36. God's Masterpiece: An Adventure in Discovering Your Worth. Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Illustrated by Julia Seal. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars; picture book]
First sentence: Come along with me, my friend. I can't wait for you to see some of the most famous art made for you and me.
God's Masterpiece is an odd picture book. Half of the text is art appreciation--written in [forced] rhyme, unfortunately--and the second half of the book (also written in rhyme) is about how you are God's true masterpiece. The book concludes with a mirror so you can admire God's masterpiece--you, of course.
Of the two halves I prefer the focus on art. I enjoy the introduction of particular art pieces by particular artists. Some are extremely famous and will likely be familiar to adults. Others perhaps not as much. I think a definite argument could be made that a) God IS a creative God. b) man who is made in the image of God is creative too. That would be a worthwhile message to share with little ones.
The second half takes a little more liberty with theology. It is not all the way off. Psalm 139 is proof of that. But it is more like a crazy fun house mirror type of interpreting scripture. I think there are definite true statements and statements that push things all the way down the slippery slope. I think God can absolutely LOVE us and be our Creator without making it so absurdly all about us. The mirror was a little over the top for me.
I think ALL of creation--think Genesis 1 and 2, as well as many psalms--was pronounced good, very good. That God was pleased with his creation. I think one could definitely argue that ALL humans have worth and value because they were made in the image of God. Though the 'image of God' is fractured since the fall. Still *all* humanity has worth, value, etc.
But what is missing in this book is JESUS. Perhaps because "God" especially a "Master Painter" God is infinitely less offensive than Jesus--a Savior, a Deliverer, the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. Does God love us? YES. Absolutely. That is why he sent JESUS to save us from our sins.
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