Now that my girls are older, I rarely get the opportunity to read children’s books.
Okay, that’s a lie…
Image found on Flickr, Linda Jordon
On occasion (aka not so occasionally), you can find me sitting in my library/sewing/writing/soon-to-be-bed room reading Dr. Seuss — out loud. (Not sure what it says about me that there’s a room in my house with an identity crisis) (Also, in case you weren’t aware… out loud is the ONLY acceptable way to read a Dr. Seuss book!)
Since my girls are now 17 and 12, there aren’t many children’s books that I’m even willing to read, let alone take the time to re-read over and over again. (Other than Seuss, obviously.)
For a book to achieve such an honor in my currently WAY overloaded schedule, it has got to be phenomenal. To be honest, I would have told you such a book did not exist.
Turns out, I was wrong (again).
Normally, being wrong makes me want to vomit. (FYI – I hate the word vomit. It makes me want to vomit and I use it here only to emphasize how strongly I oppose even the idea of being wrong… Also, sorry for the use of the word, vomit.)
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner was one time that I can say, I’M SO GLAD I WAS WRONG!!!!! I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THIS BOOK WITH MY FUTURE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN!! (Yes, the shouting was necessary.)
Not only did I read this book out loud to myself, but I read it to my 17 year old daughter (twice) and then to my husband! I just loved it so much I HAD to share it!
The rhythm of the words are written in such a way that I felt as if I was reading a Dr. Seuss book. The way Seuss wrote in a fun, upbeat way to convey important matters has always been inspiring to me. I love finding new books able to do that just as well as the Cat in the Hat man, posthumously can.
I would dare say that When God Made You isn’t just for kids. I’d give it as a graduation present along with Oh, the Places You’ll Go. (Are you Seuss’d out yet?)
It’s so uplifting and its message so powerful that I would recommend it for anyone struggling with depression or just going through a “down” time. I know that I can get really harsh with myself and start to feel as if I don’t matter…
This book reminds us that we are ALL important, loved, cherished, and needed.
‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!
Not having small children (at least not at the current moment), I wanted to make sure I gave an honest review. After all, the true test of a successful children’s book isn’t whether the parents like it…
It’s how the kids feel about it!
So a friend of mine read When God Made You with her son. Not only did he enjoy the book, but she was kind enough to share her thoughts about it as well:
Beautifully illustrated, “When God Made You” captures the eye as well as the ear. Its message about every child’s value in the eyes of her creator (and unique potential to create beauty herself!) is presented in soothing, melodic form, reminiscent of Dr Seuss. Perfect for bedtime! – Kendal K. (mother of two amazingly awesome kids)
I found this video on YouTube of children sharing how God made them. It seemed to be the perfect way to wrap up this review. Enjoy!
Thanks so much to the Blogging for Books program for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Rate this:Share this:- More
