This beautifully illustrated children's book invites kids to explore God's design for ethnic diversity and challenges readers—both parents and children—to learn and live out counter-cultural, biblical views, fostering a lifelong celebration of diversity for the glory of God. Designed for four- to eleven-year-olds, God Made Me AND You by Shai Linne is the second book in the God Made Me series, starting with God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb.
Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.
God Made Me AND You is an approachable guide for families to begin conversations about cultivating a God's perspective on ethnic diversity, confronting the sins of racism, bigotry, and ethnic pride.
Because children learn from family members, media, or peers, parents and caretakers have a responsibility to teach their children what God has to say about the beauty of diversity in his image-bearers, with a particular focus on ethnic diversity.
This colorful and compelling children's book serves as a resource and lifelong gift for children and parents, helping families understand diversity from a biblical perspective and with a clear picture of the beauty and glory of God.
"This is a wonderful resource for teaching our children about God's heart for the nations. Shai rightly reminds us that we are all united in Adam and that we ought to rejoice in 'saints of all colors.' Diversity, rightly understood, is not a PC slogan; it's a biblical hope and expectation. I'm excited to share this book with my own kids."
Kevin DeYoung, Author; senior pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, NC; assistant professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC
"O what a difference it would make if every family would pick up this book and take to heart its message, starting at a young age! This is biblical theology for kids—and all of us!—on God's beautiful design of ethnicity, as winsomely told and displayed through creative and faithful artist theologians. I recommend it with great gratitude and enthusiasm!"
Justin Taylor, Managing Editor, ESV Study Bible
"Thoughtfully-written and whimsically-illustrated, this resource will help children (and those who love and lead them) learn to identify thinking and behavior that diminish humans made in the image of God, see ethnic and other differences through gospel eyes, and celebrate the diversity he has created for his glory."
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Author; teacher; host of Revive Our Hearts
"Shai Linne has given us a beautiful story that will not only captivate little hearts and minds, it will help parents clearly explain biblical reasons for why we can and should celebrate God's design for ethnic diversity. But don't think the story is all Linne has for you—read the back to be inspired to continue the conversation when the book is closed. Well done!"
Trillia Newbell, Author of God's Very Good Idea: A True Story of God's Delightfully Different Family
"The reality that all people—with their vast array of diversity—are made in the image of God is foundational for how children will relate to others and calls them to respect the dignity of all people. Shai and Trish have captured beautifully God's design for ethnic diversity. Children will be drawn to this book."
Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb, Authors of God Made All of Me: A Book to help Children Protect Their Bodies
"Shai Linne poetically guides us through the biblical pattern of creation, fall, redemption and glorification,unfolding the grand story of the Bible. As he reveals each step in bite-sized chunks, he also teaches the character of an infinitely creative God—One who delights in building a diverse and set-apart people to live with Him forever. This is a great addition to every child's bookshelf."
J. A. Ellis, Cannada Fellow for World Christianity, Reformed Theological Seminary
"Shai Linne is a pastor at heart. And it shows on every page as he brings all of his talent as a theological wordsmith to bear on this simple story of God's delightfully diverse design. Get this book to remind yourself and the little ones you love of the glorious message of Jesus that is bringing together people from every tribe and tongue."
Dan DeWitt, Author of Life in the Wild; associate professor of Applied Theology and Apologetics at Cedarville University; director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics and Public Christianity
"God Made Me AND You by Shai Linne is a theologically sound resource for parents and teachers to raise a new generation who will honor God's gift of human diversity. With his poetic gift, Shai wonderfully displays the glory of God right where we need to see it afresh—in how he made me and you!"
Ray Ortlund, Pastor of Immanuel Church, Nashville, TN; author of The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ
"We read this book to our four daughters. They loved it. So did we! It's biblically driven, pastorally careful, lyrically beautiful, and, frankly, just inspiring. Use this book to establish good foundations for your children in how to think about God's plan for diversity and then to praise him for it."
Jonathan and Shannon Leeman, Author; editorial director of 9Marks; elder at Cheverly Baptist Church
"Shai Linne's new book, God Made Me AND You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity, is a gift. It teaches kids that God making people different is something we can delight in, not fear. More importantly, it shows how our differences are for the purpose of magnifying Jesus, who died to save all kinds of people. Beautifully illustrated and creatively written, I can't wait to read this to my grandkids."
Bob Kauflin, Director of Sovereign Grace Music
"The first time I heard Shai Linne's song 'Penelope Judd,' I knew he had a beautiful father's heart and a keen ability to communicate deep ideas in simple ways to children. God Made Me AND You applies these gifts to the vitally important topic of race. It is biblically grounded, and therefore God- and gospel-centered, and provides a joyful and unifying perspective on a divisive topic. I want every child and adult I know to read this book!"
Erik Thoennes, Professor, Biola University; author of Life's Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says about the Things That Matter Most
"God Made Me AND You is a book for every family bookshelf. This colorful, poetic presentation of ethnic diversity shouts the truth of God's creative design as found in Scripture. God Made Me AND You is more than a storybook; it is a teaching tool designed to bring a biblical worldview of humankind into your living room."
Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of The Ology, Long Story Short, and other gospel-centered resources for church and home
"The rhythm of words and the magic of rhyme will open your child's eyes to the beauty of race in God's good design. In God Made Me AND You, Shai Linne has created a masterpiece of biblical truth that your child will love and all of us need. I look forward to reading it with my own family. It's the perfect gift to spread the unifying message that Jesus brings to our divided culture."
Champ Thornton, Pastor, author of The Radical Book for Kids and Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation
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God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity is a new release from Shai Linne and New Growth Press that explores what the Bible says about God's creative beauty seen in mankind. The image that John paints for us in Revelation 7:9-10 has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture. John states that he sees, "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” I want this vision of heaven to be something that captivates my family as we seek to love others right now, no matter how different they may be from us. As a father of two 6 year old boys I am constantly looking for quality books to read to them and books that they will enjoy reading on their own. New Growth Press has always been a trusted resource for me and this release by Shai Linne is one of my favorites. God Made Me and You explores God's creative design in the planets, animals, and plants that he has made before turning to the crown jewel of God's creation: man. The message of the book is made crystal clear through wonderful rhymes: God has displayed his creative beauty in making his image bearers look so unique and different from one another. Sin has caused our differences to oftentimes be a reason for division instead of worship of our Creator. Through the cross we are brought together to worship our God, together, forever. Shai Linne brings the beauty of God's multiethnic bride down to the heart of small children. The illustrations in God Made Me and You are very well done and fit perfectly with the truths that this book is communicating. I hope my children never judge others based on how God has made them, but instead are always amazed at God's creative skill. I am thankful for God Made Me and You as it is a wonderful tool for families to read together over and over again and marvel at what God has done in creating man. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is simply outstanding Shai Linne has also released a children's album titled Jesus Kids that is a great companion to this book. My kids are already singing along to it and requesting it when we are in the car! I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.
It’s hard to not hear about bigotry in today’s world. There are stories on the nightly news and all over social media. It’s not just color of your skin. It can be your looks, what you wear, and even if you have some kind of disability. Most likely your kids have seen and heard it also. Shai Linne does a wonderful job in his book about ethnic diversity. I’ve seen a few books out there on this topic for kids. This by far is my favorite. Shai Linne does a fabulous job weaving the story together and hopefully it will end in having a heart to heart with your kids. It starts out in a classroom with the teacher running late. Two boys are teasing a girl because of her hair, a boy because of his clothes, and another boy was crying because of them bullying him because of his skin color. The teacher walks in and sees Todd crying. One of the students stands up and lets the beans out of the bag and tells the teacher what was happening. The teacher goes on from their addressing the problem to the class. She pulls out the Bible and brings up several scriptures throughout explaining it clearly. I love the illustrations that they cover several ethnic races, birth marks on the face, disabilities, and just general looks of people. There is a salvation message and a sweet comment that says, “God turns strangers into sisters and brothers.” “Through different, we’re called to love one another.” The story is told in a way that it will grab the attention of kids in a sort of rhyming tone. It’s easy to read and follow along with such a heavy topic. The illustrations are done by Trish Mahoney and are fully illustrated. The pictures by themselves will lend to a lot of open conversation. At the end of the book is a section for parents, “Six Ways to Help Your Child Appreciate God’s Design for Ethnic Diversity.” Each sections has a paragraph or two. 1. Teach your children what the Bible says about ethnic diversity 2. Correct commonly held errors regarding the Bible and ethnicity for your children 3. Educate yourself and your children about cultures other than your own 4. Seek out interactions/relationship with people of different ethnicities 5. Model loving confrontation of prejudiced words and/or behavior with your children 6. Be hopeful for a future where the Spirit will break down the barriers between people of different ethnic backgrounds A well written book for a topic that we need to guide our children in and mold them to see that We ALL are CREATED in HIS Image regardless of our differences. I received a free copy of this product
In God Made Me and You, Shai Linne addresses the sensitive topic of ethnic diversity. Rather than adopting the “be color blind” stance, this tale promotes celebration of all of God's creation. The narrative points out, rather than ignores, the differences in nature as well as the differences in people. Delving deep, the text identifies living in a world cursed by sin as the root of racism and bullying. Next, the author points to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the remedy for sin. There's a clear presentation of the gospel and as well as an explanation of how the gospel calls us to love each other. Following the story are two pages that give parents direction about helping a child appreciate God's design for ethnic diversity. I think this is the first children's book I've seen in which the author addresses how racism and bullying are more than bad behavior issues. The text cuts to the heart of the matter as it discusses sin as the root of all the meanness. Like this book says, since the fall of man, the world exists under the curse of sin and “the very differences meant / to give God praise / Are now reasons for hatred, / so evil our ways.” Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! It continues on to address redemption, salvation, and love for “saints of all colors.” I find this book is more of an educational resource for us than a book for recreational reading. My daughters request it only occasionally, but they look, listen, and appear to embrace its ideas when we do read it. We homeschool so I use books like this to teach my girls how to respond and appreciate people of other races. God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity appears to be targeted to early elementary age children. My six year old was immediately interested when we received the book and the children depicted in the illustrations seem to be about her age. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney complement the rhyming narrative of God Made Me and You. They are modern, fun, and help to accentuate the theme of the book.
In God Made Me and You, Shai Linne addresses the sensitive topic of ethnic diversity. Rather than adopting the “be color blind” stance, this tale promotes celebration of all of God's creation. The narrative points out, rather than ignores, the differences in nature as well as the differences in people. Delving deep, the text identifies living in a world cursed by sin as the root of racism and bullying. Next, the author points to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the remedy for sin. There's a clear presentation of the gospel and as well as an explanation of how the gospel calls us to love each other. Following the story are two pages that give parents direction about helping a child appreciate God's design for ethnic diversity. I think this is the first children's book I've seen in which the author addresses how racism and bullying are more than bad behavior issues. The text cuts to the heart of the matter as it discusses sin as the root of all the meanness. Like this book says, since the fall of man, the world exists under the curse of sin and “the very differences meant / to give God praise / Are now reasons for hatred, / so evil our ways.” Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! It continues on to address redemption, salvation, and love for “saints of all colors.” I find this book is more of an educational resource for us than a book for recreational reading. My daughters request it only occasionally, but they look, listen, and appear to embrace its ideas when we do read it. We homeschool so I use books like this to teach my girls how to respond and appreciate people of other races. God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity appears to be targeted to early elementary age children. My six year old was immediately interested when we received the book and the children depicted in the illustrations seem to be about her age. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney complement the rhyming narrative of God Made Me and You. They are modern, fun, and help to accentuate the theme of the book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."
Author Shai Linne and illustrator Trish Mahoney have delivered a thoughtful children's book about celebrating the ethnic diversity in God's great creation. The book begins with an all too frequent classroom scene - the teasing and bullying of some students while the teacher is out. Just as one boy begins to cry because others are laughing at the color of his skin, Ms. Preston, a wise teacher returns to the room. Grabbing onto the opportune moment for a lesson, she shows the students that our differences are all part of God's design for the world, just as the sun, planets, stars, and moons are each different. Told in brief rhymed stanzas, this book a fun read-aloud, but also a starting point for serious discussions on accepting others. Because of its picture book format, the book can be used with young audiences, but I can also see it as a non-threatening book for slightly older kids. I think this book would be an excellent buy for church school libraries, parochial schools, and even family libraries. I received a copy of this title from New Growth Press. All opinions are mine.
This is an excellent book to pick up and use to talk to kids about the beauty in our differences. My children haven't really noticed that people come in all shapes and sizes yet, but I still think that starting them young with books like this is important, since it helps to shape their views as they get older and start noticing. I love that this book celebrates how God made us all in His image. I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.
First, I have to mention the illustrations in this sweet lesson-in-a-story. Bright, colorful, adorable, and full of diversity of all kinds! Kids of all skin colors, kids from other countries, kids with braces & hearing aids & wheelchairs & crutches & birthmarks. Everywhere you look there are examples of the beauty of God’s creative design. If you have a child who says “there are never any characters who look like me” you can probably find one in this book. “Dark skin, light skin, and all in between / In each color and shade, God’s beauty is seen.” Second, the text. The words are written in a delightful rhyming cadence that pulls children – and adults – into the story. The classroom setting starts off with an all-too-common scene of children teasing other children for their differences. This is a great approach because it allows children to identify with either being teased or being the one doing the teasing – or being the one who stands up for the teased. As the teacher arrives and sees what has been going on, she is able to redirect the narrative into a lesson on celebrating our differences as part of the beauty of God’s creation. “There’s no sin in heaven, / no hating each other, / Just love from the heart / for our sisters and brothers.” Scripture verses are woven throughout (in rhyme, of course), including one of my faves from Revelation 7. Biblical truth is on every page, giving children and adults gentle reminders of God’s design and how we should embrace our differences and love each other. Also included at the end of the story are six excellent tips to help your child appreciate God’s design for ethnic diversity.
