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When God Made You

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YOU, you... God thinks about you.
God was thinking of you long before your debut.

From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.

Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God's divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

'Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!

48 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2017

16 people are currently reading
2,249 people want to read

About the author

Matthew Paul Turner

39 books291 followers
Matthew Paul Turner has made his mark as a force in the Christian children's book publishing market. With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Turner's books When God Made You and When God Made Light have become bedtime favorites for families across America. His latest anticipated release is When I Pray for You, which will debut in February 2019.

Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.

When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.

Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.

Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,588 reviews102 followers
February 28, 2017
David Catrow is an imaginative illustrator I adore. He is a master at splashing fun throughout this adorable picture book with a powerful message. This writer and illustrator team help make memorable moments for parents and child.
I never forget books that this illustrator has created.

This book helps generate a dialogue between parent and child; about how God has a plan for their life and how it changes as the child grows and explores the world around them.

The author writes, “Cause when God made you, somehow God knew that the world needed someone exactly like you!”

Near the end the author pens this, “I made you…A you who views others as sisters and brothers and lives by three words: Love One Another.”

Author Matthew Paul Turner says this about his book, “It gives little ones the assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe will encourage them to spread their wings and fly.”

The message and the incredibly fun illustrations will have you and your little one putting this picture book on the nightstand to read over and over again.

ABOUT AUTHOR: Matthew Paul Turner is the best-selling author of "When God Made You," "Churched, “and "Hear No Evil." He, and his wife, Jessica, along with their kids, Elias, Adeline, and Ezra, live in Nashville, Tennessee.

ABOUT ILLUSTRATOR: David Catrow says, “I am primarily a writer and illustrator of books for children; having over 70 published works in print. My scholastic book series MAX SPANIEL to name one example, has sold over a million copies and I have several NYT best sellers and two NYT Best Illustrated Books. I continue to develop projects with Simon and Schuster, Penguin Putnam, Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin, Harper-Collins, and the list goes on.

In addition to my publishing work in have worked extensively in film/TV, spending over a year creating the visual development for films such as HORTON HEARS A WHO, DESPICABLE ME, and others. In addition, I have done development work adapting the animated Stuart Little for television and extensive development work on the animated television series PLANTZILLA, which was based on the popular children’s books written by Jerdine Nolen.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the BloggingforBooks site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
Profile Image for Kristin.
460 reviews57 followers
March 16, 2017

Powerful words, especially for children with special needs.  This book is so beautifully written and illustrated.  The words went straight to my heart.  Through this book, I was able to open dialogue with my child about how special she is. God didn't make a mistake when he made her little body.  Even though her body works differently than other children her age, God had a plan and he knew that the world needed her.

When God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!
Sometimes as parents to a special needs child, we question God. We want to know what was His plan and His purpose. Seeing these words, reading them to my child, they were a balm to my soul. God doesn't make mistakes and He has plans for my beautiful family.  God had a plan when he chose to give me a child that was differently-abled.

This is a delightful book that your child will love. The illustrations by David Catrow are absolutely stunning, imaginative and quirky...exactly like my little one.

If you're looking for a Children's book that has a good message and more substance to it, I would strongly suggest this one.

It is so important that our children know that they are loved by God and that they are special to Him.

This book is well suited for children ages 3-8.  Important to note for children's books, that the book is hardcover with paper pages.  I would love to see a board book edition for the younger audiences in the future as I can see this being a well-worn and loved addition to a child's library.

 This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
March 7, 2017
Children are so curious about the world around them. But they also wonder about themselves. Are they special? Why are they different from everyone else? Who made them? The author and illustrator worked closely together to create a book that tells and shows children exactly why they are the way they are and who designed them to be that way. Each page is completely covered in illustration while the lyrical words fit on each page to match.

My kids loved this book and so did I. The illustrations are amazing. The little girl is adorable and you can feel her joy coming through the pictures. The words are thoughtful and sweet, while telling the little reader how very special and unique they are, and that God created them perfectly. I think every home should have this positive and inspiring book in their personal library. I will be donating a copy to our school as well. Definitely a five star book.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Mira Prater.
483 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2024
I loved it! So sweet and hits the right note: love one another. Also, great artwork.
Theo at the end: “where is God?” Me: “he lives in heaven.” Theo: “is he swimming?” Me: “probably.” Theo: “I can’t swim.”
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish .
926 reviews266 followers
March 11, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish 3/12/17

This book celebrates the everyday while challenging children to continue learning and growing into the person they are created to be. Most importantly, it emphasizes God's love for each individual child.

When God Made You is a bookish treasure to share with each uniquely special child in your life.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this book through Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for K.
75 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2017
"God smiles and here's why - in the spark of your eye,
A familiar reflection shines bright from inside.
'Cause when God made you
and the world oohed and aahed,
in heaven they called you an image of God.
You, you, and when God dreams about you,
God dreams about all that in you will be true."
Matthew Paul Turner

There are so many charming children's books available today, but few celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of children in the same way that When God Made You does. It is a beautifully illustrated book with slightly abstract images bursting with vivid colors. It radiates joy and with adorable rhyming verses it makes the reader feel loved and blessed by God. This does a terrific job of helping young children to find their place in the world and know that they are one-of-a-kind.
Matthew Paul Turner emphasizes that each child has a sparkle and brilliance that is just from them, and the message that each individual was handcrafted with love by God is beautifully reiterated. When God Made You is clearly a Christian story, but it is not preachy, and could be suitable for readers of various faiths. Overall, this is the best children's book that I have read in a while and I know that I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts. 
Profile Image for Mary Foxe.
961 reviews64 followers
February 18, 2017
This was a pleasant little picture book telling children essentially what most Christian books say. "God made you special and he loves you very much." (Veggietales.) It has pretty pictures and a kind message. What makes this book stand out is that the protagonist is a POC. I think this is the first time I have ever seen a Christian picture book do this. How this has not happened before, I do not know, but thank you Lord that there now is one. I hope to see more like it so when my students who are POCs see the message "God made you special and he loves you very much." they know it applies to them as well and not just white kids and talking vegetables.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
Profile Image for Elle.
16 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2021
Such a sweet way of teaching my little girl she was created on purpose with purpose and I absolutely love that although the author and illustrator are white men that they used an African American child (depicted beautifully) to convey this message. Representation matters and I'm so thankful my little girl can see herself reflected in this book all about self love because God loved ourselves first.
Profile Image for Shannon.
639 reviews43 followers
March 25, 2017
I loved this book! It is aimed at preschool age children, although the publisher has ages 3-7 listed and I think that is pretty accurate. This is also a book I feel could be used in both your home and in a Sunday School or Children in Worship environment.The illustrations are incredibly beautiful and the extremely colorful. They also have a very "flowly" quality to them. All of the characters in the book and illustrations are quite diverse, which is something I don't think we see a lot of in children's books. This book focuses on teaching children about their individual and unique gifts and personalities and how they each fit in God's plan in their own special way. The wording in the book matches the illustrations; poetics and full of rhyming, it is sure to capture the attention of anyone who is reading it.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,018 reviews931 followers
June 2, 2017
Beautiful, heartwarming, encouraging, diverse. All the things I love about children's books all rolled into one. I usually don't love the Christian children's books I buy as they are usually bland and preachy. This one is anything but. Matthew somehow reached into my heart and wrote all of the words I say to my girls daily. But in a much more beautiful way. Buy it now.
Profile Image for Caitlin Kramer.
83 reviews
January 22, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and story! The words roll off the tongue and have an engaging rhythm. My 5 year old still gasps at the beauty of some of the illustrations when I turn the page. We LOVE this book.
Profile Image for BookzBookzBookz.
Author 12 books76 followers
April 1, 2017
This book is beautiful! It tells how you were known, long before you stepped foot into the world. The illustrations, the people- it was incredible. Books like this one are why I enjoy children's book reviews so much. Turner and Catrow created a masterpiece in this book!
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 27 books538 followers
March 1, 2017
The art was very whimsical and childish. The rhyme was fun to read. A few of the words they used were a little big for children in my opinion (such as “debut” and “revue”). Some of the message was neat to introduce to children – such as them being made in God’s image, God thinking of them before they knew of Him, that type of thing. However, one quote in particular I disagree with: “You being you is God’s dream coming true.” The book seemed to end on an idea of, “Be yourself and God will smile.” I personally believe that the Bible teaches that God’s design in making us is so that we will glorify Him – not just be creative and be ourselves.

*I received this book from Blogging for Book and happily gave my honest review.*
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,218 reviews149 followers
January 18, 2018
"God pictured your nose and all ten of your toes. The sound of your voice? God had it composed."

How beautiful is that?

With its outstanding artistic illustrations and poetic cadence, this lovely children's book is a reminder to young and old alike, that "God's family without you would not be the same".

Enjoy every page.
13 reviews
August 14, 2018
I wanted to like this book but am I the only one who found it strange that the little girl walked up to a random man in the park? Maybe I’m missing something. Is the man supposed to represent someone? I just couldn’t get past this. I am also not a big fan of these illustrations but I do like that there is diversity in the characters.
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
1,926 reviews48 followers
July 1, 2021
I have deleted my review of this book because of the authors' new stance on Christianity.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Waterbrook, to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and I was not compensated.
Profile Image for Amanda.
404 reviews24 followers
May 27, 2017
As parents we are constantly looking for inspirational, motivating, God-centered books for our children to encourage them along. I was optimistic when I saw this book from Matthew Paul Turner - The back of the book reads:

YOU, you...God thinks about you. God was thinking of you long before your debut.
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe will encourage them to spread their wings and fly.
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God's diving plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
'Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew That the world needed someone exactly like you!

Unfortunately, when I picked up this book online I was unable to read this back description or I would have lost some of my optimism about this book. This gives you a very good feel for the book. The book is NOT about God - the book is about YOU. Every page is focused on you (aka the child reading the book) and whenever God is mentioned it is in the context of him thinking about you. Reading this book you seriously walk away with the impression that God is completely and totally absorbed in you and everything you have to offer and give with your unique and amazing talents.

This is a false idea. And a problematic one, on a theological level yes, but also on a practical level. We keep filling our children's heads with delusions of grandeur. We constantly fill them with grandiose ideas of greatness and uniqueness only they can bring. They are special and unique - it's true, but, intentionally or not, we belittle common, ordinary things in the process of trying to build them up.

Is it any wonder we have disgruntled college graduates? They expect to have the world handed to them, instead they can't find a job in their weirdly specialized field. They can't even find a job in their normal field sometimes. Or it doesn't have the pay "they deserve" or some other perk "they need".

We don't give them the idea that maybe their talent is best used in a ministry, not a full time job. Or that maybe its ok if they have an ordinary Joe job, like being a plumber or mechanic or electrician. These are jobs that are regularly demeaned, but in our modern world we can't live without them.

Maybe the point isn't on US and OUR special abilities, but doing *whatever* we have using whatever talents we have (because not everyone actually has a special talent) to the best of our abilities to bring glory to God.

Bringing glory to God is something entirely lacking from this book, and yet that is one of our biggest purposes in life. The closest this book gets to anything remotely Biblical is when it vaguely mentions you being a peacemaker and loving each other.

The God of this book is an undefined "other" being that fits into just about any religious framework, yet it is intended to be for Christians. There is NOTHING in this book that makes that evident. And it's a shame.

I received a complimentary copy of When God Made You in exchange for my honest opinion from Blogging for Books, but I won't be hanging on to it.

(I also didn't dig the illustrations. They might work for some people, but I found them odd.)

____
This review originally appeared at http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Faith.
2,110 reviews
April 8, 2017
Vibrant and brimming with fantastical illustrations that take flight with vivid and colorful beauty that compliment the uplifting poem perfectly. The encouraging verses follow a young girl as she shines, basking in knowing that God made her unique and talented to bring glory to Him.

This a great book to share with youngsters, and would make a fantastic, encouraging gift to celebrate an accomplishment, or simply to encourage someone. I loved the bright illustrations that matched perfectly with the uplifting rhymes that talk of how God made each person unique, not just on the outside, but the inside too.

I really liked how this book celebrated the talents, gifts, and dreams, that God gave us and not being afraid to let them shine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
Profile Image for Maddie Shirley.
13 reviews
February 26, 2020
This book talks about the special gifts that God has given each person and that God has a perfect plan for each person’s life. This book helps children understand that they are a unique creation, even in a big world.
This book is a religious picture book as it addresses God as a creator. This book reinforces Christian themes of God and his plan for people’s lives.
The illustrator uses bright, fun, vibrant colors. This complements the story as the author talks about creativity and uniqueness. The style of the art is unique as the human characters have exaggerated features. The illustrations are whimsical and inspire creativity and originality. The illustrator also uses texture in animal fur and wings as well as human hair and clothes. The illustrations almost look fuzzy and as if they would be soft when you touch the page.
I don’t think this book would be allowed in a public school classroom due to its overtly Christian themes. If this book was meant to be informative about the Christian religion, it might be permissible. This book could be useful in a Christian private school for read-alouds or reading times. Children would probably enjoy the illustrations and the themes of the book could reinforce teachings in the classroom.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,415 reviews30 followers
May 1, 2017
I wanted to read this book because David Catrow is my FAVORITE illustrator. He can even make the preamble to the Constitution entertaining. Normally I would not pick up this book because I do not read religious books. That being said, yes God is mentioned, but no other religious stuff. And God shows up in multiple religions. This book tells a kid that they were thought out. That someone picked the personality, the likes and dislikes, etc. That it is okay to be you. The rhyming is great and has a sing song pattern that is fun and matches the wonderful illustrations by Catrow. Overall, a book I am happy to add to my collection.

Book copy provided by Blogging for Books.
Profile Image for Melanie Kilsby.
Author 2 books282 followers
May 8, 2017
Wonderful!

LOVE the Illustrations and poetic beauty this books displays.
I also adored the diversity of the characters portrayed and the honest look at how God creates us.
Such a timely and beautiful message to have children know and understand early on their lives: They are loved, thought about, seen, dreamt about and adored by God! That we are made in the image of God and shouldn't be afraid to Glorify Him with our creativity or imagination!
38 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2017
I won this book as a giveaway on Goodreads. I loved it! And I know my granddaughter will love it as I entered the giveaway for her. The book is beautifully written and will make a child (and adults) know how much God loves them as He made each person to be unique. It is beautifully illustrated as well. I know my granddaughter will love the bright, beautiful pictures.
24 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Awards:
Audience: 3-7 years old
This book emphasises the unique identity we were all given through abstract illustrations and well put together text. Children are reminded that God made them to be their own specific individual and this gives them purpose to find their place in the world.
This book is categorized as an Easy-to-read book because there is a small amount of words per page with simple language.
Abstract illustrations tell the story of God’s unique design with bright, colorful paintings.
This book is appropriate for all readers.

143 reviews
September 16, 2020
The illustration in this book was beautiful. Lots of colors and wonderful art! But the words I feel are to big for a child and I don't believe they would know what many of them mean. I got this from the library to see if I wanted to buy it for my granddaughter. In fact when I read it to her I made up my own words so she would understand what the author was trying to say.
Profile Image for Adriana.
135 reviews29 followers
November 14, 2022
One of the best kids book I have ever read. I love reading it aloud to my students and discussing it with them. The book is so profound and interest, with gorgeous illustrations. Even though it is short, I feel like it stays with you and transports you to such deep places within you. 10/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews

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