The Celebration Place - by Dorena Williamson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Church is more than just a building--it's a gathering of God's people to celebrate who he is and all that he has done. It's also where we learn about God's vision for justice and unity! Told in a delightful rhyme, this colorfully illustrated children's book also includes tools to help parents engage in conversation about the content.

Book Synopsis

Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award

No longer is church a divided space
Now it's a celebration place!

Church is more than just a building--it's a gathering of God's people to celebrate who he is and all that he has done. Welcome to The Celebration Place, a beautifully illustrated book that invites children to envision God's dream for a delightfully diverse church. Authored by Dorena Williamson and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Erin Bennett Banks, this book inspires kids to see the beauty of community, unity, and justice in God's kingdom.

The Celebration Place helps kids and families explore themes of inclusivity and belonging, emphasizing that church is a place where God's people celebrate diversity, work together, and learn about God's vision for justice and unity. That was the message that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared, and it's an important message for us today. Because of God's great love, church should be the best celebration place!

This delightful rhyme, accompanied by colorful illustrations, will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.

Key features:

• Fully Illustrated: Stunning artwork that captures the imagination and brings the message to life
• Parent and Caregiver Message: Includes a message from the author to help families discuss the book's themes with children
• A Heartfelt Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Highlights the legacy of Dr. King's vision and work for justice and unity

Perfect for Christian parents, caregivers, church leaders, and educators, The Celebration Place encourages families to celebrate the vibrant, inclusive family of God. Share this meaningful story with the children in your life, and start conversations about faith, justice, and the beauty of diversity. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

Review Quotes

"The Celebration Place is a beautiful vision of what God has accomplished for us through his Son, Jesus. It's a vision of what we can be--a beautiful tapestry! Williamson helps our kids grasp big biblical concepts in simple language, and you'll learn a little history along the way. Praise God for the celebration place: the church!"

--Trillia Newbell, author of God's Very Good Idea, and Sacred Endurance

"Dorena has such a beautiful yet compelling way of writing about these most important topics of justice and unity. Yes, The Celebration Place will inspire children to walk this message out better than the generation before them did. But I also believe it will help challenge the parents, teachers, and leaders of these children that it's not too late to do the same."

--Natalie Grant, singer, songwriter, and cofounder of Hope for Justice

"Dorena Williamson's book echoes the beautiful picture in Revelation 7 of a multicultural body of Christ worshipping God together. Kids and adults alike need to see, learn, and value different cultures expressing their faith. The Celebration Place is a must for every church bookshelf."

--Michelle Ami Reyes, vice president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and author of Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures

About the Author

Erin Bennett Banks is an illustrator with a passion for rich narratives and culturally distinct storytelling. Banks has illustrated seven children's books, earning recognition by The New York Times, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights. She has created artwork for Highlights for Children Magazine, Candlewick Press, McGraw-Hill, The Weekly Reader, and Harvard Business Review. Banks lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her illustrator husband and three creative girls.

Dorena Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God's diverse kingdom. She writes children's books that adults also enjoy and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughtFull, and GraceFull. Prior to becoming an author, Dorena enjoyed a career as a social counselor, a worship leader, and a stylist. In 1995, Dorena and her husband, Chris, cofounded Strong Tower Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, a multicultural fellowship passionate about biblical justice and God's diverse kingdom.