One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different, (Hardcover)

“But the thing that matters most is something we can't see. The touch of God that's inside you and also inside me,” Lindsey Davis with Beverly Davis writes in her children's book, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different. ~ What ~ This thirty-two-page, oversized hardbound targets children ages four to eight years old who like to read stories about how God makes us unique yet the same. With no scary scenes, the book should be read out loud to beginner readers based on several three or more syllable words. Full-page detailed illustrations with expressive-looking young ones cover all pages. After an ownership page, this story is told in rhyme about children at school who learn each are different yet similar. As the boys and girls notice their different skin tones, hair styles, and skills both in the classroom and on the playground, they also learn they are more alike than different in that they smile, move, run, jump, dance, and play together. As they discuss feelings and friendships, they learn the most important thing they have in common is that God is inside of us. ~Why ~ I like how this book is colorful and visually stimulating as each page has engaging illustrations that are fun and interesting while the rhyming words flow across the pages. Encouraging young readers to be aware of God is important. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not believe in God may avoid this book. Some children may have trouble accepting others, but this is a good way to overcome biases. Without explaining who God is, the Biblical aspect of accepting the eternal plan of salvation is missing. ~ Wish ~ With the book stating the concept that God is inside all of us, I wish it better explained the true God or Jesus and how we can “ask Him into our hearts.” ~ Want ~ If you are looking for a children's book that focuses on children noticing what is the same and different among their peers, this one is acceptable. However, it may not convey how God's “touch” gets inside of us. Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.