God's Great Love for You

August 7, 2017
In simple, lilting language, pastor and author Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) describes God’s love in comparative terms (“Deeper than all the oceans/ Higher than the moon and the stars”) and as something beyond comparison (“God’s great love for you is... perfect. / And everywhere/ And will never end”). It’s a lot to wrap one’s head around, so British illustrator Saunders introduces a wide-eyed, pug-nosed girl as a surrogate and guide. She wears a red dress with a long ribbon that unfurls behind her—a kind of spiritual contrail as she travels the world. Her only companion for most of the book is a plump white dove, but she’s never lonely or afraid, having been assured that she is one of God’s creations and that “he loves you with a great big unstoppable love.” Warren’s name will undoubtedly attract interest; the nondenominational, monotheistic language offers broad appeal; and there are some striking images, such as an ant’s-eye view of the girl in a hot-air balloon soaring above. But for the most part, the book is more pleasant than revelatory. Ages 4–8. Illustrator’s agency: Astound.