In this engaging, illustrated children's book by Irene Sun, young readers learn how numbers declare the glory of God, discovering Bible stories and the truth, beauty, and goodness of our sovereign God through numbers and patterns. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.
Through simple language kids will understand, God Counts shares theological truths and helps children become familiar with Scripture, exploring the patterns of creation, numbers in the plan of redemption, and the intimacy of a personal relationship with God. This children's book explores how God counts every fish in the sea, every star in the sky, every hair on their heads, and every tear in their eyes.
By discovering numbers in God's world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. Families will be enriched as they learn together how numbers magnify God—just as a telescope magnifies the stars—and each numbered lesson points to a larger redemptive story of Scripture. On each page, the illustrations engage readers, displaying not only a picture but a mosaic of patterns.
This playful children's book serves as a beginner's theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns, introducing the Trinity, the God of order, the holiness of God, the problem of sin, the rescue and love of Jesus, and much more. Children who love to count will be filled with wonder, leading them to understand deeper truths about God, themselves, and the world around them.
"Every child who loves to count will be delighted to open God Counts and realize that God loves numbers too. Irene Sun helps children explore the deep truths of Scripture by observing the way numbers are used all throughout the Bible. Beautifully illustrated and ingeniously written, this book is a wonderful way for children to learn about God as they learn to count."
Melissa Kruger, Author of In All Things: A Nine Week Devotional Bible Study on Unshakeable Joy
"I've learned much from the writing of Irene Sun over the years, and I'm delighted that my young children will likewise learn about God from her in this wonderful, creative little book of numbers exploring the plan of redemption."
Collin Hansen, Editorial Director of The Gospel Coalition; author of Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists
"Irene Sun has laid out a lively number path that winds through the stories of Scripture. Through the numbers come glimpses of truth. The Bible references included will help adults explain the concepts more fully to little ones listening. This book is a great starting point not just for teaching numbers but for thinking about the Lord God who counts the hairs on our heads and the stars in the sky."
Kathleen Nielson, Author of Women and God
"Irene has written a book that not only speaks to the beauty of God's creation, but his order as well. If God reigns over all things, then surely numbers matter to him too! This book will capture your child's imagination, expand their view of God, and bring Scripture into every conversation—even the ones that are about numbers. I can't wait to read this to my sons over and over again!"
Courtney Reissig, Author of Glory in the Ordinary; mother of four
"I imagine many, many meaningful conversations about God will result from reading God Counts and exploring its imaginative artwork."
Nancy Guthrie, Author of What Every Child Should Know about Prayer
"This book creatively teaches children about God and his Word. If you have a child who is fascinated by numbers, this is a great resource to talk with them about God."
Andy and Jenni Naselli, Parents of four daughters; Andy is associate professor of New Testament and theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis and elder of Bethlehem Baptist Church
"God Counts is a delightful book for both children and parents alike. Irene Sun makes biblical truths memorably compelling."
Christine Hoover, Author of Messy Beautiful Friendship and Searching for Spring; mom of three
"God Counts is a delightful children's book that every Christian parent and grandparent should have. This little masterpiece by Irene Sun explores the place of simple numbers in God's Word and in his world. Clearly and meaningfully written, drawing upon foundational themes and motifs in Scripture, interestingly illustrated, and biblically referenced throughout, this little book is a wonderful resource for those important first conversations about God and his creative and redemptive work in his world."
Dennis R. Magary, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"An Old Testament scholar and a godly Christian mother, Irene Sun is well suited to write Christian books for kids. God Counts teaches little ones some very big truths in language and pictures that make Scripture come alive for curious minds. My wife and I can't wait to share it with others."
Douglas A. Sweeney, Distinguished Professor of Church History and the History of Christian Thought, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
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As children grow, they learn the basics of an education. This often begins with parents teaching children their ABC’s and 1-2-3’s. For Christian parents, there should be an even greater priority: to teach their children who God is and what He has done. But what about a resource that points children to God as their Creator while also teaching them how to count? It is that such resource we find in the creative new book by Irene Sun, God Counts: Numbers in His and His World. Numbers in Scripture Along with eye-appealing illustrations by Alex Foster, Irene Sun teaches kids to count from numbers 1 to 12. She does this by taking each number and citing an example where the number is used in Scripture. After counting to 12, Irene takes a page to talk about infinity, teaching children God is infinite and has no end. She closes the book by getting personal and addressing the reader about the God who counts and cares for them. Counting and the Creator When it comes to teaching children who God is and how to number, God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun is the book parents can count on. Other than the need to clarify or define a couple of words in numbers 10 and 11, the book’s straightforward approach equips parents to teach their children to learn how to count and to find out more about their Creator in the process. Because of the nature of the book (namely, that it is on counting), parents should realize that an explanation of the gospel is not necessarily laid out. Where the book does touch upon the realities of the gospel, parents should use what the book does share as an opportunity to begin or continue a conversation with their kids about their own sin and need for a Savior. The book is ideal for elementary-age kids, 5–11 years old. If you are a parent or know a child who is learning how to count, then be sure you get them God Counts by Irene Sun, so they can learn about the works of their Creator as well. I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.
This is NOT your typical counting book for the little ones. This book presents deep, theological ideas wrapped up in the beauty of numbers. It doesn't entail mathematics, yet states that the Maker of the Universe, God, created numbers and that they declare His glory. Yes, all of creation declares the glory of the Creator, God. Information that is usually gleaned from sermons or Bible studies such as their being four rivers in the Garden of Eden, four wings on every butterfly, and four creatures before God's throne saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!" will enrich the parents reading aloud this interesting children's book. "Six tells us God hates sin..... 'Here are six things that the Lord hates. unkind eyes, a lying tongue, hands that hurt, a wicked heart, disobedient feet, and lies that separate people.' Proverbs 6:16-19 The book is definitely for those who wish to give their children deeper ideas to think about. It goes far beyond the typical kiddie counting book. While it is a "picture book" the text, scope of thoughts, and theology don't fit a picture book pattern. I can highly recommend the book. That recommendation is, however given with the caveat that the book is not to be skimmed over, quickly read and tossed in the book heap. It is to be delved into thoroughly and with each reading pursue further discussions about the implications of these ideas.
This is NOT your typical counting book for the little ones. This book presents deep, theological ideas wrapped up in the beauty of numbers. It doesn't entail mathematics, yet states that the Maker of the Universe, God, created numbers and that they declare His glory. Yes, all of creation declares the glory of the Creator, God. Information that is usually gleaned from sermons or Bible studies such as their being four rivers in the Garden of Eden, four wings on every butterfly, and four creatures before God's throne saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!" will enrich the parents reading aloud this interesting children's book. "Six tells us God hates sin..... 'Here are six things that the Lord hates. unkind eyes, a lying tongue, hands that hurt, a wicked heart, disobedient feet, and lies that separate people.' Proverbs 6:16-19 The book is definitely for those who wish to give their children deeper ideas to think about. It goes far beyond the typical kiddie counting book. While it is a "picture book" the text, scope of thoughts, and theology don't fit a picture book pattern. I can highly recommend the book. That recommendation is, however given with the caveat that the book is not to be skimmed over, quickly read and tossed in the book heap. It is to be delved into thoroughly and with each reading pursue further discussions about the implications of these ideas.
God Counts is colorful and contains much biblical truth. It's fun to count various objects with littles throughout the pages of this book. I appreciate that it included Scripture references. At times, the organization seemed a little random and scattered to me. It goes from: God to humans as image bearers to the Trinity, cross, & resurrection (without mentioning sin) to the beauty of creation to new creation to God speaking to sins that God hates to God's presence with us (like Joshua) to the rescue of his children (like Noah) to imaging God through the Holy Spirit to God seeking his lost children to forgiveness (of the disciples) to eternity to infinity. One concern that I have about this book is that God Counts seems to assume that preschoolers are saved and heaven bound which could lead to a false assurance of faith if parents aren't careful to balance out what is presented here. God Counts lacks any call to repentance and faith. That being said, Number 11 does lend itself well to this discussion when it mentions that Judas did not return to Jesus for forgiveness, but the other eleven disciples did return and were forgiven. The final number reads: "Twelve tells us we will live with God forever" and the book concludes with: "God counts all of your steps Until you walk with him side by side. God counts all of your days Until you see him face to face..." While there is much to commend in this book, in light of these particular issues, I would only recommend this to those who are grounded well enough in Scripture to balance out what they read with their listeners. *Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! This is my honest opinion.
Children are fascinated by numbers. Whether a toddler just learning to count, a young child wanting to count everything in their sight, or older children uncovering the beauty of numbers all around them, children are fascinated by numbers. Perhaps you’ve never thought about it, but you can actually teach your child about God using numbers! And there’s an excellent new children’s book to help you do just that. With short, simple prose and colorful illustrations, Sun is able to distill complex theological doctrines into a way that even young children can begin to wrap their minds around. For instance, using the number 9, Sun teaches children about the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Using a picture of a tree with the 9 different fruits of the Spirit on it, parents read to their children: “Nine tells us to be like God. Apple trees bear apples. Banana trees bear bananas. The Holy Spirit helps God’s children to be like Jesus. Jesus is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God wants his children to be like him (Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:16) With beautiful, colorful pages and countable illustrations throughout, coupled with a robustly biblical, theological, and Gospel-centered thread from beginning to end, God Counts is an excellent children’s book to teach your children numbers, the beauty of numbers, and most importantly, the beauty of who God is and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for this book and plan to read it often to my children. I’d encourage you to do the same.
There are so many details in God’s word. Some of them aren’t as obvious at first glance while others are right there and clear to see. My first thought was while reading through this story was, “we don’t always notice numbers in the Bible. They are so significant in many ways. What a beautiful way to teach our kids to notice those small things in the word that may not seem to be significant but, speak volumes. I think most kids know how important numbers are in creation, the first sentence in this book is: “In the beginning God created numbers. Numbers declare the glory of God. One tells us that God is the first and best” and then it quotes the scripture reference: “The Lord, He is God, there is no others. God is the one and only, the only one.” Deuteronomy 6:4. Each number has a scripture reference along with a phrase. The numbers that are touched on are one through twelve. I love all the cute counting books out there and this one points out many attributes of God and His creation. It shows His redemptive plan for our future. The numbers and scripture reference both the Old Testament and New Testament. I love the illustrations throughout the pages. They are full colored and cover the whole page. There is a lot of exploring for kids to search for within each page. The illustrations are beautiful and I could see spending time on each page talking about them. A lovely children’s book to treasure in your library. I received a free copy of this product
My three-year-old and I love this book! She is learning how to count, so it’s a perfect way to introduce her to big theological truths that would be otherwise difficult to explain. The illustrations are beautiful and bright. They perfectly compliment the biblical truths that the book discusses. It is a delight to read again and again. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, but I then I bought more for my friends and family. Definitely worth the purchase!
There is so much to love about this book. My son loved finding the numbers on each page. As we counted through the book, he was excited to see familiar Bible stories (Adam and Eve, Noah, Joshua) show up and learned new little details that weren't in his children Bibles (Ex: the four creatures before God's throne). The words and illustrations in the book are beautiful. It not only opens our eyes to all the numbers in the Bible but imprints on our hearts the theological truth God is telling us through numbers. For example, the number 3 about the Trinity, Jesus' death and resurrection, and how God is making us part of his family through the number 3. I bought copies for every family in our small group.
As a mom and an Old Testament scholar, I am fairly picky about which books make the cut to our overflowing bookshelves. I am also always on the lookout for quality books that deserve to be read and re-read. God Counts is one such book. The writing is simple but engaging, the illustrations are beautiful, and it is soaked in the truths of Scripture. my eight-year-old loves reading this book to her younger brother, and when I asked her what she liked about it, she replied, "The counting helps me to remember so many wonderful things about God's love and creation." Needless to say, I'm pleased!
What a wonderful depiction on challenging the imagination of children of all ages by using the numbers 1-12 in teaching them how they are and can be related in the bible. Number One: It tells us that God is the first and the best and after that is a verse from the bible, and so it flows beautifully from them on, with the number 2 thru 12. Each number tells a story backed with a verse from the bible. I wish I would have had this book when my two boys were little. It’s such a great teaching tool, not only to love numbers, but to embrace the Word of God and how numbers were utilized by God. The Trinity, the 12 Apostles, God is with us, etc. This book was a joy to read, and as adult, I actually learned the significance of numbers in the bible. Apparently, you can teach a dog new tricks.
