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Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Super Obi
Nothing to Fear
Dominique Okonkwo
2022 Honorable Mention
39 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Are you afraid of the things that go bump in the night? Of the shadows that mysteriously creep around the walls of your room? Are they monsters? Are they going to hurt you? It’s okay to be afraid, but we have to try hard to face our fears. That is what Obi had to learn. When Mommy tucked him in for the night and turned out the light, Obi started seeing all kinds of shadows on his walls. The moonlight coming in through his window was playing tricks on him. Or was it? Then there were strange shapes in his closet and a loud noise rumbling through the house. Someone was coming to get Obi and he was really scared. When he called out for Mommy, Daddy appeared at his bedside and helped him see things in a new perspective. It was all his wonderful, creative imagination. “I am special. And super,” said Obi. “Super Obi – that’s me!”
Dominique Okonkwo’s picture book story, The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear, is a compassionate look at some of the fears we all face from time to time. Based on the author’s son, Obinna, the plot follows a young boy’s growing fears as his imagination takes over once the lights go out for the night. The plot thickens as each image he sees magnifies in scale until poor Obi can’t take it anymore and calls out for help. Like seeking God’s power, love and protection, young children reach out to those closest to them, their parents. Along with delightful illustrations, bright and colorful, the author helps young readers understand that they are not alone and with God on their side, they have their own secret superpower. The story ends with suggestions for a short quiet time and prayer time. With this interactive activity, children will feel their own superpowers, just like Obi. Beautifully told and presented.
Are you afraid of the things that go bump in the night? Of the shadows that mysteriously creep around the walls of your room? Are they monsters? Are they going to hurt you? It’s okay to be afraid, but we have to try hard to face our fears. That is what Obi had to learn. When Mommy tucked him in for the night and turned out the light, Obi started seeing all kinds of shadows on his walls. The moonlight coming in through his window was playing tricks on him. Or was it? Then there were strange shapes in his closet and a loud noise rumbling through the house. Someone was coming to get Obi and he was really scared. When he called out for Mommy, Daddy appeared at his bedside and helped him see things in a new perspective. It was all his wonderful, creative imagination. “I am special. And super,” said Obi. “Super Obi – that’s me!”
Dominique Okonkwo’s picture book story, The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear, is a compassionate look at some of the fears we all face from time to time. Based on the author’s son, Obinna, the plot follows a young boy’s growing fears as his imagination takes over once the lights go out for the night. The plot thickens as each image he sees magnifies in scale until poor Obi can’t take it anymore and calls out for help. Like seeking God’s power, love and protection, young children reach out to those closest to them, their parents. Along with delightful illustrations, bright and colorful, the author helps young readers understand that they are not alone and with God on their side, they have their own secret superpower. The story ends with suggestions for a short quiet time and prayer time. With this interactive activity, children will feel their own superpowers, just like Obi. Beautifully told and presented.
Recommend this book:
Above the Clouds
What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm
Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever wondered what causes the thunder and lightning in a rainstorm? Is there a reason to be afraid? The charming religious-themed children's story, Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon, eliminates the fear surrounding storms. Frightened when a storm wakes her from her sleep, Grace calls out to her mother to come and comfort her. With the thunder and lightning shattering the night around them, Grace's mother explains how the storm is nothing more than angels having a party in heaven. While the DJ Joy is playing loud music, the angels are dancing and stomping the night away. They are enjoying the party so much that their joy can be seen and heard here on earth. The lightning, thunder, and rain are only a manifestation of their celebration. Can Grace accept her mother's explanation? Do angels really dance in heaven?
Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon is a delightful children's book with a religious theme. Beautifully illustrated, the pictures create a perfect complement to an enchanting story. I fell in love with the story from page one; the portrayal of the angels dancing and taking selfies was amusing and disarming, and the sweet, simple explanation of what makes a storm is soothing and cute. The collaboration of authors and artist is a match made in heaven. Superbly written, comforting, and adorable, this fabulous story will charm children of all ages.
Have you ever wondered what causes the thunder and lightning in a rainstorm? Is there a reason to be afraid? The charming religious-themed children's story, Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon, eliminates the fear surrounding storms. Frightened when a storm wakes her from her sleep, Grace calls out to her mother to come and comfort her. With the thunder and lightning shattering the night around them, Grace's mother explains how the storm is nothing more than angels having a party in heaven. While the DJ Joy is playing loud music, the angels are dancing and stomping the night away. They are enjoying the party so much that their joy can be seen and heard here on earth. The lightning, thunder, and rain are only a manifestation of their celebration. Can Grace accept her mother's explanation? Do angels really dance in heaven?
Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon is a delightful children's book with a religious theme. Beautifully illustrated, the pictures create a perfect complement to an enchanting story. I fell in love with the story from page one; the portrayal of the angels dancing and taking selfies was amusing and disarming, and the sweet, simple explanation of what makes a storm is soothing and cute. The collaboration of authors and artist is a match made in heaven. Superbly written, comforting, and adorable, this fabulous story will charm children of all ages.
Recommend this book:
A Lost Star Named Stella
A Children's Story About Learning To Follow God
Jackie Perucki
2022 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite
A Lost Star Named Stella: A Children’s Story About Learning to Follow God is an engaging and thoughtful Christian children’s book written by Jackie Perucki with illustrations by Larisa Ivankovic. This uplifting story shares the beautiful message that God loves each one of us and is a constant guide throughout our lives. In this story, we meet Stella the star who is lost and trying to find her way home. Stella seeks help from those around her, but they are not able to guide her home. Understandably, Stella is quite upset and saddened by the fact that she is lost, and no one can help her. Just when things are bleak and Stella is very weary, she is found and guided home by the maker of the stars.
Jackie Perucki’s A Lost Star Named Stella is a joyous read for children and readers of all ages. The heartfelt message of God’s love and concern for each one of us is beautifully captured through lyrical verse and is accompanied by lovely illustrations from Larisa Ivankovic. Children will relate to Stella and understand how frightened she must feel when she is lost, and no one can help her. There is a great sense of peace and comfort when the Bright Morning Star calmly helps Stella find her way home. Parents and caregivers will enjoy reading this inspiring story that shares the love and hope that God provides to each one of us. A Lost Star Named Stella succinctly and gently conveys the powerful lesson that God is always there for us if we only look to Him.
A Lost Star Named Stella: A Children’s Story About Learning to Follow God is an engaging and thoughtful Christian children’s book written by Jackie Perucki with illustrations by Larisa Ivankovic. This uplifting story shares the beautiful message that God loves each one of us and is a constant guide throughout our lives. In this story, we meet Stella the star who is lost and trying to find her way home. Stella seeks help from those around her, but they are not able to guide her home. Understandably, Stella is quite upset and saddened by the fact that she is lost, and no one can help her. Just when things are bleak and Stella is very weary, she is found and guided home by the maker of the stars.
Jackie Perucki’s A Lost Star Named Stella is a joyous read for children and readers of all ages. The heartfelt message of God’s love and concern for each one of us is beautifully captured through lyrical verse and is accompanied by lovely illustrations from Larisa Ivankovic. Children will relate to Stella and understand how frightened she must feel when she is lost, and no one can help her. There is a great sense of peace and comfort when the Bright Morning Star calmly helps Stella find her way home. Parents and caregivers will enjoy reading this inspiring story that shares the love and hope that God provides to each one of us. A Lost Star Named Stella succinctly and gently conveys the powerful lesson that God is always there for us if we only look to Him.
Recommend this book:
How Far is Heaven?
Amy Skala Tischmann
2022 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Do you know how far away heaven is? When our loved ones leave us, we are told they go to heaven, but where is heaven? We assume it’s somewhere up there, but where exactly? Children aren’t the only ones asking these same questions, but how can we answer their questions about heaven? Simply put, it’s all about faith. We believe that our connection with our loved ones remains within us for all eternity. And that’s heaven: “Heaven is near, and yet Heaven is far./ Because Heaven, my dear, is wherever you are.”
Amy Skala Tischmann’s picture book story, How Far is Heaven?, follows a little boy’s questions about heaven. Tucked in bed, with his mom beside him, he wants to know where heaven is because that’s where his beloved Grandpa has gone. Told in rhyming verse, the author allows the little boy to begin the story with his poignant question, “How far is Heaven? … Is it really that far, Is it far, far away?” Mom has all the right answers. Some of her answers bring more questions, as thoughts of heaven and those we’ve loved and lost being within us can be confusing, especially since we can’t see what is within us and in the beauty of the world all around us. But these questions lead to more solid answers, told with compassion in a simple language with simple comparisons to help the little boy understand. The question/answer approach to developing this plot is told in rhyming verse with beautiful illustrations. Told with care and consideration of the mind of a child, the author has created a sweet story that is heartwarming and powerful, tender and reminiscent, all in one. This is a must-read many times over.
Do you know how far away heaven is? When our loved ones leave us, we are told they go to heaven, but where is heaven? We assume it’s somewhere up there, but where exactly? Children aren’t the only ones asking these same questions, but how can we answer their questions about heaven? Simply put, it’s all about faith. We believe that our connection with our loved ones remains within us for all eternity. And that’s heaven: “Heaven is near, and yet Heaven is far./ Because Heaven, my dear, is wherever you are.”
Amy Skala Tischmann’s picture book story, How Far is Heaven?, follows a little boy’s questions about heaven. Tucked in bed, with his mom beside him, he wants to know where heaven is because that’s where his beloved Grandpa has gone. Told in rhyming verse, the author allows the little boy to begin the story with his poignant question, “How far is Heaven? … Is it really that far, Is it far, far away?” Mom has all the right answers. Some of her answers bring more questions, as thoughts of heaven and those we’ve loved and lost being within us can be confusing, especially since we can’t see what is within us and in the beauty of the world all around us. But these questions lead to more solid answers, told with compassion in a simple language with simple comparisons to help the little boy understand. The question/answer approach to developing this plot is told in rhyming verse with beautiful illustrations. Told with care and consideration of the mind of a child, the author has created a sweet story that is heartwarming and powerful, tender and reminiscent, all in one. This is a must-read many times over.
Recommend this book:
Away
A Children's Book of Loss
WP Osborne
2021 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Daniel D Staats for Readers' Favorite
W. P. Osborne has written an encouraging book for children who have lost a loved one. In Away: A Children's Book of Loss, the author gently and tenderly approaches a subject that is much too common today. Osborne uses the theme of a loving father being taken away from his doting daughter because of the color of his skin. This book equally applies to the loss of a loved one through accidents, illness, and age. Grieving is normal and children grieve as much as adults, if not more. They need to be heard and comforted. Adults need to see beyond their hurt and minister to their children. Talking with your child is of utmost importance. Osborne encourages exploring the pain with their child. Osborne's book is well-illustrated and will have your grieving child identifying with the girl in the book.
Too many men of color are dying today for nothing more than the color of their skin. Away by W. P. Osborne is written to help a child’s caregiver (another parent, grandparent, aunt, etc.) gently guide the child through the process of grieving. This book draws on strength from God and His Word. One major part of the grieving process is remembering. This book helps the caregiver not only understand the child but also guides the caregiver in helping the child go from grieving to remembering and healing. Osborne writes in an easy-to-understand manner and her book will keep any child’s interest. Love your child enough to buy this book and read it with and to your child.
W. P. Osborne has written an encouraging book for children who have lost a loved one. In Away: A Children's Book of Loss, the author gently and tenderly approaches a subject that is much too common today. Osborne uses the theme of a loving father being taken away from his doting daughter because of the color of his skin. This book equally applies to the loss of a loved one through accidents, illness, and age. Grieving is normal and children grieve as much as adults, if not more. They need to be heard and comforted. Adults need to see beyond their hurt and minister to their children. Talking with your child is of utmost importance. Osborne encourages exploring the pain with their child. Osborne's book is well-illustrated and will have your grieving child identifying with the girl in the book.
Too many men of color are dying today for nothing more than the color of their skin. Away by W. P. Osborne is written to help a child’s caregiver (another parent, grandparent, aunt, etc.) gently guide the child through the process of grieving. This book draws on strength from God and His Word. One major part of the grieving process is remembering. This book helps the caregiver not only understand the child but also guides the caregiver in helping the child go from grieving to remembering and healing. Osborne writes in an easy-to-understand manner and her book will keep any child’s interest. Love your child enough to buy this book and read it with and to your child.
Recommend this book:
I Would Love You Even If You Burned the Christmas Turkey
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
I Would Love You Even If You Burned The Christmas Turkey by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a holiday-themed book for children. It is a light-hearted, feel-good story that will teach young children the true meaning of Christmas, including a short version of the story of Jesus and how it all came about. Bucleigh has gifted the reader with not just one story, but two! After having a mishap with the Christmas turkey, Miller and Myah's grandma sits them down and begins to tell them the story of the Pickle family. The children are delighted by their grandma's story-time and learn that Christmas isn't about turkey or gifts; it is simply about spending time with family and giving back to others.
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle has written an entertaining story with an important message behind it. Sometimes people, especially children, will forget what Christmas is all about, or they may not even know the real meaning of it at all. They get lost in receiving gifts and stuffing their bellies. This book is simple, cute, and gets straight to the point. I loved the side story that the grandma tells the children; everyone enjoys a good story about pickles! The talented illustrator of the book, Ashley Teets, has done an amazing job of bringing the characters alive; their facial expressions are funny and adorable! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who has children in need of learning this important lesson. I wish both Bucleigh Newton Kernodle and Ashley Teets all the best in their creative journeys. Keep up the good work!
I Would Love You Even If You Burned The Christmas Turkey by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a holiday-themed book for children. It is a light-hearted, feel-good story that will teach young children the true meaning of Christmas, including a short version of the story of Jesus and how it all came about. Bucleigh has gifted the reader with not just one story, but two! After having a mishap with the Christmas turkey, Miller and Myah's grandma sits them down and begins to tell them the story of the Pickle family. The children are delighted by their grandma's story-time and learn that Christmas isn't about turkey or gifts; it is simply about spending time with family and giving back to others.
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle has written an entertaining story with an important message behind it. Sometimes people, especially children, will forget what Christmas is all about, or they may not even know the real meaning of it at all. They get lost in receiving gifts and stuffing their bellies. This book is simple, cute, and gets straight to the point. I loved the side story that the grandma tells the children; everyone enjoys a good story about pickles! The talented illustrator of the book, Ashley Teets, has done an amazing job of bringing the characters alive; their facial expressions are funny and adorable! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who has children in need of learning this important lesson. I wish both Bucleigh Newton Kernodle and Ashley Teets all the best in their creative journeys. Keep up the good work!
Recommend this book:
The Day Bob Saw Jesus
Lindi Juarez
2021 Finalist
34 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Kristy Volchko for Readers' Favorite
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is a tender rhyming tale about a boy named Bob, his life, and heart-changing experience. A very miserable Bob has been having a tough time…or shall we say, giving a hard time? Bob is the class bully and absolutely loves tearing up the place with his rude antics and mean-spirited ways! He can’t wait to get to school and start some trouble. When his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Rose, shares a hopeful message with Bob about Jesus, he shrugs it off, deciding then and there that this Jesus has to be just some imaginary man. Will Mrs. Rose's prayers be answered and Bob’s heart touched by Jesus? Is it possible for such a bully to have a change of heart and discover a new perspective on friendship, caring, kindness, and Mrs. Rose's imaginary man? Or will Bob continue to be an unhappy little boy?
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is such a lovely, heartwarming story for all ages! The colorful illustrations are perfect for each imaginative rhyme and scene. And I felt immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next. Would Bob’s heart be touched? Between the pages of this delightful read were lots of inspiring messages and the author did a fantastic job at expressing it all in a child-friendly, positive way. There was also compassion and understanding for how lost Bob must feel to be acting out and behaving in such an awful way; only someone very hurt and unhappy would enjoy hurting others, right? The ending was as good as I’d hoped!
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is a tender rhyming tale about a boy named Bob, his life, and heart-changing experience. A very miserable Bob has been having a tough time…or shall we say, giving a hard time? Bob is the class bully and absolutely loves tearing up the place with his rude antics and mean-spirited ways! He can’t wait to get to school and start some trouble. When his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Rose, shares a hopeful message with Bob about Jesus, he shrugs it off, deciding then and there that this Jesus has to be just some imaginary man. Will Mrs. Rose's prayers be answered and Bob’s heart touched by Jesus? Is it possible for such a bully to have a change of heart and discover a new perspective on friendship, caring, kindness, and Mrs. Rose's imaginary man? Or will Bob continue to be an unhappy little boy?
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is such a lovely, heartwarming story for all ages! The colorful illustrations are perfect for each imaginative rhyme and scene. And I felt immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next. Would Bob’s heart be touched? Between the pages of this delightful read were lots of inspiring messages and the author did a fantastic job at expressing it all in a child-friendly, positive way. There was also compassion and understanding for how lost Bob must feel to be acting out and behaving in such an awful way; only someone very hurt and unhappy would enjoy hurting others, right? The ending was as good as I’d hoped!
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Looked Beyond The Stars
Sheena Meyer
L. B. Anne
2021 Silver Medal
183 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
When The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne begins, Sheena Meyer is just an ordinary girl, but that doesn't last long. Her life changes when her father gets in a car accident and she goes to the hospital to see him, where she also sees a glowing creature that miraculously heals her dad. It is also the first time she meets Mr. Tobias, who says she's a gleamer who can see things normal people can't. Suddenly, mystical things keep happening to her, including vivid dreams that come true, text messages from an unknown number, and she meets a mysterious new girl who acts oddly. Then, in one of her talks with Mr. Tobias, she learns that something called the Murk is coming for her. What will she do?
With interesting scenes and well-developed characters, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne is a very enjoyable read. The book has a good balance of thrilling and dramatic scenes and funny parts that make the book exciting without making it too intense. The characters were very likable and relatable, and I thought the way the characters interacted was very realistic, especially between Sheena and her mother. I also loved the way Sheena and her friends were very close and joked around with each other. The book was very well written and I liked the narration style from Sheena’s perspective. The story is original, suspenseful, and has a very interesting plot. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
When The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne begins, Sheena Meyer is just an ordinary girl, but that doesn't last long. Her life changes when her father gets in a car accident and she goes to the hospital to see him, where she also sees a glowing creature that miraculously heals her dad. It is also the first time she meets Mr. Tobias, who says she's a gleamer who can see things normal people can't. Suddenly, mystical things keep happening to her, including vivid dreams that come true, text messages from an unknown number, and she meets a mysterious new girl who acts oddly. Then, in one of her talks with Mr. Tobias, she learns that something called the Murk is coming for her. What will she do?
With interesting scenes and well-developed characters, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne is a very enjoyable read. The book has a good balance of thrilling and dramatic scenes and funny parts that make the book exciting without making it too intense. The characters were very likable and relatable, and I thought the way the characters interacted was very realistic, especially between Sheena and her mother. I also loved the way Sheena and her friends were very close and joked around with each other. The book was very well written and I liked the narration style from Sheena’s perspective. The story is original, suspenseful, and has a very interesting plot. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
 by Y. Y. Chan. Twelve-year-old Renee comes home from school to find Daddy home from work several hours earlier than usual. He gently tells Renee and Mummy that he is sick with cancer. Devastated and afraid...){kind=link}
Can You Hear Me?
Finding Hope After Loss
Y. Y. Chan
2021 Gold Medal
55 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
A young girl discovers the hidden blessings in her father's illness in the inspiring children's book, Can You Hear Me? (Finding Hope After Loss) by Y. Y. Chan. Twelve-year-old Renee comes home from school to find Daddy home from work several hours earlier than usual. He gently tells Renee and Mummy that he is sick with cancer. Devastated and afraid, Renee starts praying that God will intervene and cure Daddy. Unwilling to share her pain with her friends, she keeps quiet and instead writes in her diary. As the days pass, Daddy has his good days and his bad days. After experiencing the pain and horror of chemo, Renee is determined not to give up on Daddy's healing but is getting frustrated with God. Can God hear her? When one of her teachers at church notices a difference in Renee, she offers to listen and help if she can. Renee admits that she hasn't told anyone of Daddy's sickness; not even her classmates. Her teacher suggests that she share her pain; it isn't healthy to keep everything bottled up inside. She also suggests that Renee start keeping a list of the good things that have happened since Daddy got sick. Still rather angry at God, Renee tries her teacher's suggestion. Will finding the good within the bad and the pain of fatal disease help Renee come to terms with the death of her father? Or will she lose her faith?
Can You Hear Me? (Finding Hope After Loss) by Y. Y. Chan is a poignant story of hope and loss. Written like a diary, this book is perfect for children experiencing and who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Inspiring its readers to keep their faith and see the positive through death, the story finishes with a discussion page and a personal note from the author relating her experience of losing her father to illness and her grandmother shortly thereafter. The story, though painfully sad, imparts hope and eternal love. I appreciated the ending; heaven does give our loved ones superpowers so that they can still hear us and let us know that we are loved, and they are still with us. The author has also included a link for a picture book version of the story for younger children. I recommend this book to children ages seven to twelve.
A young girl discovers the hidden blessings in her father's illness in the inspiring children's book, Can You Hear Me? (Finding Hope After Loss) by Y. Y. Chan. Twelve-year-old Renee comes home from school to find Daddy home from work several hours earlier than usual. He gently tells Renee and Mummy that he is sick with cancer. Devastated and afraid, Renee starts praying that God will intervene and cure Daddy. Unwilling to share her pain with her friends, she keeps quiet and instead writes in her diary. As the days pass, Daddy has his good days and his bad days. After experiencing the pain and horror of chemo, Renee is determined not to give up on Daddy's healing but is getting frustrated with God. Can God hear her? When one of her teachers at church notices a difference in Renee, she offers to listen and help if she can. Renee admits that she hasn't told anyone of Daddy's sickness; not even her classmates. Her teacher suggests that she share her pain; it isn't healthy to keep everything bottled up inside. She also suggests that Renee start keeping a list of the good things that have happened since Daddy got sick. Still rather angry at God, Renee tries her teacher's suggestion. Will finding the good within the bad and the pain of fatal disease help Renee come to terms with the death of her father? Or will she lose her faith?
Can You Hear Me? (Finding Hope After Loss) by Y. Y. Chan is a poignant story of hope and loss. Written like a diary, this book is perfect for children experiencing and who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Inspiring its readers to keep their faith and see the positive through death, the story finishes with a discussion page and a personal note from the author relating her experience of losing her father to illness and her grandmother shortly thereafter. The story, though painfully sad, imparts hope and eternal love. I appreciated the ending; heaven does give our loved ones superpowers so that they can still hear us and let us know that we are loved, and they are still with us. The author has also included a link for a picture book version of the story for younger children. I recommend this book to children ages seven to twelve.
Recommend this book:
Why Isn't God a Girl?
A Young Girl's Journey to See the Image of God in Herself
Diana L Wilcox
2020 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Why Isn’t God A Girl? A Young Girl’s Journey to See the Image of God in Herself is a work of helpful and thoughtful fiction written for children by author Diana L. Wilcox and illustrated by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio. As the title suggests, this interactive and thought-provoking picture book focuses on the vision that young Sophy has of herself, for when she is raised as a Christian she is told that she was made in the image of God, who is described as male. What results is a fascinating journey into self-image, gender, faith and diversity that is both refreshing and insightful for parents and children alike.
Highly readable and accessible for children of all ages, this is a truly empowering work that arrives at just the right time for the big movement forward in women’s rights and their growing presence in the world. Author Diana L. Wilcox provides an eye-opening alternative viewpoint to the patriarchal views of the original Bible and the images and language which surround it, viewing God as a female and giving voice and faith to the girls who wish to seek it. The beautiful illustrations by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio add an additional layer of accessibility to the text, making Sophy an endearing figure to whom any girl can relate and discover with on her journey. Overall, Why Isn’t God A Girl? is sure to prove an essential component for any girl’s bookshelf, but also an eye-opening read for boys and parents alike.
Why Isn’t God A Girl? A Young Girl’s Journey to See the Image of God in Herself is a work of helpful and thoughtful fiction written for children by author Diana L. Wilcox and illustrated by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio. As the title suggests, this interactive and thought-provoking picture book focuses on the vision that young Sophy has of herself, for when she is raised as a Christian she is told that she was made in the image of God, who is described as male. What results is a fascinating journey into self-image, gender, faith and diversity that is both refreshing and insightful for parents and children alike.
Highly readable and accessible for children of all ages, this is a truly empowering work that arrives at just the right time for the big movement forward in women’s rights and their growing presence in the world. Author Diana L. Wilcox provides an eye-opening alternative viewpoint to the patriarchal views of the original Bible and the images and language which surround it, viewing God as a female and giving voice and faith to the girls who wish to seek it. The beautiful illustrations by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio add an additional layer of accessibility to the text, making Sophy an endearing figure to whom any girl can relate and discover with on her journey. Overall, Why Isn’t God A Girl? is sure to prove an essential component for any girl’s bookshelf, but also an eye-opening read for boys and parents alike.
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