When God Made the World

I read this to my friends VPK class. As you can see the children loved it!

I love to read. In fact, it’s one of the things I love most in the world. Because of how much I love and value reading, I want very much for my daughters to become avid readers.I also, more importantly, want them to become committed followers of Jesus.As a youth worker, I want the same for the kids I have the privilege of ministering to.Because of this desire, I’m always on the lookout for good quality children’s books that help kids encounter God in very real ways. These are harder to find than you might imagine. However, Matthew Paul Turner’s books consistently fit the bill. Matthew’s newest book, “When God Made the World” certainly does.I loved When God Made the World for five reasons:1) It’s diverse and whimsical illustrations. The main, illustrated character in When God Made the World is a person of color. What’s more, the illustrations foster wonder. You see something new each time you read it – which means that kids want to keep reading it.2) The rhymes work. This might seem like a given but I’m amazed (and horrified) by how often the rhymes in children’s books simply don’t. When God Made the World is a pleasure to read because it has an oral rhythm and cadence that you can feel in your bones.3) When God Made the World explores the creation story in a way that will grow with your child. My oldest daughter is 4.5 and she enjoyed reading this book. I expect she'll still enjoy reading it when she’s 8 because this book doesn’t simplify the story of creation; It expands it in beautiful ways.4) When God Made the World emphasizes story. So often we try to reduce the Bible to principles… We even do this with the creation story with kids. Yet, in When God Made the World, Matthew embraces story – the story of creation, the story that God is writing, and the part we play in that story. In Matthew’s closing words, “’Cause when God made the world and the world started spinning, the story God wrote was just a beginning.”5) Without ever saying anything about giving or stewardship, When God Made the World emphasizes creation care, encouraging kids to “Discover a star, a planet, or moon or help keep a forest from dying too soon. Save a whale, hug a tree, protect every bee. Recycle, repurpose, reject apathy.”Without a doubt, When God Made the World will make a good edition to any child’s – or church’s – library.

The author recommends this book for ages 3 to 7 and grades P to 2. The illustrations are superbly done by Gillian Gamble and accompany the text. They are bright and the little ones, I believe, will be enchanted with them. (One other item about the illustrations is that they depict children of different races which is indeed outstanding, as well).The book is in the Land Scape mode so is read horizontally instead of vertically on the Kindle. ( I read it on my PC and it was even larger than the Kindle would have been),In addition to the illustrations the text itself rhymes which I feel is always a bonus for the little ones. I appreciated the fact that there are 'big words' for the children to question. Words such as 'asteroids, continents, apathy, plateaus, geysers, and krills' come to mind. Just a multitude of teaching moments which is a so educational for the young audience.The following may be considered a spoiler but is intended for the parents reading this...The book itself tells of the order of creation. And, along the way, there are birds and animals (with the sounds they make; the day and night creation; the length of orbit of our planet; climate and plants...and much more.Each and every child of this universe is unique and special. God did indeed have a plan when the Earth was created.This has my highest recommendation for multiple reasons. Excellent presentation, educational aspects, and it also rhymes.Most highly recommended.

I first discovered Matthew Paul Turner's books with "When I Pray For You," which quickly became a beloved family favorite. So, when I heard that this one was in the works, of course I had to pre-order it! It exceeded even my excited expectations. I have never read a more beautiful, inclusive, and affirming telling of the creation story as I (from a Christian tradition) know it. And oh, my, the illustrations - they are gorgeous! I absolutely love that the little boy central to the story is dark-skinned. There are children of all different cultures, appearances, and abilities shown. The book includes the exotic and celebrates what to my children seems unusual, and I LOVE it. The progression of the creation is not so literal as to disturb scientific theories of creation, nor does it get technical so as to disturb Biblical interpretations. God is not gendered, and Jesus is never mentioned - this simultaneously simplifies the story line and makes the book all the more inclusive. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book, though, is the way that Turner artfully expressed that the creation story is not OVER yet. God made each and every one of us, and we all are called to protect our amazing Earth and its inhabitants. This book that lifts up all that is unique about each of us and ALSO acts as a call to action and ALSO is just beautiful to read and look at, is just extraordinary. You won't be disappointed! Matthew Paul Turner children's books are going to be my go-to for baby shower gifts going forward. They are just the kind of faith-filled, incredibly loving, and beautifully inclusive literature that all children need.

Great book for reading at bedtime of anytime. It is a book that you can read to your child but once they are able to read will enjoy reading. I love the illustrations on each page allowing you to expand on the written words. Love the way each page is a written as a Poem which is easy to read and easier for child to follow.

This book is incredibly sweet. Though our children are 3 and 1 and do not understand all of the concepts and words in this book, discussing some of the ideas page by page, the beautiful illustrations, etc is great (and will grow with our children). I teach 7-9 year olds and feel this would be a perfect fit for 5-9 year olds as a read aloud and likely (approx) age 9-10 + as an independent read.

Love reading this to my son. He loves learning how God Created us

This is a very pleasing fun book to read to the little ones in your life...and the big ones will enjoy it too!

Beautifully illustrated and well written! This book is captivating in every way. When reading this to my daughter I can’t help but smile. Very poetic and creative and sums up creation in the way we teach it in our home!