I’ve always loved Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of his hand.” The idea that God speaks to us through his creation is evident the more time you spend in nature. And children, naturally curious about the world they are just discovering, are often more sensitive to this fact than busy adults.
This makes the opening of the new board book God Speaks to Me by Kristen Wetherell and illustrated by Grace Habib so ideal for introducing young children to the topic of how God communicates with us. The first few pages focus on how Jesus speaks through his creation, even echoing some of the language from Psalm 19.
But nature isn’t the only way God speaks to us, so next Wetherell introduces the concept of God speaking through his word, the Bible. She weaves multiple metaphors from scripture into her rhyming text comparing God’s word to honey, a lamp, a sword, and a rock.
Of course, the most important way God has spoken to us is through his son Jesus. God Speaks to Me seamlessly transitions from talking about God’s word to Jesus who is the Word, packing a lot of child-friendly theology into just a few short pages.
This book fills a much needed place for well-written, theologically sound books at the preschool/toddler comprehension level. The art has an engaging, childlike quality. And kids will love the lift-the-flap mirror inside the Bible on the final page that will remind kids that God speaks to them through his word. The backmatter for parents lists reference versions and suggestions on engaging these concepts with kids though the book and beyond.
Image background by Freepik
- How to Read Less This Summer - July 1, 2024
- Midsummer’s Mayhem: Shakespeare, Baking, Magic - April 17, 2024
- Review: God Speaks to Me - February 28, 2024
Leave a Reply