Is God Still Awake?: A Small Girl with a Big Question About God (ITPE Edition)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of a young girl who, after a series of events that cause her to question the world around her, begins to wonder if God is still awake and involved in her life. Through her journey, she learns about faith, trust, and the comforting presence of God even when life gets challenging. In this delightful full-color picture book that teaches children about prayer, bestselling author Sheila Walsh helps you show your kids how, when, and why to talk with God as they learn more of who God is and how much He loves them! Inspired by the ways God has used her book Praying Women, Sheila Walsh wanted to share her passion for prayer with kids--a passion that began when she was a little girl who wondered if God could hear her any time of the day or night. Is God Still Awake? introduces curious young readers to Poppy: a little girl who has big questions about God! Poppy wants to know how to talk with God and whether God listens to her. As she goes through her day with her cat by her side, Poppy discovers that God is always there--even when the world is asleep! With humorous, rhyming text, Is God Still Awake? assures children that God loves them and is always with them. Whether it's day or night, God is awake, He's listening, and He loves to hear His children speak! This whimsical jacketed picture book is a perfect gift for children ages 4 to 8, for occasions like Christmas, baptisms, birthdays, for children beginning their faith journey, for grandparents to share their faith across the miles, and for traveling, snuggling, or bedtime reading.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Little Girl
Discussion points
Why do you think the little girl in the book is asking if God is still awake?
What are some ways the characters in the story show their feelings and beliefs about God?
How does the story make you feel about asking big questions?
What would you ask God if you could ask Him one question?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deep connection with the themes of 'Is God Still Awake?', actively listen to your child's responses and feelings about the story. Validate their thoughts and provide gentle guidance to explore their ideas further. Share your own experiences or similar questions you might have had about faith or big life questions to make the conversation relatable and open. Lastly, encourage a habit of questioning and exploring beliefs respectfully and thoughtfully, emphasizing that it’s okay to have questions and seek answers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Seeking answers and knowledge
Explanation: The story encourages children to ask big questions about the world and their beliefs, exemplified by the young protagonist seeking answers about God.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their curiosity and seek answers through reading, asking questions, and engaging in thoughtful discussions with their peers and family.
Example Lesson: Comfort in times of uncertainty
Explanation: The book highlights how faith can provide comfort and a sense of security when faced with doubts and uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find solace and reassurance through faith or personal beliefs during challenging or confusing times in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Openness and dialogue
Explanation: It displays the importance of open communication between children and adults on complex topics, as shown by the girl's dialogue with her parents.
Real-World Application: This lesson stresses the value of open conversations with trusted adults about difficult questions, enhancing emotional intelligence and understanding.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narrative fosters empathy by showing different perspectives and responses to the girl’s questions about God.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to respect and understand different viewpoints, promoting empathy and social skills as they interact with diverse thoughts and cultures.