New Book: When God Made Light by Matthew Turner, illustrated by David Catrow

I'll be posting a full review of teacher ideas of this lovely book later this week. My kids all got out early today, but I wanted to post this to give you the most chance to get this great book!  

Here's my short elevator review:  

• Warm, endearing pictures, with a rhythmic, joyous verse of a story about God making light. 
• The light isn't just the light of creation, the sun, moon, and starts it's much more than that, it speaks of the light that lives inside you with God in you. 
• It celebrates living in the light (God) and outdoor living with family as the light brings different adventures, and teaches not to fear, as God is here when the light is night.  
• The book is empowering, melodic, and brings a smile to the readers face (showing YOUR light!).  
• The illustrations are detailed, lifelike, family friendly, fun/silly, and child friendly.  The children are children of color likely siblings, with the best facial expressions that show true light and joy.  And they are beautiful girls and the pets look animated. So appealing. 
• There are so many natural connections and educational opportunities to expand on this book, I can't wait to share more details, but here is my list: As an educator, you could use this book to hook kids into learning about shadows, seasons, universe, sun/moon/stars/constellations, and showing love to others by being the light.  
• The hardcover book is well made, has heavy, thick shiny pages that won't tear easily when little hands explore alone. 

The book itself is rooted in scriptures from Genesis 1 creation of light, to the light in you, because God is in you- which opens you up to the gospel story, and the New Testament light comparisons.  Jesus is the light, being a light to the world, being bold as you are--as you bring the light even in a dark world, how God made you with purpose/intent (Psalm 139). 

I'm an optimist.  I choose to see things with an open mind and easily put a spin on things that is positive.  I think some people might be disappointed that this book doesn't include scripture references or more direct teaching on the connections to God.  This book is simple. It's written as a fun read aloud that will be read over and over.  And as a parent who memorized many board books, several of which had very little merit in their recitation, this book is a much better option.  But perhaps some may be put off by the intent that this is a "God-positive" book instead of a more direct connection to the Word of God.  I see it as a great connection to the Word of God, and a great conversation starter, to bring in the Word of God to those you read it to or with.  And because it is God-positive, and open ended, it could be used in a public school setting, as you aren't specifying who God is, but you would have children in your classrooms who will then make that connection.  So it could open some doors for conversation and the gospel among-st those children who know God. 

 

Pre-order the book before it releases February 13, and get his first book for free! Amazon has the book for 8.37 and if it gets cheaper, between now and then, they give you the lowest price from the date you pre-order til it's released and it arrives ON release day!   You submit your order # and what retailer you ordered from here at the Waterbrook/Multnomah website.  It takes 1 minute or less. 

Here's a blogger that tells you how to submit your receipt.  If you want more step by step.   I just did it- I'm launching the book and have a copy, but when can you get a baby gift for $4? not often.  And since I'm ordering it as a gift, I chose the $1 credit for ebooks at amazon.  

Don't forget that Goodreads is also hosting a giveaway, between now and March 30, 2018, so you might also win one!  I've done well when I enter a giveaway on goodreads- two books in one month!  and I only entered on two days a handful!