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IF GOD WAS A SUPERHERO by Denise M. Lopez

IF GOD WAS A SUPERHERO

by Denise M. Lopez

Pub Date: June 12th, 2013
ISBN: 978-1449797072
Publisher: Westbow Press

A simple, charmingly illustrated picture book for young children, introducing them to the concept of God.

Lopez makes her debut with a light, nondenominational message of inspiration that presents God as a figure that should resonate with children—a friendly little boy in a cape who offers protection and encouragement. The rhymes, if not exactly catchy, are lyrical enough to hold the attention of small children: “If God was a Superhero what size would He be? / As giant as a bear? Or as tiny as a flea?” The illustrations are sweet and occasionally humorous, as when a caped God-child sprays “Monster Repellant” under the bed of a sleeping little girl, or when he flies a baseball to what is certain to be a home run. The graphics, also by Lopez, are professional, simple and colorful, though not terribly enthralling. Moving from being a guardian angel in the first few pages to a cheerleader and creator in the final pages—“God made you smart. He made you tough”—this God is a friendly companion who could be the kid next door with secret superpowers. The book’s secondary message—“Be Yourself….Be everything that you feel inside”—nicely complements the consistently upbeat tone. There is, however, one linguistic misstep that is likely to make grammarians squirm: The author uses “was” in the title rather than the more appropriate “were.” It seems a shame to pass up an opportunity to familiarize young ears with the sound of correct grammar in a way that doesn’t involve a lesson in the complexities of the subjunctive. Just say it right, and children will absorb it.

Parents interested in bringing God into their children’s lives will appreciate this short, simple religious message that’s uncluttered by specific doctrine, making for a satisfactory addition to the storytelling routine.