Lisa Tawn Bergren began writing her popular God Gave Us series in 2000. The series includes six unique titles, including God Gave Us the World, which have sold over 1.5 million copies. The original title in the series, God Gave Us You, is now an adorable board book for the youngest readers.
Story of God Gave Us You
Little Cub asks her Momma where she came from one night at bedtime. Momma tells Little Cub the story of how she and Papa were alone and prayed to God for a baby. Soon they found out Little Cub was on her way. They were very happy, because as Momma says, "God gave us you."
Momma and Papa prepared a bedroom for Little Cub and celebrated with friends and the angels in Heaven. They visited the doctor and heard Little Cub's heartbeat.
Finally, after what seemed to Momma like forever, Little Cub was ready to be born. Little Cub loved the story and loved her Momma and Papa who wouldn't trade her for anything because she was a gift to them from God.
Illustrations of God Gave Us You
Laura J. Bryant is the artist responsible for the illustrations in God Gave Us You. She studied at the Maryland Institute of Art, focusing on drawing, painting and print making. She enjoys illustrating children's books as it provides her a way to be creative that is very rewarding.
The illustrations are colorful and eye catching. The four color design provides a bright backdrop for this delightful story. The characters are presented as realistic looking animals. The pictures provide a further explanation to the words on the page for the very young. Pre-readers could use the illustrations to retell the story after hearing it the first time.
Uses for God Gave Us You
This book would make a fantastic gift for a baby shower or new baby in a family. It is sturdy and explains in a loving manner where babies come from. A realistic pregnancy and delivery are presented in a non-threatening manner that even the very young will understand.
The repetition of the phrase "God Gave Us You" reassures the child reader that they are loved not only by their family members, but by God as well. We all need to be reminded of the love of others at times, and this book does so with a gentle message.
Children will want to hear this story again and again. It would be the perfect beginning to a collection of the God Gave Us series of books.
I love the pictures in this book and the story of Little Cub's birth. I wish this book had been available when my children were younger. I look forward to sharing it with the small children in my life.
References:
God Gave Us the World by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant, Waterbrook Press, 2010.
God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, Art by Laura J. Bryant
Waterbrook Press, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-307-72991-0
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
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