Introducing I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating Who You Are by Ainsley Earhardt, Illustrated by Kim Barnes | A Children's Picture Book
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Zonderkidz. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. This blog post includes affiliate links. View my affiliate disclosure here.
Parents and children both have big dreams—about their life and the wonders the future holds. I’m So Glad You Were Born celebrates those dreams as well as the wonder of everyday experiences like sweet and special snuggles and cuddles, fun times and learning times too!
New York Times bestselling author and FOX News anchor Ainsley Earhardt has created a picture book that celebrates ALL the dreams come true--a parent's, a child’s, and Creator God’s! I'm So Glad You Were Born is full of love and hope and has a sweet, playful message inspired by Scripture that will leave your child without a doubt just how thankful you are that they are in your life and that they were created to be extraordinary.
My Thoughts:
This is an uplifting and encouraging book, based on a message from a parent or guardian to a young child. With soft rhyming words that are lyrical and sweet, this book speaks light and life into children’s hearts.
It begins with a celebration and states a range of attributes that children can delight in with phrases like “you spread rays of sunshine wherever you go” and “you’re crafty, creative and smart like a fox”. It reminds children of the joy they bring to the reader’s life and tells them God has a purpose and plan for them, then encourages them to dream big. There is a deep underlying message of belief in the child and their Creator’s divine design, joy for their personality and passions, encouragement for their future, and love and acceptance for who they are. A definite message that needs to be pressed on any child’s heart!
I do wish this book encouraged children to follow God versus following their own heart. There is a reference that states “God purpose for you is to follow your heart.” In my opinion, this phrase can be misleading as the Bible warns Christians that our human nature and desires can lead us astray (Prov. 3:5-7, Prov. 19:21, Jer. 17:9), so in our family, we prefer to encourage our daughter to follow after God’s heart by committing her ways to Him while seeking His plan for her life, instead. The sentiment is there, but the message may not quite be on par with Biblical truth and would be a good conversation starter for HOW a child can discover God’s plan for their lives.
The illustrations are adorable, imaginative and colorful. They offer a depiction of both children and adults, with a diverse range of skin colors and even a child in a wheelchair. Both my daughter and I enjoyed the illustrations immensely.
This book would be great for a child in foster care, to celebrate an adoption, salvation or baptism, or even a birthday! It would make a wonderful gift from a parent, loved one or teacher.
Looking to encourage little hearts?
Here is another book i recommend!
Dream Big for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich encourages children to believe in their wildest dreams and discover the purpose God has created them for. It teaches children to find the purpose God has given us and to share His love wherever they go, whatever they do as they follow His plan! It is encouraging, uplifting, inspiring and meets children on a soul-level, defining just how important they are in our world today. This is a must-have for any child’s library and would make an excellent gift or church library addition also.
