Stop and Look at Yourself
by Donna Drion

Christian children's book review by Jane Finch.

(Visit Jane's work at Finchlark.)

Ages 2-7

Take a moment out of your busy day to look at yourself as God sees you

I was so delighted to find this book. How I wish it had been available when my son was younger. He suffered from a lack of self-esteem and self-belief because he had been severely bullied.

This book is exactly what I was looking for at the time, one that would encourage him to actually like himself and to see himself how God sees him.

This is an early reader book, but I think it would be really nice to read it with a parent.

There is an early comparison with a teddy bear, which is bound to grab a young child’s attention. The reader is asked to think about how a teddy bear is made and put together. Then, simply, the comparison with how carefully we have been put together by God.

The book talks about our hands and feet, ears and eyes, and gives examples how we might use them. All beautifully made by God.

Then questions are asked. Can God hear and see us? These questions are answered simply and clearly.

There are wonderful illustrations done by the author Donna Drion. All single or double page happy pictures, pleasing to the eye and cleverly explaining the simple story.

This book is about realising who made us, liking ourselves for who we are, and taking time out from a busy day to say “thank you” to God.

It also gives the reader a chance to learn a little more about the One who made them.

This is a hardback book with 32 pages. This is not a storybook, as such, in that there is no specific main character. It is about the reader becoming the character and relating what they are reading to themselves.

The short question and answer pages at the end of the book offer an ideal opportunity to discuss further with the child.

The author, Donna Drion, has a degree in illustration and she clearly uses her gift to bring this book to life for the young reader. Although she grew up in England, Donna now lives in America with her husband, who is studying for the pastoral ministry.

Stop and Look at Yourself is one of a series of three, the others being

• Stop and Look at God’s World, and
• Stop and Look at God’s Word

Both are reviewed on this site.

Published by Day One Publications.

ISBN 978-1-84625-132-0

Read more of Jane's book reviews.

More Christian children's books.

Best Children's Books home.