A Book Review from Books At a Glance
By Kristin Stiles
Looking at the cover of And God Said. . . I had no idea what was in store for me. The cover is typical of a children’s book: cute watercolor depiction of animals, whimsical font used for the title, paperback cover concealing only a few pages. But the words inside: I choke up every time I read them. I have to take a moment and consider the sovereignty of God Almighty. I have to appreciate again the work of Jesus on the cross for my sins. This was not what I expected the first time I picked up this children’s book.
Andrew Wilson is a wordsmith. He presents an outline of Scripture in these twenty-two pages that is so powerful. His sentences are brief, but pack so much in them. Wilson repeatedly uses the sentence, “And God said, and it happened.” Each use builds in meaning. Each use emphasizes the exalted character of God. Then we are hit with “And God said, and Israel didn’t, although sometimes they did, but mostly they didn’t.” Then we are taken through an emotional journey of Jesus’ arrival, temptation, rejection, crucifixion, and glorious resurrection. Again, this is accomplished in very few words but with amazing impact. There’s a rhythm to the words and it is almost like reading a poem.
Rosie Dexter fills in the gaps with amazing illustrations. She gives those simple sentences a context and visual cues that can provide parents with all kinds of opportunity to go deeper into the story and fill in the events that are only hinted at by the text. On the page referencing Israel, there are depictions of leaving Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, wandering through the wilderness, receiving the Law at Mt. Sinai, and ultimately the arrival of the Messiah. This two-page spread allows for so much discussion. Just brilliantly done!
What more can I say? I love this book. I want everyone to read it. I want you to share it with your children and I want it to touch your heart as well.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to visit our friends at 10Publishing to see more of their excellent books!
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AND GOD SAID..., by Andrew Wilson