The Children’s Book Review | July 2, 2018
Written by Jennifer Grant
Illustrated by Benjamin Schipper
Age Range: 4-7
Hardback: 32 pages
Publisher: Sparkhouse Family
ISBN: 978-1506421896
What to expect: Religion, Christianity
An unnamed little boy lives with his grandmother in the big city. He’s seen so many things, but never has he seen God. He wakes up one morning and asks his grandmother at breakfast, “Grandma, does God live in the city?”
His grandmother goes on to explain that whenever he sees acts of love, joy, peace, or acts of patience and faithfulness, that is God there with you. The little boy goes about his day, from riding the train to attending school. He and his grandmother see signs of love and goodwill everywhere: from the hug his grandmother gives him at dropoff, to his teacher helping him to tie his shoe. In all these small, every day acts, the little boy sees God and realizes that his grandmother was right all along.
Jennifer Grant’s simple but engaging story, with repetitive phrasing, will draw little readers eagerly in. Without preachiness, she manages to show the wonderful world around this little boy, the same usual world that little readers surely inhabit, and how that world is filled with God and kindness. The story is calming and soothing, while at the same time poignant and heartfelt. I also appreciated the family dynamic of the boy living with his grandmother, as well as a diverse cast of characters, which created an inclusive feeling. The beautiful illustrations by Benjamin Schipper are colorful and detailed. So much is happening on each page that you feel like you are at the heart of the city, and I enjoyed each rendering of smiling characters and happy pets. Combining an uplifting story and stunning artwork, MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO would make an excellent addition to a child’s religious bookshelf.
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Maybe God is Like That Too, written by Jennifer Grant and illustrated by Benjamin Schipper, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like Maybe God is Like That Too by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Benjamin Schipper, Books About Grandmas, Christianity, Picture Book, and Religion.