{Book Review} - God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb

Disclosure: The book mentioned below was provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest, unbiased review. The experiences detailed below are entirely my own.

There are several "labels" that our kids are not born with. Before you have children, and if you crave them desperately enough, you only consider the multitude of amazing things that come from being a parent. It is only after you have taken on that role that you begin to grasp the reality of the not-so-easy things about parenting. For example, the first time your child gets hurt really bad, the first time their friend betrays them, their first break-up, etc... In other words, the first time your heart breaks so intensely for another person it physically hurts you, and there is nothing you can do about it besides stand by their side and support them. Another similar subject is having "the talks". You know what I mean, and they are neither easy nor predictable. What helps, in some instances, is preparing your children, and one of the easiest ways to do this is through the use of books. Especially when they are young.

We recently had the opportunity to review "God Made All Of Me" by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. This is a children's story that addresses the very sensitive topic of: our bodies. While we hope to never encounter a situation where our children are violated, the fact of the matter is that prevention and awareness is key. Children are very trusting of adults because they are brought up to abide by what they say, to respect their elders. There are times when this backfires, and children are taken advantage of for their innocence and trusting nature. God Made All of Me" explains to children, in age appropriate language, that their bodies are good because God made them. Furthermore, they explore body parts that are for sharing, and those that are not. They also address those times when kids prefer not to be touched, and the concept of secrets, safe people and what to do if they are ever made to feel uncomfortable.

Author Justin Holcomb

Author Lindsey Holcomb

I have been reading this book to my 3 year old, and love that it does several things for us. First, in opens up our lines of communication. She is at an age where she is comfortable talking to me about her "private" parts. Eventually, there will be a time when she is less willing to do so, and the fact that we are taking some of the stigma away from it now should aide in that. Second, this book not only addresses the subject but gives children an example of what to do. There is a page in the book where you can actually write down people who make your children feel safe and strong, so they have a working list of people they can turn to when needed. This is HUGE, because there are several times when children are abused and taken advantage of where they turn to adults and the adults do not listen or do not believe them. And last, but certainly not least, this book does not shame children and their bodies. Instead, it teaches them that our bodies are made by God, and they are good, from the tip of their nose, to their tiny little toes!

We have really enjoyed this book and I recommend it with 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

You can purchase your copy of "God Made All of Me" HERE, and don't forget to hear what other Litfuse Reviewers had to say HERE.