Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? [School & Library Binding]

Nancy White Carlstrom (Author), Lori McElrath-Eslick (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Katrina wants to know more about God: “Mama, what does God wear? Does God like to paint? Does God ever cry, Papa?” Her parents’ responses, based on the Psalms, help Katrina to know God in ways that are very real to her. / Poetic text and bright impressionistic illustrations combine beautifully to make this a gentle and affirming picture book that will encourage a child’s exploration of God. Ideal for reading aloud.

--This text refers to the Board book edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A conversation between Katrina and her parents about the nature of God deftly juxtaposes an adult metaphysical sensibility (replete with allusions to the book of Psalms) against a child's hands-on approach to spirituality. For instance, in answer to her daughter's question whether God has any pets, Mama replies: "The animals and birds of the forest are his and every cow on a thousand hills," whereas Katrina's more pragmatic response is: "Maybe God would like us to get a a puppy!" Each turn of the page introduces a new question--what God wears, whether He talks, if He cries or sings--and another vista featuring McElrath-Eslick's bold brush strokes and her perhaps overexcited palette. The approach is nondenominational beyond its Judeo-Christian foundations, and could easily provide a springboard for family or one-on-one discussions. All of the Psalms alluded to are included in their entirety at the end of the book. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Ages 3-5. In this lovely picture book, a small child questions her parents about the nature of God with a reassuring simplicity. She asks what He wears, how He talks, and whether or not He has pets, cries, and feels the cold. In most cases, but not all, a correlating Scripture passage follows, with an additional comment by either parent or child rounding out the short text on each page. Illustrated with paintings in bright hues, each double-page spread forms a thoughtful composition. Although in the last lines on each page the speaker is not identified, a potentially confusing element for wee ones, this is a graceful, quiet book to share on a lap or with a small group. List of Scripture references appended. Deborah Abbott --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• School & Library Binding
• Publisher: San Val (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613785339
• ISBN-13: 978-0613785334
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Nancy White Carlstrom started writing when she was seven years old and has been writing ever since. She says, "I write when I am happy and when I am sad, and especially when I celebrate God's creation. When you read This Is the Day, I hope it will cause you to look at your world and be surprised by wonder every day of the week."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations, thoughtful answers to hard question, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? (Paperback)

This book is beautifully illustrated and gives thoughtful answers to questions kids ask. I especially like the references in the back. I would reccomend it for the illustrations alone and would love to see some of them available for framing. Kids may not be so enamored but the parents and grandparents who saw it bought it! It opens a door to deeper discussion with a younger child. Buy it you will love it! I am a teacher and a grandma.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, creative, unique approach, February 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? (Paperback)

A masterfully written book showing ways to see God in our world. Exquisite artwork. My kids enjoyed the story, laughing at the unique way it talks about God, and immediately asked for a re-reading. We have many Christian children's books in our family library -- this is one of the most refreshing and visually stunning.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story to help explain God., May 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book that shows children all the ways that God helps us and what he wants us to do to help others. My 2 year olds love the pictures and the story.