I have loved every book I have ever picked up by Dorena Williamson. Her commitment to diversity and bringing scripture to life is a gift to Christian Kids Lit. Her new book ‘I Know Who I Am‘ is no exception. This brilliant celebration of every person around the world’s value and worth is a top pick for our home.
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What I Love
I love the multicultural illustrations in this book. Taking inspiration from Haiti to Korea, children from all around the world are celebrated. In her author’s note, Dorena mentions they recieved feedback on the illustrayions from nationals of the respective countries, which I love and should be a bare minimum when creating multicultural resources, but can often be over looked.
I also appreciated the very clear tie-ins to scripture within the text and illustrations. Though scripture references are not provided, anyone who has been in the church for a while will probably be able to call to mind specific scriptures that were used as inspiration for each page.
In Rwanda we see children with ‘hope’ and a ‘future,’ bringing to mind:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
In Mexico a little girl rides on the wings of a bird, waiting on God, trusting He will give her strength:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Finally, a little girl in Romania trusts that she is more valuable than the birds:
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26 (NIV)
Through the illustrations and scripture-based text, littles find affirmation that God cares for and loves them. We have a good Father who provides for our every need, and we can trust Him.
What My Littles Love
My 18 month-old loves the bright pictures. He was just enthralled with the illustrations, and delighted at each page turn.
My 5 year-old, equally loved the pictures, especially of all the children. And the words that God loves her and cares for her ministered to her tiny heart.
Still my 7 year-old was curious about what scriptures each page referenced. Ever the tiny scholar, she is at an age where she just devours knowledge, and wants to know how and why the world works. She also delights in pulling out trivia and facts at any moment. So we had some lovely discussion about the pages and where they point back to scripture, and what those scriptures tell us about God.
All three of my littles adored this book in their own way and own level. And children of all ages (and their grown-ups) can benefit from having these affirmations read over them. We are see , we are known, we are loved, and we are children of God. May we rest in this.
Baby Devotions 