Images of God for Young Children

With eloquent simplicity in both prose and illustrations, this introspective book, first published in France, offers complex theological concepts in a manner that's accessible to young readers. Declarative sentences appear against white backgrounds, for example, "God is mercy." A concise, poetic explanation follows: "God comforts us when we are not proud of what we've done." The opposing, full-bleed painting depicts a penitent girl, nestled securely on a white petaled flower against a sage and orange backdrop. Delval's descriptions encompass a wide range of biblically-based images of the divine, some familiar (path, fortress, promise, light, savior) and others surprising, such as "God is smallness" and "God is secret." Nascimbeni's illustrations incorporate bright patterns and strong, solid sections of color, with children and animals depicted in a variety of whimsical scenarios (flying above trees, floating on clouds), evoking cultures, landscapes, and creatures from across the globe. The painting for "God is bread" shows multiethnic children surrounding a table evocative of the planet Earth with Jesus' hands breaking bread to share. A graceful, comprehensive introduction to the biblical witness and a welcome new devotional resource. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)