Images of God by John and Katherine Paterson, Illus. by Alexander Koshkin

God describes Himself by comparing His character to things that are already known to us in His creation, such as light, wind, bread, potter and architect (to name a few from this book). The Paterson's relate the symbols throughout the Bible, sharing a quote that contains this image (from the RSV) and a paraphrased story that illustrates this attribute of God.

For example, in "Water," the chapter opens with Psalm 42:1-2 (As the deer pants for the water...) and tells the story of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well and then again quotes Jeremiah 2:12-13 ("My people...have forsaken Me...and dug out cisterns for themselves...that can hold no water.") [Note: I've shortened these quotes here, but the verses are fully written out in the book.]

The authors limit their explanations of these passages and how or why the image describes God (usually no more than a paragraph or two). Instead, they allow the Scriptures to explain themselves to the reader through the Holy Spirit.

Divided into accessibly short chapters, illustrated with beautiful full color paintings, captivates the attention and imagination of both children and adults while teaching truth about God.

Originally having purchased this book to use with Trixie in early elementary, I found that as she had little experience with the world (being only five years old at the time), her understanding of potters and architects or the attributes of light and water would sail over her head. So, I saved this book for a later date. We pulled it out over the summer and read a chapter or two after our daily Bible reading for school, whenever we had the time and interest. She enjoyed the art and grasped the truths and plans to return to this book repeatedly. (So might I, actually.)

She asked me specifically not to sell it or put it with our (Mom and Dad) collection of books, but, rather, to place the book on her personal bookshelves in her bedroom. Space on those shelves is quite limited, and she truly reads and re-reads each of the books on them. High praise indeed.