I walked into my home the other day and on our coffee table was a children's book. One of those hard paged ones that are pretty much baby proof. This book was six double pages long with illustrations that extended from one side of the double page to the other.

An Inspirational Book and Best Seller?

As I read the cover and the back of the book I immediately found out that there happens to be a very close connection between this children's book, Little one, God Made You and the national best seller book The Purpose Driven Life by Dr. Rick Warren. More in a bit.

I had started that book and then read it with much deeper interest when the book gained further notoriety as a result of the experience of Ashley Smith who was held in her home for over seven hours by a man who "allegedly" killed a judge, court employees and a federal agent later. During that evening Ms. Smith talked directly with this man and though she said she had fear in her body, she did have peace in her heart as she convinced him into letting her go by reading some of the book to him. That action led to a peaceful surrender with no further loss of life or injury. What she discussed was God's love for all people. That is what the book The Purpose Driven Life teaches.

The Book's Message

I was struck by the warmth of the illustrations of what look to be water paintings. These were done by illustrator Carol Thompson. I opened the book and read it to myself one time. There are but 59 words to the book, however they tell the story of God's love in a warm and loving way that children do understand.

The text is quite simple. The author tells the children, through us the reader that God made them and He loves them. Each child is told that they are special and there is no other like them and though each child may be very different, God loves them all.

The book's text is printed as if hand printed onto the pages. An illustration dominates each page. Each page shows children with mother and children with children.

The author works with the illustrator to expand the little difference the author writes of like not having the same tiny nose or wiggly squiggly toes. We are shown a white child with red hair, a black child with dark curly hair and an Asian child with straight, jet black hair. Every picture shows love and bonds between children and adults and children with children. The illustrations work very well with the text.

Nepotism At Work?

I was surprised when I read that the author of this children's book, Amy Warren Hilliker, happened to be the daughter of Dr. Rick Warren the author of The Purpose Driven Life.

Quite honestly, my first though was, "There's a bit of nepotism going on here." The fact is, I was too quick to react like that. After reading the book and "re-adjusting" my faith I again looked closely at the book, its message and the artist's accompanying illustrations and now totally understand that this book exudes nothing but unconditional love.

Reading With Children and Last Thoughts

Later that evening with two of my grand-daughters over our home, I read them the story. The five year old could read along a bit while the two year old looked at the pictures with interest. The books text and illustrations match well, the children showed interest in the book and wanted it repeated a number of times. Best of all was the warm and comforting message defining each child as different from each other, yet, no matter what our differences, God loves each one of us.

Though this is a book that must be read to very young children, those children just beginning to read should find this a good one. I believe it is also a comforting book for adults. The last words of the book are, God made you to love you, little one.

I believe we are all God's children. How fortunate we are.


The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for The book that inspired this children's message of God


Give Me Grace, A Child's Prayerbook
The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey







Recommended: Yes