Images of God for Young Children

There’s a lot to love about Images of God for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval.

First, the goal of the book is both lofty and practical in scope. An explanation at the beginning describes it this way: Even though we cannot see or touch God, the Bible does describe many ways that we can still discover God in our world. This volume offers a collection of these images, presented here in language that is appropriate for children while remaining faithful to the spirit of the biblical texts.

The first page of each new two-page spread starts with a declarative statement, such as “God is a friend.” Then, with simplicity and eloquence, the author elaborates on the idea, making it more understandable: “You can tell everything to a friend. You can also be silent around a friend and simply feel comfortable. A friend finds the words to comfort you when you are sad, and laughs with you when you are happy. A friend listens, encourages, and understands. God is like this—like the best of friends.”

The second thing to love about the book is the artwork. With bright colors and a most whimsical flavor, the images dance and swirl across the full second page of each two-page spread. Each kid-friendly picture—illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni—holds the same kind of gentle complexity and simplicity as the text, making it a particularly well-suited accompaniment. For example, for “God is a king,” a shadow in a kingly shape bleeds into a colorful landscape. In addition, the illustrations depict a wide variety of ethnic children and cultures.

Third, the author not only highlights traditional images of God (as love, light, joy, a spring, a rock, bread, a shepherd, a savior) but also captures some unexpected images of God (as a promise, peace, a mystery, smallness). Such an interesting collection of ideas could make even the most stoic adult ponder the qualities of God in a new light.

What I Like: With almost poetic ease, the author takes some very abstract qualities of God and makes them understandable. The illustrations work perfectly with the text. Together they create a book that is beautiful both in presentation and meaning.

What I Dislike: I REALLY would have liked Scripture references to go with each image of God that Delval described. However, not a single verse is given. And, while I loved the whole book, there is one image I have trouble with: God is night. Without a Scripture reference, I still don’t quite understand it.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: ages 4-7

Publisher Info: Eerdmans Books, 2011; ISBN: 9780802853912; Hardcover, 90 PGS., $16.50

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $12.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.38.