God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World

"In the beginning, God created numbers. Numbers declare the glory of God." Thus begins Irene Sun's colorful picture book about numbers in God's word and His world. Using appropriate Bible references for each number 1-12, children will be learn about creation, God's place in our lives, and more. From the turquoise hardcover to the full two page art work throughout, this is an eye appealing book. Most adults expect the message in a children's picture book to be simple, but not in this title. That means there is much to talk about beyond the rhymes. For example, the number 10 refers to the parable of the woman and her lost coin. The real message for that two page spread is that God does not want even one of his children to be lost. It may take an adult reader to help a child, even an independent reader, to understand the message behind the number and the parable. After a powerful look at the symbol for infinity and the lesson that God is infinite in his power, the book ends with the message that God "counts" every fish, every star, every hair on your head and He also knows your every cry, your every step and your every day -- the real message of the book. This book would be a welcome addition to a children's church library or a church-affliated pre-school/ kindergarten.

God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun is a new book that looks at different numbers (1-12 and infinity) and how they tie into the story of the Bible. I appreciate that the book begins with God creating and that everything, even numbers, comes from Him. There are many helpful connections that Sun makes throughout the book. The number three focuses on the Trinity.  Five points kids the the fact that Moses wrote the Pentateuch (five books). I felt that nine was very creative as well, drawing the readers attention the the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5.  Sun does a nice job of not trying to stretch numbers to mean something they do not. Instead, she points to places of Scripture where these numbers show up, not trying to super spiritualize some meaning into them. I enjoyed reading this book to my sons and they really enjoyed it as well.  The illustrations are by Alex Foster and are very well done. They do a great job of illustrating the point that the author is making on each page. The only complaint I have is the portrayal of Noah's ark. All of the people and many animals are out on an observation deck (of sorts) while the flood is taking place. Scripture speaks of God shutting Noah  in the ark and that he opened a window after the flood waters decreased and "the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat."  While maybe not as visually appealing it would have been nice to see an ark that was to scale (even if no animals and people would have been visible).  Overall, I felt that Irene Sun communicated some good truths in a very readable manner for young children. I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.

This book was very inspiring and compelling to read with that also had a story that offering to a young reader to learn and study more about God uses numbers from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and infinity in the Bible with also come with a color full of cartoon in every pages easy to understand, fun and surprising with a small little thing that will give you a knowledge too. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a cop of this book from I read with Audra for this review”.

While I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, it is one I would’ve gladly purchased. Here’s why: There are individual pages addressing each number 1-12, plus a page on ‘infinity’ and ‘God counting’. I was able to keep my son’s attention while sharing this book with him. The colors are beautifully chosen and the illustrations are perfect for little eyes. Each page has a simple sentence or two relating that number to God’s word, along with a verse or two from the Bible that supports the text. For example, “Four tells us God made everything beautiful.” What does the number 4 have to do with beauty? Genesis 2 speaks of the four rivers God made and Revelation 4 speaks of four creatures standing before God’s throne. Both the rivers and the creatures are beautiful simply because they were made by God. One could easily read this in one sitting or use each number as a start to a Bible lesson for almost any age.

God Counts Numbers in His Word and His World is a beautifully illustrated storybook and the message within is even more so. I know God likes numbers and I really appreciated how this book takes the numbers from 1-12 and gives us a simple message which includes Bible verses and their references. After the number twelve, the author tackles infinity and delivers a meaningful Gospel message that even the young at heart can comprehend. This was another great children’s book by New Growth Press that delivers a heartfelt and most important story to kids of all ages. Written towards the younger crowd especially, this is a nice neat book to share with preschoolers. I received a copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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.

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!