Purpose of this Blog...

You may have noticed that not all books are equal in capturing children's imaginations and in cultivating those innocent, tender souls. My goal is to help you find the ones that do!
(Painting by Mary Cassatt: "Mrs Cassatt Reading to her Grandchildren" -1888)




Wednesday, February 17, 2016

What Was God Thinking...?


On the first and last pages of her exquisite new picture book, When God Made You, Jane G. Meyer poses a question to young readers: "What beautiful thing was God thinking when he made you?"

Jane's lyrical text and Megan Elizabeth Gilbert's vibrant water color illustrations celebrate God's special masterpieces: children, of all diverse backgrounds and unique talents.

I'm sure that kids of every age will enjoy pouring over the book while being introduced to boys and girls from all over the world...Makani from Hawaii; Brigid from Ireland; Chinedu from Africa; and Mateo from Greece, to name a few.

My favorite is an Arabic girl, Alia...


When God made Alia, He took black silken hair from a desert horse's mane, 
wound the strands round a silver flute, 
and blew one note into the sleeping child's ear.  
From a cool desert spring, God shaped three tear-shaped droplets 
onto Alia's lips and blessed them: 
one for clarity, one for purity, and one for boldness. 
Satisfied, God said
Alia, SING! 


This book is carefully crafted from cover to cover - the last pages are devoted to beautiful thoughts and prayers.  There are also explanations running around the outer edges of the pages disclosing the meanings of the children's names featured in the book, as well as their country of origin.  

Would you like a chance to win this book?  I'm doing a Giveaway today!  Please leave a comment for a chance to win Jane G. Meyer's When God Made You.  Giveaway ends February 23, 2016 at midnight.  Winner announced on my blog a week from today, 2/24/16. Update, 2/24/16:  Giveaway over.  Congratulations to my winner, Rebeca!



I love the fun end papers showing all kinds of children doing all kinds of things!  Maybe one looks like your child...

23 comments:

  1. this IS a wonderful book! I have many kids in my life who would LOVE it, so count me in! :)

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  2. We had the kids in church school draw self-portraits and do their own "when God made me" sentences. It was a lot of fun to see.

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  3. Wow! Looks like a great book. Jane G Meyer is wonderful.

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  4. I'd love a copy of this book! It looks wonderful.

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  6. I am reposting this. I don't think you could see my name before. I would love to win this book for my kids! I think they would love it! Looks like a wonderful book!

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  7. Wonderful Author and Illustrator!

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  8. Beautiful subject and a beautiful book.
    Marilyn

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  9. We would also love a chance to win this book! Thank you for sharing!

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  10. I recognize the illustrator from "Child's Guide to the Divine Liturgy." :) And Jane's books are always great! This one looks beautiful!

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  11. This book looks great to read to my kids! Thanks for a chance to win it.

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  12. Thank you, count us in!

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  13. Please enter me in the drawing! We love Jane's books!

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  14. Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely book.
    Joan

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  15. This is a great giveaway of an interesting book.
    Thank You
    Marion

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  16. Thank you Wendy for such a beautiful blog!! I so love reading what you write and your suggestions for books!! So thankful for your encouragement to so many!! Sheri Leopold

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  17. Thank you Wendy for such a beautiful blog!! I so love reading what you write and your suggestions for books!! So thankful for your encouragement to so many!! Sheri Leopold

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  18. yay! This book looks so lovely!

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  19. Wendy, I'm aching to hold this book. 2 pages I read pre-release got me across an anxious transAtlantic flight. Maybe this is how it will come to me. If not, another way. Sending you love tonight, the eve of our launching of Reading Together Romania/Citim Impreuna Romania. Will be in touch soon. Love from Lupeni, Brandi

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