I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
You Are by Emily Assell Illustrator: Lauren Copple
Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. on October 23, 2018
Genres: Christian, Devotional & Prayer, Inspirational, Juvenile Nonfiction, Religious, Values & Virtues
Pages: 20
Source: Tyndale House Publishers
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Speak the Word of God out loud over your children and claim this generation for the Lord!
You Are is designed to speak life over the youngest generation. Each page includes a loving term of endearment, an encouraging spiritual affirmation, and a verse from Scripture to help imprint the Lord's promises and truths on their hearts. You Are will teach your kids that they are cherished by you and by their heavenly Father.
When I stumbled across the book the premise drew me in. Teaching young children, toddlers if you will, about their place in God’s Kingdom. Teaching them the power they have in Christ through meaningful Bible verses and themes with engaging illustrations. I mean, from an adult perspective what’s not to love? And while I enjoyed the book it wasn’t exactly love at first read. Let me fill you in.
I loved the introduction for parents right in the beginning, based in scripture it reminds us of the power of words. The words we speak to others and especially to our children. I found the ‘words’ of the book engaging however I also found that they were lost on the intended audience. Some of them felt unnatural and cerebral. Not all mind you but a few. The flip side of that is that once we find a way to engage our little ones through the pictures and the snuggles that come with reading together we can draw them into the truths that are presented. I found myself rewording and replacing phrases as well, remaining true to the theme of the book but tailoring it to the way we speak and the way the minions understood. I was a bit put off by the randomness of the Bible editions used for this verses as well. I appreciated that the version was provided with each verse but felt like we were edition hopping just to find what was wanted. I know some parents are very specific in the edition of the Bible they use in their home, specifically those that do not deviate from the KJV. Myself, not so specific but it is a thing that may come up.
Here’s the thing. The illustrations by Laruen Copple are engaging. No matter how I attempt to say this it’s going to be taken wrong so try to read my thoughts here between my inability to chose words. They are simple, they are natural, they aren’t so in depth that you can read the story through the pictures. However, in their natural simplicity they draw you into their own story. They tone the words of the book to something more in tune with a younger audience. I feel like the illustrations help to create engagement with the words that are lacking with the words alone. And I feel that once we find our individual grooves with this book that it can become a snuggle time favorite that not only will engage our children but also draw them closer to the Father.
About Emily Assell
Emily Assell’s passion is to call this generation to be a generation whose hearts and lives belong to Christ. Emily does most of her writing at night, after her three precious children are tucked quietly into bed. Emily is a nurse, a speaker, a wife, a mom, and an author—all of which she credits to her great God.
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