a healthy understanding of what God is like.
What is the Big Takeaway – Questions don’t get any bigger than ones about God and while we’ll never fully understand God we can know that God is better, safer, more wonderful and more loving than our imaginations can conceive.
And a Quote: “God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God’s elegance and rhythm in your life.”
Christian parents seeking to pass their faith on to their children can find good books difficult to find. There are piles and piles of books telling stories from the Bible for kids. Whatever sort of book you are looking for, whichever specific Christian tradition you are a part of, you can probably find books of Bible stories that you like. But books that are more, for lack of a better term, theological can be extremely hard to find.
That’s why I am incredibly happy that this book has been published.
For some background, in case you are not familiar, Rachel Held Evans was a thought-provoking and kind-hearted writer who tragically died a couple of years ago, leaving behind a young family. Her friend, Matthew Paul Turner, worked to complete this book. The illustrations are by Ying Hui Tan and are absolutely fantastic.
It might be worth noting, if it matters, that Evans and Turner are both on the more progressive side of Christianity. That said, the picture painted here of God is in line with mainstream, traditional Christian theology. They even, in the quote I shared above, allude to God as Trinity.
They do not mention Trinity, nor do they mention Jesus. I am sure some readers/parents would desire a bit more specific language. To this I would say, no book is perfect nor exhaustive, especially when we are speaking of God. This book, nor any book, should serve as the only book you read to your kids about God. Parents can supplement this book with other books that go into the specifics they desire to pass on.
What this book excels at is imagination and beauty. Evans and Turner paint a compelling picture of God, reminding us that God is always going to exceed both our rational understanding and most vivid imagination. The story ends by affirming that questions about God are valued and encourages children to keep wondering and learning.
I’ve often wondered if faith development requires some sort of crisis in the teen/young adult years. We learn the basic stories as kids and take the stories, as we take any stories, at face value. Eventually we have to reckon with all sorts of questions about everything from archaeology to history to other religions. Stories of people who leave their faith behind abound, and at least a part of this is that (some of them, in my opinion) never learn to move beyond the surface level of the stories. But some people are able to value the stories they (we) learned as children while also recognizing the deeper truths of God within these stories.
I think this book will help put children on a path to discovering the beautiful and loving God revealed in Jesus.
Postscript: I have been reading Origen’s On First Principles and his writing on the different levels of scripture seems something we’ve lost and would do well to get back. He argues the surface level of scripture is valuable, but we ought not stay there. Rather than throwing out the scripture, as some today are wont to do, we still find value in it. But rather than stay on the surface, as it seems so many others to, we dive deeper. Too many seem to learn the faith as children and think they learned it all (kind of like, graduated from Christianity in 6th grade) while too many others seem to think they grow up and find something more, well, grown-up, than Christianity. Origen (and Evans/Turner) help us see that in place of this either/or you can find a wonderful both/and.
What is the Big Takeaway – Questions don’t get any bigger than ones about God and while we’ll never fully understand God we can know that God is better, safer, more wonderful and more loving than our imaginations can conceive.
And a Quote: “God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God’s elegance and rhythm in your life.”
Christian parents seeking to pass their faith on to their children can find good books difficult to find. There are piles and piles of books telling stories from the Bible for kids. Whatever sort of book you are looking for, whichever specific Christian tradition you are a part of, you can probably find books of Bible stories that you like. But books that are more, for lack of a better term, theological can be extremely hard to find.
That’s why I am incredibly happy that this book has been published.
For some background, in case you are not familiar, Rachel Held Evans was a thought-provoking and kind-hearted writer who tragically died a couple of years ago, leaving behind a young family. Her friend, Matthew Paul Turner, worked to complete this book. The illustrations are by Ying Hui Tan and are absolutely fantastic.
It might be worth noting, if it matters, that Evans and Turner are both on the more progressive side of Christianity. That said, the picture painted here of God is in line with mainstream, traditional Christian theology. They even, in the quote I shared above, allude to God as Trinity.
They do not mention Trinity, nor do they mention Jesus. I am sure some readers/parents would desire a bit more specific language. To this I would say, no book is perfect nor exhaustive, especially when we are speaking of God. This book, nor any book, should serve as the only book you read to your kids about God. Parents can supplement this book with other books that go into the specifics they desire to pass on.
What this book excels at is imagination and beauty. Evans and Turner paint a compelling picture of God, reminding us that God is always going to exceed both our rational understanding and most vivid imagination. The story ends by affirming that questions about God are valued and encourages children to keep wondering and learning.
I’ve often wondered if faith development requires some sort of crisis in the teen/young adult years. We learn the basic stories as kids and take the stories, as we take any stories, at face value. Eventually we have to reckon with all sorts of questions about everything from archaeology to history to other religions. Stories of people who leave their faith behind abound, and at least a part of this is that (some of them, in my opinion) never learn to move beyond the surface level of the stories. But some people are able to value the stories they (we) learned as children while also recognizing the deeper truths of God within these stories.
I think this book will help put children on a path to discovering the beautiful and loving God revealed in Jesus.
Postscript: I have been reading Origen’s On First Principles and his writing on the different levels of scripture seems something we’ve lost and would do well to get back. He argues the surface level of scripture is valuable, but we ought not stay there. Rather than throwing out the scripture, as some today are wont to do, we still find value in it. But rather than stay on the surface, as it seems so many others to, we dive deeper. Too many seem to learn the faith as children and think they learned it all (kind of like, graduated from Christianity in 6th grade) while too many others seem to think they grow up and find something more, well, grown-up, than Christianity. Origen (and Evans/Turner) help us see that in place of this either/or you can find a wonderful both/and.
June 10, 2021
The most beautifully inclusive and loving children's book I've ever read. Matthew Paul Turner honors Rachel Held Evans' legacy by completing "What is God Like?" in such a way that reflects Rachel's admiration for God, her belief that God is love, and her love for God's people. Their gentle words give children permission to ask questions without shame, while reminding them that "But whenever you aren't sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved." Favorite line of all! This is not only a children's book. Buy it for yourself! If you have a difficult relationship with the Church, I think this book will be healing to your soul. If you have a child in your life, this is the description of God you'll want them to grow to know. The illustrations are gorgeous and include children of color, children with disabilities, and give a nod to the LGBTQ community. I will be buying this book as a gift for years to come!
June 9, 2021
What a breathtakingly beautiful book. This new children's book from the late Rachel Held Evans and prolific children's author Matthew Paul Turner is full of depth and heart, and it it deeply meaningful and lovely. The illustrations by Ying Hui Tan are absolute masterpieces.
What is God Like is an exploration of children's first questions about God, and it answers them thoughtfully and intentionally, without skirting around hard concepts or infantilizing big important concepts. It is clear that Turner & Evans believe that children can handle big answers to big questions, while still offering children hope, joy and light as part of the answers too. I cry every time I read it and cannot wait to share it with the children in my life!
What is God Like is an exploration of children's first questions about God, and it answers them thoughtfully and intentionally, without skirting around hard concepts or infantilizing big important concepts. It is clear that Turner & Evans believe that children can handle big answers to big questions, while still offering children hope, joy and light as part of the answers too. I cry every time I read it and cannot wait to share it with the children in my life!
June 23, 2021
A beautifully written and illustrated book that brings a complicated question out of the abstract and into the tangible world. Every page could be a devotional or meditation. I found myself in tears, reading the ending, seeing and feeling Rachel’s heart for God and others reflected in the words. This book draws me to God and encourages me to remember God is here with us. I am so glad my kids can build their faith upon the truths shared in this book.
February 14, 2025
Learning the hard way that I need to research authors and not just pick books off of what’s trending in christian kids books because this is simply not a christian book. It’s an exploration into divinity, sure, but contains no elements of biblical grounding and actually claims traits of God and His people that I believe to be anti-biblical. Disappointing because I really like co-author Matthew Paul Turner’s When I Pray for You. Not keeping this one!
June 9, 2021
This is beautifully written book by two of my favorite folks. While Rachel is no longer with us hearing her in this book is such a gift. They are a way I can share the beauty of her writing and view of God and humanity with my kids. Thank you Matthew Paul Turner for honoring her in your collaboration on this book. It's a beautiful combination.
June 13, 2021
I received an advanced digital copy of this book. It is absolutely incredible. I can almost hear Rachel Held Evans reading this book as I read it. The illustrations are beautiful, the message is perfect. It is a wonderful book for children who have questions about God. I had tears in my eyes as I read it. You won’t regret getting this book for every child in your life.
June 16, 2021
It is beautiful to see a children's book that is all-inclusive, includes all pronouns for God, and to see art that shows how different we all are! To see that this was the last thing RHE was working seems appropriate, to see her in motherhood, to love her children, and to also show that all children are truly loved. Well done to Matthew Paul Turner for finishing it with your beautiful poetry!
July 10, 2021
Good luck to parents attempting to read this book without bawling in front of their children. An absolute must read for parents of every stripe--but especially for us parents who are de-constructing their own fundamentalist Christian baggage while also attempting to explain a big God to their small children. Solidarity and wholeness here.
June 9, 2021
What is God like? That’s a very big question.
Bless the mystery within these pages. Rachel and Matthew provide concrete answers without negating the very big question that people all throughout time have and will continue to ask. I can’t wait to share this with my ministry kiddos and come back to it myself. Brilliant and Beautiful and you need this book.
Bless the mystery within these pages. Rachel and Matthew provide concrete answers without negating the very big question that people all throughout time have and will continue to ask. I can’t wait to share this with my ministry kiddos and come back to it myself. Brilliant and Beautiful and you need this book.
June 15, 2021
“What is God like? That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world have wondered about since the beginning of time.”
I loved the way this beautifully written and illustrated book approaches the idea of God through vivid, tangible, and inclusive images that are approachable by both children and adults. This book opens up conversation, encourages imagination, and overflows with wonder. It is both simple and powerful in the language it uses and the illustrations it depicts.
As a parent I am so thankful to have this book to read with my children and I am so very grateful to Matthew Paul Turner and the late Rachel Held Evans for bringing these beautiful words into the world.
I loved the way this beautifully written and illustrated book approaches the idea of God through vivid, tangible, and inclusive images that are approachable by both children and adults. This book opens up conversation, encourages imagination, and overflows with wonder. It is both simple and powerful in the language it uses and the illustrations it depicts.
As a parent I am so thankful to have this book to read with my children and I am so very grateful to Matthew Paul Turner and the late Rachel Held Evans for bringing these beautiful words into the world.
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