WHERE'S GOD

A children’s picture book with a powerful message about why God created the world.

In the beginning of this moving story, God makes the Earth and all the animals upon it. Looking for creatures as creative, loving and playful as he is, God creates people. Their inquisitive joy prompts the deity to play a game of his own. In a touching twist, God chooses to play hide-and-seek within the people themselves: “I’ll hide inside where they can feel me.…[T]hey will look for me on the outside, and I’ll be inside all of them the whole time!” Then he discovers that people don’t always feel playful and loving. In a philosophical quandary, he ponders whether he should make people always be happy, but ultimately decides that they should “be free to create like me so they can be my friends, not my dolls.” Accordingly, the final page asks: “Where is God???” Roess, in simple, clear language, presents readers with a laughing, happy God, a generous being who’s approachable and warm. Anticipating the universal question children ask about God, Roess begins with the easy explanation that God has no form or shape, but wields tremendous creative powers. The bright, pastel colors of the accompanying illustrations draw the eye; the images of creatures with large eyes will no doubt captivate even very tiny children. The words, meanwhile, offer more than just rhythmic power to soothe and comfort. By combining engaging pictures with concise, fluidly plotted prose, Roess has crafted a winning book, sure to delight a broad audience of children, parents and teachers of any religion.

A moving tale with energetic artwork and an easily grasped message for both children and adults.