Pros: When I saw the title, I knew I needed to read this book. I have a godson, and I often think about what all that relationship entails in addition to attending a baptism and sending cards and gifts for birthdays and Christmas. I appreciate that this book is for all people involved in a child's spiritual upbringing. An unexpected bonus that I didn't expect when I started reading--I learned a bit about Australia and religion there.

Cons: I don't think this is a book I'd gift my godson, but that doesn't mean I didn't take away relevant things to think about. Also, it was jarring to see the word "b*tch" used in the book (correctly used to refer to a female dog but still surprising for me as an American who rarely sees that word used in that context).

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book!

I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.

A very unusual concept. The blank pages give every child, or a parent, an opportunity to become a co-author and strengthen the bond between the child and God by writing new family stories. The book radiates warmth, love, appreciation, acceptance, and understanding.

However, if meant for a child, it may have gone slightly complicated. For example, the term Sola Scriptura showed up without any previous introduction into the meaning of it. The first time it showed up in the book was on page 61, without any earlier mentions or definitions, not even an indication. Without a proper introduction or explanation, it can be hard to understand some terms and their meaning, especially when explaining them to children. Going step by step, introducing specific words and phrases, and clarifying their meaning could have come across as a more adequate for a child of such a young age (presumably 5-10 years of age).

While reading the letters, I felt loved and a part of this family's life. The bits and pieces of Layla-Joy's adventures added a lot to this feeling.

P. S. I don't think this book belongs in the Poetry section.

This is a wonderful concept. Taking one’s Baptismal responsibilities seriously of both praying for and encouraging your godchildren to follow God.
The book works for other adult relationships too as the whole essence is one of nurturing and supporting children to seek and learn about their place in the family and the wider world.

The letters are heart warming and ooze love. Stopping way short of the sloppy smooching stuff. They are filled with family stuff, illustrations and strong links to aid understanding with references to Auntie Mimi’s dog.
What I liked especially was the concept of a record with the letters in a book and space for other family and friends to add comments and testimonies.
A lot of ground is covered, but this is still only Book 1.

However the lasting feature is the recording of scriptures to read and understand. To see the words and appropriate them to ones own life and believe, is fundamental in seeking and finding God. The author has plenty of links for further exploring, intended for parents and those sharing this book with their kids.

I also liked the inclusiveness of the references between the three major religions which should encourage wider appreciation of other faiths.

Sometimes a baptismal service for our children seems like something that is a Christian tradition but no longer relatable with modern church going and the need for Sunday school. This would make for a perfect gift in those situations where parents still present their children to be Christened. In a wider context though it has great value as it promotes some basic religious understanding and quite fundamental Christian teaching.