God Believes in You [Hardcover]

Holly Bea (Author), Kim Howard (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Holly Bea's beloved bullmastiff, Buddy, is having a bad day. Left alone to guard the house, he is taunted by the neighborhood cats, who know that he can't touch them. Buddy is worried—will Holly be back soon, or is she gone for the day, or even forever? Much to Buddy's relief, Holly returns. They go to the park, but Buddy's fun is cut short by a pack of hostile squirrels and a team of Dalmatian firedogs who challenge his self-esteem. Will this day ever end? Buddy's day is a metaphor for the doubts and anxieties children face, and a soothing reminder that God will always be there for them.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–A bullmastiff stars in this nondenominational book about God's love and support. Throughout his day, the animal faces many troubling situations. His visit to the park is ruined when the squirrels tease and throw nuts at him. He misbehaves at obedience class, worries during a visit to the vet, and gets in trouble for snatching some hot dogs at a family cookout. Each of these scenarios is paired with a brightly colored illustration and a reassuring verse. For example, a picture of the pup disconsolately watching two smart Dalmatians assist in fighting a fire is accompanied by "If you think you failed the test,/And you can't keep up with the rest,/Someone knows that you're the best/'Cause God believes in you." The dog's day ends on a happy note when he watches fireworks with other canines. Children will empathize with this lovable character.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HJ Kramer/New World Library (June 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932073086
• ISBN-13: 978-1932073089
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #641,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A children's picturebook with an abiding message of faith, November 5, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God Believes in You (Hardcover)

God Believes in You is a children's Christian picturebook with an abiding message of faith and love. Following the adventures of a bull mastiff named Buddy, who must cope with a day at obedience school, the veterinarian, an unfriendly encounter with fire department dalmatians, and more, God Believes in You closes with the profound message that even though life can be challenging, God is always there for Us. Slightly stringy and whimsically enjoyable color illustrations bring the heartwarming tale and its simple message to vibrant life.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non-denominational WINNER for boys and girls!, May 3, 2005

By 

Karen Dinino (Woodland Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Believes in You (Hardcover)

Holly Bea and Kim Howard have created another wonderful, non-denominational story of faith and joy for all children. With a story boys and girls will relate to and love, and bright, warm illustrations, this book gives kids a message of support and encouragement they will carry in their minds throughout the day. The rhyming helps the message stick, and what a wonderful message for all children to know and believe!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars when bad days never end!, October 24, 2004

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Believes in You (Hardcover)

The author's beloved bullmastiff, Buddy, is having a bad day. Left alone to guard the house, he is taunted by the neighborhood cats, who know he can't touch them. Will this day ever end?

Buddy's day is a metaphor for the doubts & anxieties all children face, especially from their peers. GOD BELIEVES IN YOU is a soothing reminder for child & adult alike, that God will always be there, if you give Him a chance.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends GOD BELIEVES IN YOU which is charmingly written in verses, & once again Holly Bea has teamed up with the superb illustrator Kim Howard, who obviously adores Buddy too.