When God Made You

Wave the LuLav 5/5 waves

Author: Matthew Paul Turner

Author Website: http://matthewpaulturner.com/,

Illustrator: David Catrow

Publisher: Waterbrook

ISBN: 978-1-60142-918-6

Word Count: 490

Published: 2017

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This story is perfect for ages: 2-4, 4-6

Straight from Aunty LuLav

Written in whimsical rhyme, this story conveys the love and confidence that comes from knowing there is a God, Who has a plan for your life and delights over you. It’s impossible to feel insecure about yourself or your purpose in the earth after reading this book.

Scriptural Underpinnings & Positive Themes

Matthew Paul Turner does an excellent job of tackling the large concept of God’s dreams and plans for His children. This story is packed with meaning and truth! My question is – How did he fit it all in 490 words? 

GOD UNIQUELY CREATED YOU
This is the first thought out of the gate. A little girl sits in an overstuffed chair, reading a story to her dog and cat, when she is hit with a revelation – “God made you!” The rhyme carries you along from there, speaking to all the ways Father God made you unique as an individual. From your appearance, your sound, how you think, your gifts, your dreams, even your name, God made it all. Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
Not only did God make you, He dreamed about you and planned your existence in the earth, before you were born. Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 2:1-10.
Not only did God dream about you and plan for you, He is watching over you and cheering you on. Zephaniah 3:17, Hebrews 12:1-2.

GOD CREATED ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE EARTH
All people are unique, and precious to God, every race and nation in the earth. There is a reference to God caring about us – His Children – and loving others in the earth through us – a great message for Believers to embrace, and teach our children.

As this world polarizes in these dark days, we are to be known by our love! Hebrews 13:16, James 3, Ephesians 4:1-6, Acts 17:26-28

CREATIVE FLOW
Something very beautiful within this book, is the expression of our spiritual life through creativity. Through the illustrations and text, we see God’s work flowing through the little girl into the earth for beauty and good. Turner refers to our creativity as something God loves. When we unlock our creative gift and share it, we are being like God, creative!

GOD CREATED YOU IN HIS IMAGE
Here is another amazing thought right from scripture. God as Creator, gives us the creative flow, to pour out into the earth for good. Pretty awesome thoughts for a children’s picture book! Genesis 1 

FRUIT of GOD’S SPIRIT
Turner refers to “God’s YOU” and that one should be hopeful, kind, a giver, strong and brave, loving, and a bridge-maker. That one should be a PEACEMAKER. Reminds me of the sermon on the mount! Matthew 5, Galatians 5:22-26, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

BEING LIKE JESUS
A reference is made that we should view other people as “sisters and brothers” – and then live “by three words: love one another” pg. 32. Jesus told us this is the greatest commandment for our lives. John 13:31-35, John 15:9-17

BEING LIFE-GIVERS
Another beautiful image in this book is that of being a Life-Giver. The little girl comes upon a mime, who is sad and crying. He is holding his lifeless flower. The little girl thinks of a way to bring joy and life into that situation.

Using her gift, she draws a new magnificent flower. The mime smiles. She goes on to draw an egg. A bird hatches. They bird grows and they soar on together, through the skies and the heavens. It’s a symbol and reminder that as God’s children in the earth, we are to be like Jesus and be Life-Givers, bringing life to dead situations.

Illustrations

David Catrow’s illustrations are amazing!  Beauty and life careen across every page, creating joy with his whimsical style. The illustration of the people in the city is priceless! They mime and little girl soar through the heavens on a colorful mystical bird.  

My favorite is the little girl leaping through the air with her paintbrush full of color. Oh I want to dance with that one!

Vibrant colors splash and move on every page, carrying you along with the rhyme of the text. You can actually feel the creative flow.

Painting and leaping and flying through the sky intertwine in a great celebration of life and identity in being God’s creation! 

Representation

The little girl and her sister are African American. There are people of every race and age in the city.
You may also find cats and dogs and birds and bunnies.

A Pause

This might just be the musician in me, but at times the rhythm of the rhyme is out of sync, with the beat falling on the wrong syllable. This only affects the “read aloud.” After a few reads, it all smooths out.

Overall for Rhyme – 4/5 on the Aunty Lulav Rhyme-O-Meter

Extra, Extra

Check out their second book "When God Made Light" reviewed right here by Aunty Lulav.

The End of the Matter

Another GEM for your library.
We can wave our Lulavs and Shake our Paintbrushes for God Made Me.