God Made All of Me: A Heartfelt Review for Parents
As a mom, I often find bedtime to be a magical yet chaotic time—a whirlwind of stories, cuddles, and occasionally, a battle against the clock. One evening recently, as I was winding down my two little ones, I realized that many of our favorite bedtime tales involve loveable characters and whimsical adventures. But I craved something deeper—something to spark essential conversations about their bodies and safety. That’s when I discovered God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb.
This beautifully illustrated book is a treasure for parents navigating the tricky terrain of body safety with their little ones, aged two to eight. It masterfully blends warmth and clarity, teaching children that their bodies are created good—and that some parts are private. As we read together, my heart filled with gratitude for a resource that encourages open discourse rather than shame.
The book takes the form of a tender conversation between a mom, dad, and their two children, David and Kayla. Each page reveals their journey of understanding—emphasizing the importance of saying "no" if something feels uncomfortable, differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate touches, and the risks of keeping secrets. My kids were captivated by the playful dialogue, and I loved how it felt like a seamless family discussion.
What particularly stood out to my little ones were the colorful, engaging illustrations by Trish Mahoney. They sparkled with life, drawing my kids in and igniting their curiosity. At one point, when we came to the page discussing the proper names for private parts, my daughter giggled and said, "Mommy, why do they call it that?" It opened an opportunity for a real conversation about body ownership that I will cherish.
A favorite line that resonated with us was about how "God made every part of your body good." The simplicity of that message is profound, and my kids repeated it like a mantra, reinforcing their worth and the importance of their bodies.
However, it’s essential to read this book together, guiding the conversation and adjusting language where necessary. The back section offers practical tips for parents on how to build a safe environment for discussions. This solid guidance is what makes this book not just one to read once but a valuable tool to revisit as they grow.
I would highly recommend God Made All of Me to any parent seeking a gentle yet effective way to introduce their children to body safety. It’s particularly suited for families who want to create an open dialogue about boundaries and respect.
In a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, this book has become a comforting read at bedtime—a beacon of hope and understanding for my children’s future. I can firmly say that it’s not just a one-time read, but a staple in our home—a heartfelt resource I wish I had growing up.
As we journey through parenting, let’s equip our children with the tools they need to feel empowered and safe body-wise. God Made All of Me does just that, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have it on our shelves. Happy reading, fellow mamas!
