God, I Know You're There
God, I Know Series
What’s inside...
This children's book explores the presence of God in the world around us, even though we can't see Him directly. Through rhyming text and charming illustrations, it encourages young readers to feel God's presence in everyday life. Where is God? Is He real? Look closely and you can see God's touch all over creation. Like the sun, God is warm. Like the stars, God is dazzling. Like the wind, God is all around, everywhere. 'God, I Know You're There,' by bestselling author Bonnie Rickner Jensen and illustrator Lucy Fleming, reminds children of the nearness and goodness of God. Children will discover that God never leaves their side, even if they can’t see or feel Him. Each page will help children understand the many things in the world we can't see, touch, or hear are just as real as God is. And even if God feels distant, He is real and He is near. This book is part of the 'God, I Know' series.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it means when Bonnie Rickner Jensen says 'God, I know you're there even though I can't see you'?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about the presence of God?
Can you think of a time when you felt that someone was there for you, even if they weren't visible?
Why do you think it's important to believe in things we cannot see?
How would you explain your feelings about God to a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle tone when discussing the concepts of faith and presence to make the child feel safe and open to expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage the child to relate scenes from the book to their personal experiences to deepen their understanding and personal connection to the theme.
Ask follow-up questions based on the child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and engagement with the material.
Create a quiet, intimate setting for the discussion, free from distractions, to help the child focus and reflect on the questions and themes in the book.
Reinforce the child’s responses positively, showing that their thoughts and feelings are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Faith Awareness
Explanation: Through lyrical wording and inviting illustrations, the book 'God, I Know You're There' teaches children about the invisible presence of God, comparable to the wind that can be felt but not seen.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and recognize the presence of abstract concepts like love, kindness, and faith even if they can't be physically seen, encouraging a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Questioning
Explanation: The book encourages children to ask questions about their surroundings and the existence of God, fostering a sense of wonder and inquiry.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to explore and question their world, which can aid in academic settings and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Illustrations and text in the book highlight the beauty of the natural world as evidence of God's presence, from twinkling stars to tiny bugs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and take care of the environment around them, understanding it as a valuable and beautiful part of their world, which can lead to responsible behaviors towards nature.
Example Lesson: Comfort and Reassurance
Explanation: The narrative conveys that though God may not be visible, He is always there, offering a comforting presence in times of need.
Real-World Application: Children can find solace during challenging or uncertain times knowing they have a constant spiritual presence, helping them to cope with anxiety and fear.