Book Review: You Always Belong
The following book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. No money was exchanged for this review.
Today I am reviewing a children’s book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo, with illustrations by Sara Romero called You Always Belong: Knowing God’s Love & Finding Your Place. This is a Zonderkids publication; a subsidiary of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Every single one of us wants to belong. Children, especially, are susceptible to all manner of messages in the world about identity and community. This book, in easy to read, poetic text with beautiful pictures does a wonderful job reminding young ones who they are in God’s eyes, and why they always have a place in God’s world.
The pictures by illustrator and artist, Sara Romero are colorful, whimsical and fun. She has a way drawing the reader through with each beautiful scene, and creates understanding of the text even with the little ones who can’t read on their own.
The text and the illustrations create a warm imaginative space where children can feel embraced by the message of God’s love and plan for them. I especially love the “refrain” repeated often throughout the book.
“You were made to be part of God’s story,
A beautiful note in his song.
So let his light shine as you walk through the world,
And remember you always belong.”
Jinger and Jeremy encourage children 4 and up to see the beauty in God’s creation, especially in who God created them to be. In a simple, but compelling manner they talk about things children experience like being left out, being laughed at, feeling alone, and even peer pressure. They give sound advice to stay true to who God wants them to be and to treat others with kindness and care.
I think this the perfect book to add to your children’s book collection. I think it would be a great read before bed time so that as they fall asleep they are encouraged by the message of God’s unconditional love, as well as the messages of self-discipline, obedience, and character building.
You Always Belong by Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo would be a great gift for a child, but also a good book for a church library, children’s Sunday School class, or at the home of a grandparent or other relative. Just click on the link to purchase.