The Things God Made

Blending the biblical narrative, science, and art, author and illustrator Andy McGuire portrays not only the majesty of God’s creation, but also the beauty, delight, and love of the Creator for his handiwork. McGuire points to God who ‘had an idea. He wanted there to be other things besides just himself.’ And so God made the cosmos and all that dwells within it.McGuire masterfully narrates and illustrates the truth that ‘nothing God made can live on its own–everything works together.’ For example, McGuire writes, ‘Birds need plants. Some parts they need to build their nests. And birds eat plant seeds. When birds eat them, they poop out some of the seeds, scattering them far and wide as they fly to distant lands. This helps plants spread to new places all around the world–part of God’s plan.‘McGuire’s depiction of the creation of Adam and Eve is unique and authentic. In author notes, McGuire explains, ‘Of course no one knows what Adam and Eve looked like, but I have given them skin color and features that defy easy categorization. Somehow Adam and Eve contained all the DNA of the human race, and they and their children were truly fruitful, spreading humanity to every corner of the globe.‘Highly recommended to parents, caregivers, and teachers as a fresh, educational, and worshipful picture book to be savored again and again with young children. * The Banner *The story of creation is ubiquitous enough that one might wonder if we need yet another children’s book on the topic. But wonder was, in fact, the word that came to mind as I read The Things God Made. Complemented beautifully by breathtaking artwork, the book has captured the staggering awe that the story of our fascinatingly intricate creation deserves. If we have lost our sense of wonder, McGuire aims to rekindle it. Brilliantly infusing expertise with humility, scientific fact with childlike joy, The Things God Made is a delight. I suspect it will lead readers–children and adults alike–one step beyond wonder and straight into worship. * Hannah C. Hall, 2024 Christianity Today Book Awards *

Andy McGuire is the author and/or illustrator of twelve books ranging from picture books to middle grade fiction. He is the illustrator of the bestselling The Ology and his nature illustrations have been included in The World Book Student Encyclopedia. Andy is known for his realistic, but often humorous, depictions of wildlife, people, and other amazing things God made. Andy and his wife Becky have three children and an escape-artist beagle who all live in Burnsville, MN.