Book Review || If God Were a Great Big Bear (2025)
"Creator God made a perfectly balanced and interconnected world to please not just us humans but every plant and animal, every planet and star in all creation."
God is in all things, this lesson many believe, is true. For readers who are seeking a story that is kind, warm, soft, & gentle, this poetic picture book is the perfect find.
In the introduction of this review, I wish to state that this book is not necessarily targeted towards one specific type of reader. I, myself, was raised in a religion I hardly recognize today, the institution of which I find abysmal, at best. Yet, upon seeing the cover art for this book, I knew inside there was a message important to read.
Of particular note is the way the author pens the message that God is in all things, all around us. He positions his poem to be accessible to all reading levels & religious believers, even those who believe in nothing at all. I found the verses delightfully quaint as they brought the imagery that accompanied them, to life.
What I found most lovely is that the author did not approach his poem by neglecting any reader. In fact, the entire premise of the poem—that God resides in the world around us & so, also, lives in us—uses terminology that will allow all readers to feel that this is true for them too.
Perhaps God is a female entity, or He is the traditional Catholic bearded man; The Great Spirit is unlike anyone humanity would be familiar with, should ever we meet as people do.
The author reminds readers that, no matter who God might be, & no matter how we might address God, the point is that we are reminded that God is listening, that God wants the world to be a beautiful place for the beautiful life that lives in it.
Therefore, I am left feeling grateful, both to the author & the illustrator. Though I have moved away from the institution of my own beliefs, I am a firm believer in reminding young readers that they are cared about, no matter who they are, what they wish to be called, how they are addressed, what clothes they wear, or how they style their hair; God loves them as they are.
In this book, they will find that reminder alongside beautiful imagery of animals, landscapes of blues & greens, & a coy warmth that nestles further in as the reader reads. A beautiful book, this is indeed.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Beaming Books, & Paul Harbridge for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
C. 💌