Additional Picture Book #3 Lisa Tawn Bergren
Title: God Gave Us You
City/Publisher: Colorado Springs, CO/ WaterBrook Press
Copyright: 2000
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Characteristics: This book uses repetition throughout its story. Its use of color is soft, muted tones. Blend of colors that work well together, that are pleasing to the eye. Then of course, it has the spiritual element to it, of bringing in God, and an bridge into explaining God to children.
Audience: Pre-k through 5th/6th Grade
Summary: When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question–one that little “human cubs” often wonder about, too: “Where did I come from?”As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: “We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because–God gave us you.”
Response: This is such a cute story. It provides a cute story for children before bedtime, and also leads them to questions of their own like, where did i come from? Or who is God? This story provides an easy bridge into sometimes difficult conversations with kids. It also helps brooch the topic of pregnancy and childbirth, which is why I said the audience could be through a much older age range. Its use of color is very subtle and creates beautiful images, especially in contrast with the white of the polar bear family pictured. I love this book. It is one of my favorites to read to my kid. The first time I read it to him, when he was still too small to understand, I cried. Because every word is so true, and probably because I was still on the emotional roller coaster of childbirth.
