When God Made You: A Heartfelt Treasure for Little Souls
As a mom of three rambunctious kiddos, bedtime stories sometimes feel like a trip through a circus! On one such evening, as I finally gathered my squirming crew under a fort of blankets, I found myself reaching for When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner. The title alone sparked curiosity, and I was hopeful for a moment of peace amid the bedtime chaos.
This enchanting picture book celebrates the unique gifts within each child, reminding them that they are loved and cherished just the way they are. With playful, lyrical rhymes that dance off the tongue, Turner invites young readers to discover their place in the world—a theme that resonates deeply as my children often wonder about their own uniqueness.
The story begins by declaring, "YOU, you… God thinks about you," a line that made my daughter’s eyes light up with wonder. My son, too, chimed in, "Mom, does God really think about me?" That simple question opened a delightful discussion about how special each one of them is, and how they all fit into this grand tapestry of life. It was one of those moments where you can feel the weight of love and connection settling into the room, making even the chaos outside seem distant.
The illustrations by David Catrow are nothing short of magical. Vivid, whimsical scenes sprang to life as we turned each page, captivating my kids’ imaginations. My youngest giggled at the colorful characters, pointing out details like a rainbow-haired girl dancing—her energy was caught perfectly in the artwork. We paused to admire each page, and my adventurous little one even asked if we could paint those colors on our own wall!
One of our favorite lines was, "The world needed someone exactly like you!" It brought a big hug from my daughter, who proclaimed, "I’m a special rainbow!" Little reactions like that make reading time the highlight of our day. It’s those small, precious moments that remind me why we dig into books together: to celebrate their individuality and nurture their dreams.
When God Made You isn’t just a one-time read. It’s a story that we’ve returned to time and time again, gaining new insights and discussions with each visit. I wholeheartedly recommend it to parents of little ones, especially those aged 1-6, who are eager to explore identity, faith, and the warmth of being wonderfully made.
This book is a beautiful gift for birthdays or special occasions, but honestly, it’s a perfect addition to any family’s library—one to be cherished and revisited often. It’s more than just reading; it’s about connection, love, and nurturing young hearts as they grow into who they’re meant to be. As a mom, I found it touching, and watching my children engage with it was simply a joy. If you’re searching for a story that wraps around your family like a warm hug, When God Made You is just that!
