We Are All Masterpieces

You An exclusive design, one God refined, you’re a perfectly crafted one of a kind. ‘Cause when God made you, somehow God knew that the world needed someone exactly like you.

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner and David Catrow, is a compelling book that will nurture the hearts and minds of children. This book embodys such a profound message. Children should consistently be reminded that they hold unique talents, gifts, and capabilities that this world needs. Each one is a masterpiece, that brings art and creation into existence.

Turner and Catrow’s collaboration are a perfect pairing of text and illustration. The Dr. Seuss like rhyming scheme of metaphoric words, along with the vividly symbolic illustrations, enhance the story’s message for readers of all ages. The explosive watercolor bursts further connect the process of how children not only grow, but begin to explore and tap into their gifts.

I greatly enjoyed how Catrow illustrated the young protagonist, capturing through her the essence of childhood. She lives moment to moment and embodies the phrase “a free spirit.”

Our young protagonist gives readers the example of knowing how she understands faith. She sees someone at the park who appears sad. He is an artist who is creating a mural on the concrete of a flower who has gone limp in his hands. His inspiration has perished. The girl takes the time to stop and pray with her new artistic friend. This symbolic illustrative scene further connects the author’s message.

That you—-God’s YOU—-will be helpful and kind, a giver who lives with all heart, soul and mind. A you who views others as sisters and brothers and lives by three words: love one another.

The young girl begins to paint on the concrete floor with the artist’s paintbrush. Through the creativity and light that radiate from within her, each stroke of art emerges into this world. It takes flight into the form of a bird. A grand metaphor for when children spread their wings and fly.

Use your talents and passions, those gifts that God fashioned. Think up ideas and then put them to action. A dreamer who dreams in big and small themes, one who keeps dreaming in journeys upstream.

Even as an adult, this book touched me in profound ways. It serves as an inspirational tool and reminder that we are ALL masterpieces. We all need to remember the gifts and light that trancend from within all of us; creating our very own art and transforming dreams.

So be you—-fully you—-a show stopping revue. Live your life in full color, every tint, every hue. Discover. Explore! Have faith but love more. And learn and relearn all that God made you for.