Until I put it on display, love is sometimes hard to see.
Dr. Mary Manz Simon invites pint-sized theologians to embark upon a delightful scavenger hunt, looking for all the places love hides in the daily life of a preschooler. She does this with precision, because when we demonstrate the love of God to others, it is not with the intention of motivating Him to love us in return or to increase His love for us. Rather, we love Him (and others) because He first loved us, and all our acts of love or obedience serve to demonstrate the unselfish mercy and grace that is God’s love.
So . . . where does love hide?
Readers will find six replies, hidden under the flaps that have been incorporated into the construction of Hannah Wood’s large, vivid illustrations which feature a rainbow of children who have been caught in the act of being good with actions with which even the youngest toddler can identify.
My grandson’s tiny fingers were well able to grasp and open the flaps, and it turns out that love hides very close at hand, for the revelation of love can come with an invitation to a friend, a sharing of cookies, a cheerfully executed chore, or practical services offered to the weak or the elderly.
Relevant and simply stated Scripture verses make a solid case for each example of loving deeds and will help parents (and grandparents!) to set the example in establishing memory habits as they work together to learn the verses. A fun way to encourage this would be to let the child pull back the flap and give the answer to the question while the adult says the verse — and then switch roles.
Giving and receiving love involves words as well as actions that lend weight to those words. After all, God Himself communicated His love to us through the Word, but He didn’t stop there:
“God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8.
When our children join Him in the joy of giving, His love is put on display for all the world to see.
//
This book was provided by Tyndale Kids, a trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This is the third of Mary Manz Simon’s books that my grandson and I have had the privilege of reading and sharing. You’ll also be interested in discovering God Made the Sun and God Made the Moon. (Click to read my review.)
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This looks like a really sweet book! Thanks for the review!
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This book sounds wonderful, Michele. How precious that you got to share it with your grandson. 🙂 Love and hugs to you!
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Thanks Trudy!
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Too bad this book wasn’t around when my guys were little. 🙂 I love the idea of finding where love is hiding. That seems true in real life too, sometimes. 🙂
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In no time at all, you’ll be reading to grandchildren. At least that is how it has seemed to me!
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Aw. This looks like an adorable read.
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Sounds like a fantastic book, and wonderful to share it with your grandson.
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Reading together was a virtue my parents instilled when I was younger, and those are times I cherish to this day. You are making wonderful memories and building a solid foundation for your grandson.
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Thanks for that encouragement! I have such good memories of reading to my sons, and I do want to keep the tradition alive.
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Such a cute way to share truth with the littles in our life 🙂
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This sounds like a perfect book for a little one to enjoy over and over. Thanks for the review 🙂 I’m really glad that you shared with us at Together on Tuesdays 🙂
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Yes, over and over! I love it when I hit on a winner with the adorable grandboy and he comes into the house looking for a particular book!
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What an adorable book! I wouldn’t have found it if it wasn’t for this review. Sharing! 🙂
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I saw that you shared the review on Twitter! Thanks for your encouragement!
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What a sweet book! Thanks for sharing!
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Blessings, Liz!
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Awe. I adore picture Books and this one sounds quite fun. Thanks for sharing on the LMM Linkup.
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We’ve really enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!
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What a great concept for a lift-a-flap book! My toddler loves these types of books, so we’ll have to look for this one!
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It’s a good one!
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This book looks adorable! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week! Always a pleasure to have you!
Tina
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Thanks, Tina!
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Great review! Good books for toddlers like this one are things we need more of! Thanks for sharing at the Grace + Lace Linkup!
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