Cover Image: God, Right Here

God, Right Here

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Member Reviews

I was given an early copy. This book was delightfully illustrated by Jennie Poh. As well as written by Kara Lawler. It’s a good reminder for all of us and a vivid way of explaining God’s existence everywhere. Little girl trying to figure out if he was there when she was swinging in a tree. No matter the time or season, he is with you. Definitely would recommend to parents with young readers and it could easily transition into a home library. Special thanks to the following for allowing me to review this book.

#NetGalley
#intervarsity Press
#Kara Lawler
#GodRightHere
Pub. Date: June 20, 2023

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This book was beautiful. It has a wonderful message of the love God has for us and Earth. The illustrations are beautiful and I love how it goes through all the seasons. I don’t think my 6 and 8 year old boys would enjoy this book very much just because they would think it’s too sappy. This book would make a good baby shower gift.

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whimsical, beautifully illustrated look at the seasons through the eyes of one looking for God's hand in all of creation.
I think it is just as important to teach children to look for His hand in the here and now as it is to teach them of His presence and provision in the past.
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Children live in the present and are curious about the world around them this book reflects their wonder and can open the door to more conversations about God and His creation.
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I read a digital version with an almost three year old that I care for and she enjoyed it sitting through it and asking questions.
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Five stars from me
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts are honest and completely my own.

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This was a cute book. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful, yet so simple. The writing was also poetic and it flowed well.

The biggest problem I have is, it seems like the glory is going towards nature rather than God. The majority of the book is spent documenting the change of seasons and how beautiful each one is. There is nothing wrong with noticing these things, but I think the book is very close to the line of worshipping the creation rather than the Creator. When reading this to their kids, parents should be careful to remind kids of the Creator more throughout the book.

Besides that, this book is great. I would recommend it to other parents and would read it to my son, as well.

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SUCH a cute book! Adorable illustrations and fun, flowing text that makes it engaging and fun for all ages. A wonderful message to be shared for every generation, and a beautiful reminder that God is always there #GodRightHere #NetGalley

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The illustrations in this book are beautiful. And the message is even greater. Starting the book with Psalm 139 helps bring to focus what the book is truly about, that God is always with us. In everything around us. In walking through the season I think the book does a great job of pointing out the different places little ones can see God's love and mercy at work. The illustrations are diverse, representing many different cultures and people. This book would be a great gift for a child's baptism or dedication.

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Kara Lawler creates a masterpiece children’s book in God, Right Here. It is beautifully designed with artistic illustrations and vibrant colors. Lawler walks you through each of the seasons, and in every season, you can find God there. This book draws the reader to bring glory to God. Every child is sure to love this book and discover the beautiful world that God has made.


Thank you InterVarsity Press and Netgalley for this advance reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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God, Right Here is a cute book for children that teaches about God and the beauty of the different seasons. The illustrations are fun and engaging. The text is great, but the flow felt a bit off at times while I read it to my son. Overall, a sweet story.

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Love the message of this book. I have always felt nature was Gods way of reminding us that He is here. Every detail in every season speak to us if we will listen. This book has beautiful illustrations. Love that you see a child in a wheelchair. It is important for children to see themselves represented if they themselves use a wheelchair.

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An extraordinary book, invites us to be grateful for God's creation. Sometimes we are too tired and forget to realize how beautiful the world is. Wherever we are, in whatever season, God is always there with us close and showing his affection. This book also shows the special colors of each season, making children learn how various colors God created. The illustrations in this book are very beautiful, making the reader enjoy looking at this book for a long time.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for accepting me to read and review this beautiful book

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I received an ARC of this book via Netgallery. I absolutely love this book. Kindly see review on Goodreads.

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Such a good way to teach and remind little ones about the beauty God created. The artwork is nostalgic and pleasing to kids.

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This book was adorable and perfect for the preschool age group. I read it with my four year old, and even my older children stopped to listen and look at the pictures.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

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This book should be on every adult and child’s reading list to serve as a reminder to be present and pay attention to all of God’s gifts that surround us. The illustrations are stunning and the message will resonate. 5 stars.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley and IVP in exchange for an honest review. The cover of this book drew me in and I stayed for the story. This beautifully illustrated book took time to include minority groups, which I love seeing! Representation of races and abilities is incredibly important alongside the messages of God's love. This book has a beautiful balance of telling the story through both text and illustration. Every page is as beautiful and inviting as the cover.

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This picture book explores how a child experiences God's presence throughout the changing seasons. There isn't much of a story, and this is mainly just a message book, but the gentle illustrations and reassuring text will help children conceptualize how God is with them in their moments of joy and wonder.

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Cute reminders for kids that God's creation proclaims his handiwork and praises Him.
That Psalm isn't mentioned in the book but it would add to the discussion about Who is Creator and what that means for us.

*I received this dARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my review.

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I have enjoyed the IV Press children’s books thus far, and this one will be a welcomed addition to the collection. Through beautiful, multi-ethnic illustrations we find that God is everywhere, revealed in all their creation.

As a Canadian, where we experience four distinct weather seasons, the imagery of spring, summer, fall, and a snowy winter will resonate with readers. That may not be the case for readers outside of northern areas.

Still, I could see myself reading this to my children or a Sunday school class with ease.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital advanced copy. I really enjoyed this book! This was a sweet picture book with reminders of seeing God in nature around us, in the changing seasons, in changing weather, and being surrounded by different animals. I appreciated how there was a child in a wheelchair throughout the book. The illustrations were wonderful as well! A great reminder for kids and adults alike!

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Beautiful reminder of God’s hand all around us. The imagery was beautiful. Love that it cycled through all the seasons and ways we can point out God in nature.

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