Explaining God to small children can seem like a daunting exercise at times. After all, God isn’t someone we can physically see, so He can seem like a very abstract person. Yet, He is a person that we are called to love with all that we are. We’re also called – as parents – to teach our children to love Him.

What is God Like? written by renowned novelist Beverly Lewis, helps to make God more accessible to young children. Lewis covers many of the major traits or characteristics of God through a conversation that takes place over the course of an entire day between an older brother and younger sister.

This warm, casual format presents theological truths with accuracy yet without intimidation, and is interest-holding enough for my four-year-old to sit through the entire book in one sitting. Scripture quotations on each page helps to under gird the points made within the text itself.

Artist Pamela Querin’s illustrations are simply marvelous! I’m not quite sure how she does what she does; if I had to guess I’d say a combination between watercolors and pastels. Whatever she’s up to, the result is a breathtaking, multi-textured cascade of color filled with wonderful light and shading. Her work is realistic while still being obviously art, it’s hard to capture in words, but we all enjoy these illustrations greatly.

It’s wonderful to find a children’s picture book that takes God seriously and teaches children about Him while still holding great appeal for little ones. I’m very happy to have this book in our collection.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )

Inquiry, teaching about God, siblings, realistic fiction, stars, bonding, relationship building ( )

NCLA Review -This children’s picture book deals with the BIG unanswerable question: What is God like? and tries to explain the Almighty in terms children can understand. It tells the story of two siblings whose father is going away on a trip. They liken their heavenly Father with their earthly Father. Beautifully illustrated, with scripture verses underpinning the words, you are escorted through the children’s day as each new thought sparks the next question. Children’s books about God are sometimes heavy handed, however this story is easy to grasp and non-threatening. A nice quiet book, worthy of a night time read. The author suggests that this could be a springboard for discussions of what your children think God is like, which is a great suggestion! I also encourage Sunday School teachers to incorporate it into their discussions of God and how we humans relate to such a great and loving presence. Rating: 4 —CSP Illus. by Pamela Querin. Bethany House 2008, 30p, 9780764204661, $14.99 [E] ( )