Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love [Hardcover]

Brennan Manning (Author), John Blase (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 6, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Willie Juan said, “Little friends, what is one thing you think Abba will ask you someday when you are in heaven?”

Willie Juan and Ana couldn’t have children of their own, but somehow, their home is always full of children and laughter and love. One day, when gathered together enjoying a beautiful evening and Ana’s most delicious sopapillas, Willie Juan asks this most curious question.

As the group discusses the question, all come to the wonderful realization that Abba loves each of us, and we are all smack-dab in the middle of His love.

 “Abba loves you so much and wants you to enjoy his gifts every day. Gifts like Ana’s absolute best, most delicious sopapillas. And the hummingbirds and burros. And abuelas.”

The first of Manning’s children’s books, this tender message is right on brand for the popular speaker and author who has traveled the world sharing Abba’s incredible love for His children.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brennan Manning is the author of ten books, including the bestsellers The Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba's Child. He leads spiritual retreats in the United States and Europe for people of all ages and backgrounds.

John Blase is a writer, editor, husband of one and father of three. He lives in Colorado, but he'll always be from the South.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781400317134
• ISBN-13: 978-1400317134
• ASIN: 1400317134
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 0.5 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,388,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Smack Dab Right On!! September 5, 2011

By BeckyB

Format:Hardcover

Brennan Manning and John Blase's Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love is a unique and fun beginning look at God's love for your youngest ones. I love that it's set in a little Mexican village - I love that even our youngest ones will see how big God's love is for them - I love that the illustrations are so colorful and fun - yep, I could go on and on! Oh yes, and I LOVE "Smack Dab" - I used that phrase as a kid and I love that it's back!!

Through Willie Juan and Ana - you see God's amazing love for us as these two people lavish their love on little ones in their Mexican village. They may not have had children of their own, but they still knew how to love on children - and through those relationships, they show these children what God's love is like.

This is a wonderful picture book - share it with a little one you want to share God's love with!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars His arms are big enough!!! September 5, 2011

By C. Estrella

Format:Hardcover

This is a thoughtful and kind book about how an inspiring, middle-aged couple teaches young children about God's love. We are all smack-dab in the middle of His loving arms. The book is super colorful and kids will enjoy looking through it again and again. The reading level for this book is ages 4-8, but for the younger kids I definitely think they will need an adult's help.

A small book showing Abba's love is big enough for us all!

Booksneeze sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Booksneeze.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good attempt..still to old for my 3 year old September 1, 2011

By Melissa

Format:Hardcover

Unfortunately, I had to read this a couple of times to get a good feel about how I wanted to review the book. I have a mixed review about it...I didn't dislike it but I didn't love this book.

What I Liked: I liked the message of this book, that we are all smack dab in the middle of God's love just like a dollop of honey is smack dab in the middle of Ana's sopapillas. This was a very creative multi-cultural story that not only taught of God's love, but of other cultures too (the story is set in Mexico). The pictures were beautifully done, and added depth to the story. I think it was a fair stab at the evangelistic message for children...but...

What I Didn't Like: I tried reading this to my son, and he just wasn't captivated by it like some books. The sopapillas captivated is 3 year old tummy, but I don't think that is what the authors were aiming at. The concepts were a bit "old" for him to grasp and I'm not sure what age it would have been more appropriate for...6-7 maybe. To give the author a fair chance, Amazon rates this book for 4+.

Overall, the book was catchy and well written and illustrated. My three year old just isn't quite ready for the big words and concept comparisons yet.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming book on the power of God's love August 31, 2011

By Roechelle

Format:Hardcover

I really enjoyed this book. The story line of the Mexican couple who couldn't have kids of their own but loved the kids in their city is very heartwarming. The beautiful truths that they spoke about was touching. God's love is large and wide and the writers did a great job of portraying that, young kids and old will enjoy this book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Attractive, entertaining, but theologically unclear August 26, 2011

By A. Wencl

Format:Hardcover

Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love is a beautiful book that teaches children about God's love for them using the catchy phrase, "smack-dab in the middle". As neighborhood children and animals crowd into Willie Juan and Ana's Mexican home, they enjoy homemade sopapillas and discuss God's love. Willie Juan asks the children what God will ask them in heaven. Several children say He'll ask if they completed certain acts of kindness. Willie Juan reassures them that even if they fail, God will still love them.

Although I enjoyed the book, I was concerned that it portrays a works-based salvation. Most evangelical Christians would say God will ask us if we have trusted in Jesus and good works should flow out of that love. Willie Juan could have explained how we show love because God loved us. Instead, the book does not qualify the children's comments at all.

The bright watercolor illustrations show children of all colors and sizes in a realistic way. Each picture complements the words and adds details like animals, food, emotions, or flowers to the scene. The faces are particularly interesting and varied. Overall, the book was attractive, multicultural, and entertaining, but the sketchy theological views make me hesitant to recommend it for children.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, Booksneeze. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Smack-Dab in the MiddlLase, Illustrated by Nicole Tagdell August 25, 2011

By Monkey'sMom

Format:Hardcover

I received a free e-book copy of this book to review. All opinions are mine, and mine alone.

Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning and John Blase, is a children's book about a husband and wife that live in Hopi. Although they have no children of their own, they become friends with all the neighborhood children. While spending time with these children they teach them about the love of God, or Abba, as Willie Juan call Him. They take the time explain how great God's love is for all his children alike.
I would say this book would be great in a fourth or fifth grade classroom where they are either teaching bi-lingual children or teaching Spanish. It would even be a great book for a Spanish cultural study as it has a few Spanish vocabulary words which are great in helping understand the Spanish language.

For it's purpose it was ok. If I were to give it a wow factor rating, 1 being the worst and 10 being the best it would be somewhere around a six. The illustrations were very colorful, and reminded me of the Spanish culture. But the wording was a bit dry for me. It didn't have a point at which I was wondering what was going to happen next, or a climax. Plus right now, I am liking the books aimed at younger readers since my son isn't quite two yet. But I say everyone has different tastes and you should at least read it once and see if it is your cup of tea.