Let There Be Light

"Let There be Light" is our latest free review book! It's written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and is illustrated by Nancy Tillman, who's done lots of best-selling books I haven't actually read. It's a lyrical, colorful portrayal of creation. The text is taken from "The Children of God Storybook Bible" by the archbishop.

This book is well-paced for reading with a two-year-old! The text is brief and simple, and the illustrations are interesting and colorful. My Assistant Reviewer also enjoys "The Jesus Storybook Bible," but listening to an entire page of text is somewhat beyond his abilities at 7:30 pm. We talk about the pictures a lot.

So "Let There be Light" is nice for us and in the same genre, because we can read through it, then count the giraffes and elephants, squeak and roar at the mice and lions, etc etc.

I am pleased with this addition to our bedtime library.

Honestly, I requested this book partly because one irate review complained that the cloudy outline of God's male genitalia was embarrassingly evident in one of the first pages. I thought that accusation was hilarious. I couldn't figure out which cloud formation offended that reviewer, in the end, but you can't be too careful---clouds are notoriously brash.

This lovely book tells the story of creation from Genesis, from day one when God said, "Let there be light," to day seven when God rested. A story that has been told for generations, this gorgeous book provides vibrant illustrations that are sure to capture the imagination of any child. Each page is beautifully illustrated as it tells the story of what God created on each day.

The next time I teach creation to one of my classes, I will be certain to use this book because I know the kids will love it and your kids will too.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They are full of vivid colors, which will really grab a young one's eyes. The text tells the creation story in a simple manner. This book would be perfect for a really young one and would really serve as the perfect introduction to the creation story and who God is. Most children's Bibles are complex enough that a two-year-old may not understand or fully comprehend, but this book is so simple. It would be a great Easter or Christmas gift. I'm stowing my copy away to give to Bug at a later date as a gift.

“Let There Be Light” was sent to me by Zonderkids, a division of Zondervan Publishing, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.
This Christian children’s story is written by Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is illustrated beautifully by Nancy Tillman. It is loosely adapted from the story of creation. I like when Bible stories can be learned in a fun way that will hold a child’s attention. “Let There Be Light” is also a board book – durable for little hands.
I’d recommend this book.

Let There Be Light is a product of the partnership between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and illustrator Nancy Tillman. Telling the 7 day creation story, this sturdy board book is perfect for little hands and really should be marketed to a younger reader. And I'm not sure what I was expecting from the storyline, but it really should be attributed to the writer of Genesis as it's lifted straight from the Bible.

For Nancy Tillman's part, this book is incredibly illustrated an beautiful. Her interpretation of the Scriptures is rich and stunning. If you're a Tillman fan, this book will not disappoint as it is a celebration of creation and diversity.

Really, this is a book we love and one my 3 year old reaches for often. But the author issue bothered me. If you're looking for a way to introduce the creation story to your toddler, this is a beautiful book. Once you're past the introduction stage, I'd look for something deeper.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my fair and honest opinion.

What a great addition to any little child's library. A nice sturdy board book, for those wild little ones who love to rip pages in regular kids books. The illustrations are very nicely done, artsy and whimsical. The story flows very well. Both my children sat engrossed. This book has inspired me to seek out other books by this author and illustrator.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's name on this cover commanded my attention, and I was eager to receive the book for review. It may be the small size and the board book version, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd anticipated. However, it would be difficult for any book to live up the expectations of Tutu's name.

It's a pleasant Christmas story that children will enjoy, and the message is certainly a good one.

Each of the pages in this children’s book include original illustrations which are accompanied by a few words of text. With those words, the author describes what God (our Creator) made on each of the 6 days of creation. Then, he also shares how God rested on day 7, and how He was very pleased with his work.

The illustrations are beautifully done, and have little surprises interspersed throughout the pages. For example, a vague figure can be seen among the clouds or in the center of the sun on some pages, representing the Creator no doubt. It was fun to look at the pages and try to uncover the hidden pictures.

I would say the book is good to share with the little ones in your life. The only criticism I have is something my husband pointed out to me: The end of the book has the potential to cause confusion regarding the creation of Adam and Eve, the first people. While the text speaks of the creation of man, the illustration shows several children rather than an adult male and female couple. So, this would need to be discussed with your children as you read it to them. Also, the book does not include any Scripture references.

It is probably best suited for ages 4-8, but kids of various other ages could enjoy it also. It can bring about interaction, discussion, a time of learning about the days of Creation, and a time of togetherness.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program (previously known as Book Sneeze). I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ahh... this book is gorgeous! The pictures are so beautiful and the story is so simply told. This is a wonderful book that draws everyone in. It is definitely going to be a favorite in our house. The story is very close to the Biblical version and I appreciated that very much. I highly recommend this book for every family.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is the perfect introduction to creation for children. The pictures are spectacular enough to keep even us cynical adults engaged when we read it over and over again to our eager little ones, and the words perfectly evoke the great mystery and gift of creation.

This is a beautiful retelling of the creation story. The pictures are very well illustrated - colorful and realistic enough to keep the attention of a young child. I loved reading it and looking at the pictures. It will delight young and old alike.

“In the very beginning, God’s love bubbled over when there was nothing else---no trees, no birds, no animals, no sky, no sea---only darkness.”

Let There Be Light combines the love and warmth of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the extraordinary talents of bestselling author and illustrator Nancy Tillman. This retelling of the biblical story of creation vividly portrays the wonder and beauty of God’s creation on each of the seven days. Using Archbishop Tutu’s lyrical text from the Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman’s remarkable illustrations, Let There Be Light brings the story of creation to life for readers young and old.

At the start of a new year, let's go back to the beginning, shall we? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This book had vivid illustrations and I really liked how they were portrayed.

The only thing I had a problem with was the fact that the author added a lot of other things in it and doesn't really follow the Bible. Otherwise, it's a good book for kids and a good read aloud story.

You know Nancy's lovely illustrations from her lovely "On the Night You Were Born" book, among her others, and she continues her lovely work with this book. Every illustration is gorgeous and could stand to be a print on your wall, by itself! The pictures will draw you in, but the simple and direct prose by Archbishop Tutu is perfect for the illustrations.His tale of the 7 days of creation is perfect for younger children. Miss Grace was able to read it herself, with help on a couple of words, and then when she finished the book, she went back through and found God in every one of the illustrations (the first one below is easy, but the one above is harder). We had a great discussion about finding God in everything after that as well! This is a LOVELY book, that is perfect for gift giving and sharing with your young child!