When God Made the World - by Matthew Paul Turner (Hardcover)

This book includes words that are not age appropriate. There are concepts included about God that don't seem to match up with scripture. It includes a mermaid in God's creation. If you are expecting a Biblically sound, well-written book, unfortunately this is not your best option.

I brought this book last year for my then 7 year old granddaughter to read along with her children's bible and I am so glad I did my granddaughter reallly loves all the author's books and most importantly loves learning more about her faith.

This book is a family favorite, illustrations are beautiful and keep my children engaged.

A creative approach for a young reader .

This is my very favorite book I’ve ever read - children’s and adult books included! As a primary school teacher, I’ve read a lot of kids books...but this is one of a kind! The illustrations are beautiful. Great for any and all ages!

Such a wonderful book! I purchased for my little one and loved it so much I purchased two more For gifts! This book along with when I pray for you- wonderful illustrations, beautifully written.

Another winner from Matthew Paul Turner. My children and myself gave enjoyed all of his previous children's book and yet again - this will not disappoint. His whimsical prose keeps the reader's attention from page one until the end. The illustrations fit beautifully and follow the creation story in a new and childlike way. I enjoyed the thought that went into matching each page with a particular illustrations and my kids scoured each page for all the fine details.... Can't wait to pass this one around for upcoming birthdays, showers, and baptisms.

I first discovered Matthew Paul Turner's books with "When I Pray For You," which quickly became a beloved family favorite. So, when I heard that this one was in the works, of course I had to pre-order it! It exceeded even my excited expectations. I have never read a more beautiful, inclusive, and affirming telling of the creation story as I (from a Christian tradition) know it. And oh, my, the illustrations - they are gorgeous! I absolutely love that the little boy central to the story is dark-skinned. There are children of all different cultures, appearances, and abilities shown. The book includes the exotic and celebrates what to my children seems unusual, and I LOVE it. The progression of the creation is not so literal as to disturb scientific theories of creation, nor does it get technical so as to disturb Biblical interpretations. God is not gendered, and Jesus is never mentioned - this simultaneously simplifies the story line and makes the book all the more inclusive. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book, though, is the way that Turner artfully expressed that the creation story is not OVER yet. God made each and every one of us, and we all are called to protect our amazing Earth and its inhabitants. This book that lifts up all that is unique about each of us and ALSO acts as a call to action and ALSO is just beautiful to read and look at, is just extraordinary. You won't be disappointed! Matthew Paul Turner children's books are going to be my go-to for baby shower gifts going forward. They are just the kind of faith-filled, incredibly loving, and beautifully inclusive literature that all children need.

My first experience with Matthew Paul Turner was with his book, "When I Pray for You." I instantly fell in love with that book, and it has become my go-to baby shower/ Graduation/ baby dedication gift. If you have read it, you understand. :D Great news! You will love "When God Made the World" just as much. The rhyming story is captivating and so sweet. The illustrations -- wow -- are top notch. Beautifully done. Thank you, Matthew Paul Turner, for using your God-given talents so the rest of us can benefit from them.

This book. It is beautiful beyond a children's book! It is poetry and it is art! Yes, Matthew Paul Turner does it again with his insiteful and inspiring words. It has a way of grabbing you and sticking with you like a melody stuck in your head. The illistrations of Gillain Gamble are so whimsical and gorgeous. I want to just absorb the feelings from the pages. Most of all, I am thankful for the work of this these two artists and for this book because it is so needed in an age of post-evangelicalism. I speak from a place as a parent that has deconstructed harmful stories from a Christian environment background, and yet ache to find new expressions of spiritual stories of identity, love, and belonging. And this book does it! I love the intentional representation of the children and even the animals of how we are all different and yet one. So beautiful and meaningful. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Much love to all who buy and share this book- I know I will be buying it as gifts all year long!!!

Beautifully written and illustrated. I love Matthew’s attention to detail in accurately representing both the world and those who fill it. This book will become a staple gift for the little people in my life.

As the mom of a Taiwanese son, it is so important to me that he sees representation in the books he reads. As the mom of a tiny blonde daughter, I want books that encourage her to be fierce and brave, and to love others well. I can always trust Matthew Paul Turner’s books to encapsulate all these things, and I am inspired myself to be the mom that they need me to be. With beautiful poetry and stunning artwork, this book will delight both young and old.

Another excellent read from Matthew Turner. His books never disappoint.

This a beautiful book the explores creation and the wonderful diversity God has created - looking at seasons, different climates and the wide range of flora and fauna we find on this planet we call home. I also love the intentional representation of a diverse array of children in the illustrations - though finding what the polar bear is up to on each page is fun too.

I preordered this book as soon and I could! I was so happy when it arrived today. I have all of MPT’s books and this one is just as amazing as the rest. It’s beautiful and heartfelt. Such vivid and delightful descriptions. It is full of so many wonderful things about our creator and His plan for us and our world. The artwork is astounding. The diversity throughout is so beautiful and important. It’s one that your children will want to read over and over again. You will too. Please buy this for your home!! You won’t regret it!

I have purchased every children's book that Matthew Paul Turner has written and each time I think THIS is the best and then the next book comes out and I am blown away. This newest book is no exception. It is stunning. The pictures are breathtaking and the book itself, I cried reading through it. My daughter loved hearing about the animals and the different parts of the world that God created. It is just such a fantastic book and one that I will be adding to my gift giving collection for years to come!

Another amazing book by Matthew Paul Turner! Easy and fun to read while declaring the truth of creation! Also, the artistry is vibrant and beautifully done! As an adoptive mama of kids who don’t share my ethnicity I especially appreciate all the diversity in this book! Well done! We will read this for many years to come!

And just like a star might showcase God's light or a waterfall give us a sign of God's might, the same could be said of me and of you---how we live, how we love, tells God's story too. This is just a sampling of the beautiful words that children's author Matthew Paul Turner shares in his newest book When God Made the World. Once again he is able to captivate children as he teaches them and, this time, it is God's Creation story that he explores in this 48-page book. Turner's rhyming text and the beautiful illustrations by Gillian Gamble make this a book that young people will find irresistable and being able to read it with your children and grandchildren offers a wonderful opportunity to talk about our Heavenly Father and to learn just how our world began. I believe this would be a wonderful addition to home, church, and school libraries and I highly recommend When God Made the World. I received a complimentary copy of this book but there was no obligation to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

Beautiful, truthful, eye catching and attention keeping. Another first class children's book for the whole family by #MatthewPaulTurner!

No one writes children's books quite like Matthew Paul Turner. I've gifted copies of his other children's titles several times and always immediately buy another copy so that I don't run out. Lyrical, smart, inclusive and inviting - his latest doesn't disappoint.