IMAGES OF GOD FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Delval continues her series of introductory books on Christian themes with this latest exploration (The Bible for Young Children, illustrated by Götting, 2010, etc.), which sets out to explain the concept of God to children in creative, often metaphorical ways. The format offers one aspect or characteristic describing God on each left-hand page, using the structure “God is…,” which is followed by a short explanation set in large type. Many of these characteristics are commonly discussed in Christian settings, such as viewing God as a shepherd, healer or parent. Other images of God are unusual, presenting God as silence or joy or in our tears. The explanatory text is written in a thoughtful, calm voice with a comforting vision of God in the description of each characteristic. Though God is referred to with traditional terminology as male and as a father figure, the overall impression is a fairly contemporary view of God as kind, loving and all-encompassing. This modern point of view is complemented by Nascimbeni’s bright, imaginative illustrations on the right-hand pages, using children and images from nature painted in a cheery, surrealistically childlike style. (Picture book/religion. 5-10)