When God Made Light

When God Made Light is beautifully illustrated with a message that shines as bright as the light it explores. The book will captivate children with simple, melodic copy that delights in their childhood, confronts their fears, and whispers rather loudly that they are uniquely created to shine. As Sally Lloyd-Jones States, “Stories unmask us.” And in his second children’s book, Matthew Paul Turner certainly removes any mask of doubt in his ability to pen stories that will undoubtedly become staples in reading nooks, on nightstands, and in classrooms around the globe.

Disappointing. I absolutely love his other book, When God Made You, so I was very excited to order this new one. It’s nothing like the other book and doesn’t make a lot of sense. Definitely not for young kids, mine don’t understand anything being said. Returning it.

The most important responsibility and privilege for Christian parents is to teach their children about God. With such a great responsibility, some parents may struggle to know where to start. They are not sure how they should introduce their child to who God is and they fear they will not be able to teach it at a level their child comprehends. With these things in mind, I would like to introduce you to When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner.

From the creators of When God Made You, When God Made Light begins where the Bible does and introduces children to God as their Creator. The illustrative work by David Catrow is captivating and complements the truths being taught on each page. Ideally for children ages 3 to 8, parents will enjoy either reading the book to their child or with their child.

Simply put, if you desire to see children come to know the one true living God, start where the Bible starts and teach in such a way that the child understands. If you share with your child When God Made Light, you will do just that!

When the opportunity to review this book and help the author with the book launch came up I jumped at the chance. Turner’s first book ‘When God Made You‘ has become a favorite in our world. I actually purchased a second copy for my niece on her birthday as, despite the initial mixed signals from the Minions, they have all fallen in love with that book. The only problem? Right now I don’t have access to my Minions to get their reactions to this book. I know they would love it. The illustrations are so whimsical and inviting. I really enjoy David Catrow‘s style. The words weren’t as overwhelming and heavy as the first book but more perfectly spaced throughout the book.

Genesis 1:3-5 (KJV) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

This book is a creative play on the creation story in Genesis about how God made light. He made light to shine on the day, he made light to shine on the night, he made light with lightning and bugs, he made light to shine within you. OK, that is not from the book people that’s just my sorry attempt at somethingness. The rhymes in this book are touching and honest. They help to draw you into the illustrations to tell the story within the story. They also allow for deeper conversations about how we are to be the light of God into the world. Every single one of us has a light within us that needs to shine into the world. A light of love, of friendship, a light of talents that all need to be shared. We are a light of purpose.

I got a chance to read this book a few dozen times with Squirt this past week. She’s a bit too young to share her thoughts but she was drawn into the illustrations and she seemed to be caught into the rhymes and words. She brought it too me again and again, but then she does love to be read to and this book was pretty handy since it was in the review stack. This book has the ability to open doors for conversations, not only about the creation, but about our individual creation. This book allows opportunity to open discussions about how each of us as individuals can become lights to the world. This book allows opportunity to open discussions about our individual talents to share our light with the world. It also opens opportunities for discussion about how we can be a light to others through our love and friendship and personality. While wrapped in deeply Christian themes this book is ideal for any child as they grow into their own personalities and embracing those things that light their own life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Waterbrook Press. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

I first encountered author Matthew Paul Turner in his first picture book collaboration with David Caltrow (my favorite children’s illustrator) in When God Made You., which is an adorable book with a powerful message. So, when I saw these two were teamed up for another book I had to read it.

This brilliant book opens with the words “Let There Be Light” each word on a page showing two little girls busy making something creative and fun using markers and scissors, while their cat and dog run around. The story begins, let there be light “And light began shining and then started to spread.”

After reading this book I realized I haven’t thought much about light. It is a wonderful thing. This book is filled with elaborate descriptions of all kinds of light and an array of beautiful color splashed throughout. Here’s a peek inside the book, “When God made light, a universe lit up, a dazzling display of big shiny stuff. And all that light- every bright golden hue – is the very same light that God put inside you.”

The illustrator pulls out all the stops as he shows everyone doing fun things like dancing in the day light, the moonlight and the light in between. The author describes numerous kinds of joyous light and just as many ways to relish it.

The story and pictures will warm your heart and bring a huge smile to your face and your soul. This is a delight and a joy to take in. I shared it on the phone with my daughter I can’t wait to share it with the grandkids in person. This is going to become a family favorite.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotion

Warm, endearing pictures, with a rhythmic, joyous verse of a story about God making light.
The light isn't just the light of creation, the sun, moon, and starts it's much more than that, it speaks of the light that lives inside you with God in you.
It celebrates living in the light (God) and outdoor living with family as the light brings different adventures, and teaches not to fear, as God is here when the light is night.
The book is empowering, melodic, and brings a smile to the readers face (showing YOUR light!).
The illustrations are detailed, lifelike, family friendly, fun/silly, and child friendly. The children are children of color likely siblings, with the best facial expressions that show true light and joy. And they are beautiful girls and the pets look animated. So appealing.
There are so many natural connections and educational opportunities to expand on this book, I can't wait to share more details, but here is my list: As an educator, you could use this book to hook kids into learning about shadows, seasons, universe, sun/moon/stars/constellations, and showing love to others by being the light.
The hardcover book is well made, has heavy, thick shiny pages that won't tear easily when little hands explore alone.
The book itself is rooted in scriptures from Genesis 1 creation of light, to the light in you, because God is in you- which opens you up to the gospel story, and the New Testament light comparisons. Jesus is the light, being a light to the world, being bold as you are--as you bring the light even in a dark world, how God made you with purpose/intent (Psalm 139).

I have followed along with Matthew Paul Turner's writing for several years. While I had heard of his first children's book, When God Made You, I had not read it. However, I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the second one. I think following his wife on social media and seeing her share about it got me more excited for this one.

While I received this book from Blogging for Books, I have now added the first book to my the store wish list because When God Made Light is so good!

The first thing I love about When God Made Light was noticed on the front cover. I have been researching and choosing books for us to read that teach us about different cultures, feature characters of color and other ethnicity etc. Well, this book features a main character who is a precious little African American girl and I could not have been happier! Yay to you MPT to broadening the horizons for children's books!

Aside from that, I loved the words of the book. We have been learning about God creating the earth and this book takes the concept of God saying "Let There Be Light" and expounds upon it to sharing about all of the ways God uses light, has created light, etc. I really enjoyed that. This book will help kids understand that they are light and by following God's Word and being faithful, they can be light into the darkness around them!

We just received the book last night, read it before bed and my boys have asked to read it several times again today. Those rhyming words are catchy for sure!

**I received this book for free from Blogging For Books.**

When God Made Light is another great book from the duo who created When God Made You!

When God Made Light is a book that celebrates the light that God created in the universe, as well as the light He places in each of His children. Both When God Made Light and When God Made You are empowering and confidence-building, all in the context of being created by God.

The rhyming text in these books is a unique find - almost Dr. Seuss-ish with a poetic flair. They are a literary step above other children's books on the market, in my opinion. I can't think of another way to describe them - they just feel different from the typical rhyming books for children...and I love that!

The illustrations just add to the beautiful text in When God Made Light. Our family loves the illustrator's quirky, unique style. (We have another book illustrated by David Catrow: I Like Myself! - also a great one!)

When God Made Light is another wonderful book from this author/illustrator duo, and I am so thankful for their contributions to children's literature.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

There aren't many children's books that make your heart soar. With each Turner book, I fall more and more in love with the little girls. My Ewoks love them too! There's something about seeing the world through the eyes of the little ones again. Hearing about how safe and loved and protected you are, while painting, collecting fireflies and smiling into the eyes of others ... I just love this book!

When God Made Light, you share in rhyme and David Catrow's illustrations, the beauty in God's world and discover how we are the light. There's a light in us, but it comes from The One who made it all. Even those without a spiritual bone in their bodies can find appreciation in this one.

I think what attracts me most is how the little girls are happy in their own skin and life. There's nothing ugly, they stand tall in their innocence, they even wear braids! I love them! Catrow's artwork brings them all to life! My few image shares aren't enough. You have to get these books. I reviewed When God Made You (August of 2017) and gave it a ringing endorsement as well. Check out Turner's books and if you've seen Horton Hears a Who? and Despicable Me, then you've seen Catrow's work! I'm on to the next read. Cheers!

*Full review at www dot areneehunt dot com

When God Made Light
Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by David Catrow
Published by Waterbrook, Feb. 2018

When God Made Light is Matthew Paul Turner's second children book he has written and illustrated with David Catrow, following their book, When God Made You. Both of these books are beautifully written and illustrated favorites at our house.

When God Made Light is written for ages 3 to 8, but it is a great book to read at family storytime. Through lyrical prose, Turner tells how God made light and how that light helps the world and us to flourish.

I especially like that this book has children in it of another color than me in the illustrations throughout When God Made Light. The community where I live is made up of a wide variety of people as I live in a town with a large university. I like that my family can see children of all backgrounds represented in our books as they see children of all colors in our community. At the same time, I think we could all use books like this. God made people in various colors. Our children will likely travel and see people of other colors and cultures in their lifetime. Don't we want to create an environment of unity early on? Besides the gorgeous illustrations, I also love the lyrical prose throughout the book. I think everything works together to create a beautiful book.

I received When God Made Light from Waterbrook Multnomah publisher. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.

Bright colors, fun illustrations, and rhymes that make you smile! These three things come together to make this an excellent reading experience for your child.

“And if you ever feel scared in the darkness of night, remember the shadows are no match for God’s light.”

You and your child will enjoy reading together about God creating light; the different ways we encounter light in our world; and reminds us of the fact that we ourselves are “beacons for God’s light.” I predict that this will become a family favorite to read over and over again.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

I’d previously read and reviewed another of his books: When God Made You. The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the cover illustration. David Catrow manages to capture the story told by Matthew Turner. And the hardcover will hold up to rough hands ( though the pages may not). While it starts with “Let there be light”, the book is so much more than that. It’s not the story of creation, but rather what happens when the light touches and affects everything, including us. “That very same light is in you.” What an encouraging book for a young reader! How the life filled rays bring so many things. The book even notes that the moon is like our nightlight, reflecting the sun’s shine. And the good that comes out of shiny things, light comets, fireflies, and so on. The illustrations within are cute and colorful for daytime scenes and cool and beautiful for the night portion. Two barefoot kids with their dog and cat explore and play with light and shadow in this adorable and uplifting book, perfect for any toddler to early reader. My daughter is 8 years old and the cover immediately caught her eye. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The most important responsibility and privilege for Christian parents is to teach their children about God. With such a great responsibility, some parents may struggle to know where to start. They are not sure how they should introduce their child to who God is and they fear they will not be able to teach it at a level their child comprehends. With these things in mind, I would like to introduce you to When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner.

From the creators of When God Made You, When God Made Light begins where the Bible does and introduces children to God as their Creator. The illustrative work by David Catrow is captivating and complements the truths being taught on each page. Ideally for children ages 3 to 8, parents will enjoy either reading the book to their child or with their child.

Simply put, if you desire to see children come to know the one true living God, start where the Bible starts and teach in such a way that the child understands. If you share with your child When God Made Light, you will do just that!

When the opportunity to review this book and help the author with the book launch came up I jumped at the chance. Turner’s first book ‘When God Made You‘ has become a favorite in our world. I actually purchased a second copy for my niece on her birthday as, despite the initial mixed signals from the Minions, they have all fallen in love with that book. The only problem? Right now I don’t have access to my Minions to get their reactions to this book. I know they would love it. The illustrations are so whimsical and inviting. I really enjoy David Catrow‘s style. The words weren’t as overwhelming and heavy as the first book but more perfectly spaced throughout the book.

Genesis 1:3-5 (KJV) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

This book is a creative play on the creation story in Genesis about how God made light. He made light to shine on the day, he made light to shine on the night, he made light with lightning and bugs, he made light to shine within you. OK, that is not from the book people that’s just my sorry attempt at somethingness. The rhymes in this book are touching and honest. They help to draw you into the illustrations to tell the story within the story. They also allow for deeper conversations about how we are to be the light of God into the world. Every single one of us has a light within us that needs to shine into the world. A light of love, of friendship, a light of talents that all need to be shared. We are a light of purpose.

I got a chance to read this book a few dozen times with Squirt this past week. She’s a bit too young to share her thoughts but she was drawn into the illustrations and she seemed to be caught into the rhymes and words. She brought it too me again and again, but then she does love to be read to and this book was pretty handy since it was in the review stack. This book has the ability to open doors for conversations, not only about the creation, but about our individual creation. This book allows opportunity to open discussions about how each of us as individuals can become lights to the world. This book allows opportunity to open discussions about our individual talents to share our light with the world. It also opens opportunities for discussion about how we can be a light to others through our love and friendship and personality. While wrapped in deeply Christian themes this book is ideal for any child as they grow into their own personalities and embracing those things that light their own life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Waterbrook Press. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

I first encountered author Matthew Paul Turner in his first picture book collaboration with David Caltrow (my favorite children’s illustrator) in When God Made You., which is an adorable book with a powerful message. So, when I saw these two were teamed up for another book I had to read it.

This brilliant book opens with the words “Let There Be Light” each word on a page showing two little girls busy making something creative and fun using markers and scissors, while their cat and dog run around. The story begins, let there be light “And light began shining and then started to spread.”

After reading this book I realized I haven’t thought much about light. It is a wonderful thing. This book is filled with elaborate descriptions of all kinds of light and an array of beautiful color splashed throughout. Here’s a peek inside the book, “When God made light, a universe lit up, a dazzling display of big shiny stuff. And all that light- every bright golden hue – is the very same light that God put inside you.”

The illustrator pulls out all the stops as he shows everyone doing fun things like dancing in the day light, the moonlight and the light in between. The author describes numerous kinds of joyous light and just as many ways to relish it.

The story and pictures will warm your heart and bring a huge smile to your face and your soul. This is a delight and a joy to take in. I shared it on the phone with my daughter I can’t wait to share it with the grandkids in person. This is going to become a family favorite.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotion

Warm, endearing pictures, with a rhythmic, joyous verse of a story about God making light.
The light isn't just the light of creation, the sun, moon, and starts it's much more than that, it speaks of the light that lives inside you with God in you.
It celebrates living in the light (God) and outdoor living with family as the light brings different adventures, and teaches not to fear, as God is here when the light is night.
The book is empowering, melodic, and brings a smile to the readers face (showing YOUR light!).
The illustrations are detailed, lifelike, family friendly, fun/silly, and child friendly. The children are children of color likely siblings, with the best facial expressions that show true light and joy. And they are beautiful girls and the pets look animated. So appealing.
There are so many natural connections and educational opportunities to expand on this book, I can't wait to share more details, but here is my list: As an educator, you could use this book to hook kids into learning about shadows, seasons, universe, sun/moon/stars/constellations, and showing love to others by being the light.
The hardcover book is well made, has heavy, thick shiny pages that won't tear easily when little hands explore alone.
The book itself is rooted in scriptures from Genesis 1 creation of light, to the light in you, because God is in you- which opens you up to the gospel story, and the New Testament light comparisons. Jesus is the light, being a light to the world, being bold as you are--as you bring the light even in a dark world, how God made you with purpose/intent (Psalm 139).

I have followed along with Matthew Paul Turner's writing for several years. While I had heard of his first children's book, When God Made You, I had not read it. However, I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the second one. I think following his wife on social media and seeing her share about it got me more excited for this one.

While I received this book from Blogging for Books, I have now added the first book to my the store wish list because When God Made Light is so good!

The first thing I love about When God Made Light was noticed on the front cover. I have been researching and choosing books for us to read that teach us about different cultures, feature characters of color and other ethnicity etc. Well, this book features a main character who is a precious little African American girl and I could not have been happier! Yay to you MPT to broadening the horizons for children's books!

Aside from that, I loved the words of the book. We have been learning about God creating the earth and this book takes the concept of God saying "Let There Be Light" and expounds upon it to sharing about all of the ways God uses light, has created light, etc. I really enjoyed that. This book will help kids understand that they are light and by following God's Word and being faithful, they can be light into the darkness around them!

We just received the book last night, read it before bed and my boys have asked to read it several times again today. Those rhyming words are catchy for sure!

**I received this book for free from Blogging For Books.**

When God Made Light is another great book from the duo who created When God Made You!

When God Made Light is a book that celebrates the light that God created in the universe, as well as the light He places in each of His children. Both When God Made Light and When God Made You are empowering and confidence-building, all in the context of being created by God.

The rhyming text in these books is a unique find - almost Dr. Seuss-ish with a poetic flair. They are a literary step above other children's books on the market, in my opinion. I can't think of another way to describe them - they just feel different from the typical rhyming books for children...and I love that!

The illustrations just add to the beautiful text in When God Made Light. Our family loves the illustrator's quirky, unique style. (We have another book illustrated by David Catrow: I Like Myself! - also a great one!)

When God Made Light is another wonderful book from this author/illustrator duo, and I am so thankful for their contributions to children's literature.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

There aren't many children's books that make your heart soar. With each Turner book, I fall more and more in love with the little girls. My Ewoks love them too! There's something about seeing the world through the eyes of the little ones again. Hearing about how safe and loved and protected you are, while painting, collecting fireflies and smiling into the eyes of others ... I just love this book!

When God Made Light, you share in rhyme and David Catrow's illustrations, the beauty in God's world and discover how we are the light. There's a light in us, but it comes from The One who made it all. Even those without a spiritual bone in their bodies can find appreciation in this one.

I think what attracts me most is how the little girls are happy in their own skin and life. There's nothing ugly, they stand tall in their innocence, they even wear braids! I love them! Catrow's artwork brings them all to life! My few image shares aren't enough. You have to get these books. I reviewed When God Made You (August of 2017) and gave it a ringing endorsement as well. Check out Turner's books and if you've seen Horton Hears a Who? and Despicable Me, then you've seen Catrow's work! I'm on to the next read. Cheers!

*Full review at www dot areneehunt dot com

When God Made Light
Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by David Catrow
Published by Waterbrook, Feb. 2018

“Shimmer and Shine
be a beacon so bright
'cause when God made you, child, God made light.”

When God Made Light is a book written for children 3 to 7 years of age. The story is about how God made light, all the different kinds of light and how it looked. Light flickered, dashed, blinked, flashed, glared, glimmered, flared and sparked. The story tells us light came from the stars the sun, the moon and even fireflies. The light warms us, it helps plants grow, and inspires us. “And all that light-every bright golden hue-is the very same light that God put inside you.”
This is a nice story to help children learn about light and why it is so important and all the places we can find it. The pages are so cute, with active children as well as a dog and cat on every page. The illustrations are very bold and colorful. The story is written in rhyme and just the right length to hold the young child's attention as well as for the young reader.
This story is written by the creators of When God Made You. The author, Matthew Paul Turner has written 17 books. The illustrator, David Catrow is an editorial cartoonist who has illustrated over 70 children's books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Blogging for Books. This is my honest review.

When God Made Light is Matthew Paul Turner's second children book he has written and illustrated with David Catrow, following their book, When God Made You. Both of these books are beautifully written and illustrated favorites at our house.

When God Made Light is written for ages 3 to 8, but it is a great book to read at family storytime. Through lyrical prose, Turner tells how God made light and how that light helps the world and us to flourish.

I especially like that this book has children in it of another color than me in the illustrations throughout When God Made Light. The community where I live is made up of a wide variety of people as I live in a town with a large university. I like that my family can see children of all backgrounds represented in our books as they see children of all colors in our community. At the same time, I think we could all use books like this. God made people in various colors. Our children will likely travel and see people of other colors and cultures in their lifetime. Don't we want to create an environment of unity early on? Besides the gorgeous illustrations, I also love the lyrical prose throughout the book. I think everything works together to create a beautiful book.

I received When God Made Light from Waterbrook Multnomah publisher. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.

Bright colors, fun illustrations, and rhymes that make you smile! These three things come together to make this an excellent reading experience for your child.

“And if you ever feel scared in the darkness of night, remember the shadows are no match for God’s light.”

You and your child will enjoy reading together about God creating light; the different ways we encounter light in our world; and reminds us of the fact that we ourselves are “beacons for God’s light.” I predict that this will become a family favorite to read over and over again.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

When God Made Light
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by David Catrow

This is a delightful lyrical story that has a rhythm that will enchant the reader no matter what their age. For example, this line
"Light glared and glimmered,
it flared and sparked,
and wherever light shined,
dark stopped being dark."

How perfectly this describes how it must have been when God spoke light into existence. But light comes in more than one form and each should be celebrated whether it be the sun, the moon, fireflies, or the light within you.

Then there are the illustrations - they say a picture is worth a thousand words - well that couldn't be truer than with this book. A couple of delightful children playing both in the house and outdoors with their dog and kitty. The colors are soothing and the transition from day to night goes from yellows to blues.

A lovely book perfect for sharing with the little ones in your lap. Those who have read When God Made You will enjoy this newest offering from the same creative team.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’d previously read and reviewed another of his books: When God Made You. The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the cover illustration. David Catrow manages to capture the story told by Matthew Turner. And the hardcover will hold up to rough hands ( though the pages may not). While it starts with “Let there be light”, the book is so much more than that. It’s not the story of creation, but rather what happens when the light touches and affects everything, including us. “That very same light is in you.” What an encouraging book for a young reader! How the life filled rays bring so many things. The book even notes that the moon is like our nightlight, reflecting the sun’s shine. And the good that comes out of shiny things, light comets, fireflies, and so on. The illustrations within are cute and colorful for daytime scenes and cool and beautiful for the night portion. Two barefoot kids with their dog and cat explore and play with light and shadow in this adorable and uplifting book, perfect for any toddler to early reader. My daughter is 8 years old and the cover immediately caught her eye. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Matthew Paul Turner is a local author for us. While his books are released nation-wide, those of us in Middle Tennessee claim him as one of our own. When I was given the chance to preview his latest children's book,

When God Made Light, I jumped at the offer and am so glad I did! Since my son loves to read on his own so much, it seems like it is a rare treat that I get to snuggle up in bed with him to read together or to read to him. But that's just what we did. We loved the rhythm of the poetry and writing and the whimsical drawings only added to delightfulness of this book. We often found ourselves giggling at the funny images and being captured by the writing. Reading this book together reminded me that although our child is old enough and more than capable of reading on his own, I should take advantage of the time I have to snuggle up in bed together with a good book. I love to give books as part of a baby gift and this will be making it on my top books to give list! (Click book image for link to purchase.)

*** I received this book from Blogging for Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second Matthew Paul Turner book I have reviewed. Both are excellent. A couple of years ago, I reviewed, When God Made You, now he has written this book, When God Made Light. It is an excellent book.

The book is filled with great imagination and lots of rhyming throughout the book. The book is about God's creation of light and how we are part of that creation.

The book is wonderful to read to a child or a group of children. The pages are filled with great pictures filled with imagination. The illustrations are powerful and bold, which adds to the story.

This book is filled with encouragement and hope. It will be one a child will want read to them over and over. Light radiates through the darkness, chasing away the shadows. The deeper message is that light flows through each child, which will be used to change the world!!

I recommend this book.

I received this book from bloggingforbooks in exchange for an honest review.

When God Made Light teaches kids about God's creation of light and all the different kinds of light. From the sun and the moon, to fireflies and lightning, Turner teaches that God made it all. He also points out that God put that same light in each and every child. It encourages children to shine their light for God.

I loved this one! It is written in rhyme, and is perfect for children of all ages. I loved the beautiful way Turner teaches such a simple lesson of how God made all light in every form, and there's a piece of that light in children. I also thoroughly love the illustrations throughout the book. Every page is full of color and just absolutely beautiful! I highly recommend this book for children!

**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. With its delightful illustrations by David Catrow you are guided along the truths of this book through two precious girls as they discover God making light, not only in the world, but in them.

This book is thought provoking and clever. Matthew Paul Turner starts with an idea that Christians, and non-Christians, are familiar with. God made light. It is the beginning of creation. But that is not the focus of the book, instead Turner develops the idea of light beyond just the physical light we see to the light we carry inside. God makes the light inside of us when He made us.

This is a beautiful book in illustrations and message. I highly recommend it to others.

I received this book from the publishers. All opinions are my own.

When God made Light is the second book by Matthew Paul Turner and it is just as beautiful as the first! The pictures are stunning and the storyline is easy and fun to read. I brought the book to my daughter's first-grade class to read it to her classroom and I also brought each of the kids a glow stick. At the end we talked about what it meant to be a light in someone else's life. How they could go and shine light to someone who might be lonely or hurting. It is a book that sparks laughter and creativity and good conversations. I originally received the book as a part of the launch team but I loved it so much that I bought 7 more copies to give away to our nieces and nephews and am giving one to each of my kid's teachers. Order this book today!

I loved Matthew Paul Turner's first children's book in this series, When God Made You. This book, When God Made Light, is a follow-up to the first book with the same illustrator and featured characters. Both books are gorgeous with splashy, colorful, full-page illustrations that match well with the abundant, powerful, loving God being described. This book is about God as the creator of light and all of the wonderful properties of light. The story builds to the message that God also created the light in the child reader and that the child can use their light to shine in the darkness. The rhyming verses use big, descriptive words to expand vocabulary and cover all that is great about light. I hope there will be more books in this series. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such an inspiring and uplifting story! My girls (ages 1 and 3) absolutely LOVED this book! They especially loved the rhyming words and the beautiful pictures!
I also loved the illustrations. They were gorgeously drawn and depicted the story in a very unique and aesthetically pleasing way. As a parent and a minister, I love that this was not only about how God Made the light in the skies but also God made the light in each individual as well. That is such an important message to convey to our children.
This is so positive and encouraging for young children and I love that this is now a part of my daughters' collection. I will look forward to rereading this story with my girls and also sharing this with my kids at my church as well!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. Read more of my reviews at novelsandhops.com

When God Made Light is a beautiful book. Its lyrics and rhymes are based in Scripture. It is a great reminder that the Light resides in believers whether you’re reading as child or an adult.

“When God made light,
a universe lit up,
a dazzling display a bright shiny stuff.
And all of that light—
every bright golden hue—
is the very same light that God put inside of you.”

I encourage you to buy a copy for your child, for a friend (it is a great gift!), and for yourself. You will be glad you did!!

My heart truly was enlightened by the spiritual message and stunning images as my son and I cuddled together for a bedtime story. When God Made Light is a brilliant and lively story about the magnificence of God's divine light. Written with rhythmic verse combined with jubilant illustrations, When God Made Light radiantly illuminates the magnificence of God's creation of light. Showing the wonder in all the ways that light, The Light, shines and touches our lives, this must-read story is lovingly inspired.

What this book is about: 

This children's book is a fun book about light - the light that God made around us and the light He's put inside us all. It's whimsical in its sometimes rhyming, free verse poetry style. 

What I liked: 

The illustrations - I honestly am SO hesitant to put this, but I'm going to do it anyway - please be kind and don't judge me too harshly - I love that the illustration is of little black girls. We have Dr. Suess books which, when the characters aren't yellow people, are little white humans. And we have a Disney anthology, mostly populated by white people. And most of our other are white people, too. I don't buy many books for the kids because we GET so many from other people, so I am truly delighted to have a book that showcases a different skin color. 
The message - In the first few pages, it talks about "Let there be light" and "God made the light" and I really thought it was going to be much more biblical than it ended up being. It talks about light outside, light inside of us, how light chases away darkness, and we're lights in the world. 
My kids like it - my 4 year old brought it to me today to read it. She likes getting new books and reading them, so I was glad that she liked it too. She is too young to understand the message, but that's okay. 
What I didn't like: 

It's a touch long - I'm not saying it was too long to read, but the ending felt like it dragged for about 3 pages longer than it needed to. When it felt to me that it was at a natural ending point, it kept going. 
Tricky phrases in places - for a book that is undoubtedly going to be read out loud MANY times, there are places where the cadence is thrown off from what preceded it and spots where I trip over the wording. As I get more familiar, I'm sure that will happen less, but as someone who has grown to be a fairly proficient out-loud reader, I get frustrated when I stumble over words and phrases because they're just phrased awkwardly. 
Overall thoughts and opinions: 

Overall, I really like the book. I like the message and the illustrations are fun and the kids want to read it more. I'm happy to add it to our own collection and to read it as many times as the kids want. 

I give this book 4 stars. 

This was an absolute delightful children's book. The colors and pictures were brilliant. The story telling was beautiful. My Granddaughter Is going to love this book. The words were just written so wonderful and I know I already said that but its true. Matthew Paul Turner has a gift and is really good. and the Illustrater David Catrow is beautiful. Just a wonderful wonderful children's book. Will be one of my favorites for years to come!!

What an amazing little book. But maybe I shouldn't say little because it is full of beautiful illustrations, simple but good rhyming with easy to follow words. The quality of the illustrations was a welcome surprise. Although I shouldn't have been surprised after seeing what the cover was like. This book is charming from beginning to end. It feels light and tender and fun when you read it.

I have to say my "many" grandchildren and I enjoyed this book every bit as much as we enjoyed "When God Made You". The story is delightful and the graphics in both of these books are just awesome. Even my 80 year old father totally enjoyed this book. It sits on my coffee table so everyone who comes to my house may enjoy it. Keep up the good work Matthew and we are really looking forward to your future books.

This is a nice little story that explains simply that God is the creator and one of his creations is light. Some of it reads more like a tongue twister, but children will enjoy the lighthearted story. I didn’t, however, care for the illustrations. The pictures are water color style, but the children were just too odd looking. Large heads, and large bellies with an overly thin neck. It wasn’t a cute cartoon image. One picture looks like the child has had her eye ripped out. It was just an okay book for me.

When God Made Light is so beautifully illustrated and shares a great message! This is a must have book if you have children in your home. My boys enjoyed looking at the colorful pictures and hearing the encouraging message.

When God Made Light is so beautifully illustrated and shares a great message! This is a must have book if you have children in your home. My boys enjoyed looking at the colorful pictures and hearing the encouraging message.

This book is incredible. I can’t recommend it enough!! I’ve found the message encourages me every time I read it- but it’s written in a way that kids love it too. Love love love!!!
Do yourself and your kids a favor and buy it. It’s our go to book for baby showers and birthdays!

I simply feel like a better me after reading Matthew Paul Turner's books. His lyrical and engaging writing style delivers spiritual concepts in way that even the younger reader can understand. When God Made Light speaks of God's light in the world as well as the special spark we all have inside of us to share. Simply divine in every way!!