Christian children’s books are abundant. However, there aren’t many that break down some of the most important characteristics of God into language that children even as young as 2 years old can understand.
“You Can See Him: Little Eyes Looking at a Big God,” a 56-page book by Birmingham-based author Anna Nash and Birmingham-based illustrator Jane Lazenby, shares ways little ones can find those qualities of God in everyday life.
“My No. 1 goal was to help children connect with God at as early an age as possible because Jane and I believe that possibly children need Him more now than ever,” Nash said.
Learning truth
Nash based the book on the same 10 characteristics of God that she explores in her adult Bible study curriculum “wayMaker.” She focuses on God’s pursuit, passion, place, promises, presence, purposes, provision, protection, peace and perfection.
One unique aspect of “You Can See Him” is the bumblebee found on every page. Nash had two reasons for including this illustration.
The first, very practical purpose of the bee is to involve children by searching for it as they are being read to. On some pages, the bees are small and hard to find. On others, they are larger and more obvious. This was done so that various ages can participate.
But the main goal of the bumblebee is to explain the most critical point of Christianity — why Jesus died on a cross — in terms for little ones.
On a page titled “Can You Find the Bee?” Nash explains.
“Imagine a grumpy bee flying at you, ready to sting your hand! Ouch! But then someone who loves you grabs your hand, and the bee stings them instead of you. They take the sting for you. … So whenever you find the bee on a page, remember: The best way to know God’s heart is to look at Jesus,” she writes.
Inspired imagery
The bumblebee idea didn’t come from Nash’s imagination. It was something God literally put in her path.
When she and Lazenby first met to discuss this venture, they sat on the patio at Barnes & Noble.
“At the time we were talking, there were some bumblebees on a holly bush beside us, and we were both swatting away at them. I asked Jane if we should move inside.
“At some point, Jane said to me, ‘I wonder if the bumblebee has something to do with this book,’” Nash recalled.
She dismissed the thought, but God wouldn’t let her let it go.
When Nash got home, she saw that her beekeeper neighbor, Rachel, had left her a present. It wasn’t a birthday or anniversary; it was simply a random day.
The note read, “I felt like you need this today.” Then Nash opened the gift. It was a mug with a huge bee on it.
“Okay, Lord. Yes. I’m listening,” Nash uttered as she started praying about how a bumblebee could tie into this book.
Developing illustrations
While Nash’s rhyming text keeps older children engaged by what they hear, Lazenby’s visuals are what keep young children connected to the story.
Though Lazenby had been an artist for years, she had never done anything like this.
“If someone had asked me if I could illustrate a book, I would have immediately said, ‘Not really. That’s out of my comfort zone.’ However, Anna had faith that I could do it.
“The more I heard about her content and what she wanted the book for, it really resonated with me,” Lazenby said.
Saying yes was easy, but developing the illustrations was more difficult. Lazenby tried different styles before deciding how to proceed.
Saying they “made a good team,” Lazenby noted that it still took four years of working together before it was ready to be published.
There is another distinctive aspect of “You Can See Him.”
“We took the illustrations from the book and made flashcards based on most of the characteristics examined,” Nash said.
Pictures are on the front of each card, with a Scripture and short paragraph on the back. These can be used for play, display or even devotionals.
“Or you can pray using them to help your children see God,” Nash said.
God’s hand
Through it all, both women have felt God’s hand on this endeavor, even once through a very special fleeting moment caught on camera.
During the first book launch, Novel Photos photographer Travis Frontz was taking photos of the event. At the time, he didn’t know about the significance of the bee. But when a bee landed on a pink flower, he decided to grab a shot of it.
The women named this as one of their favorite affirmations of God’s leading in the venture.
However, both women were reassured throughout the entire undertaking that God would provide.
“Walking by faith according to what He’s called us to do isn’t always 100% sure. That’s why it’s called walking by faith,” Nash said.
“Ultimately, God’s in control, and He had this written out before we even got into the project together. It was a huge blessing and relief to know that we weren’t on our own, that He was guiding us,” Lazenby said.
“The little things that Anna talked about — the bumblebees — just confirmed that we were on the right path (and) if you start the day off knowing that He has it all planned, you can be that empty vessel, used where it’s His will.”
Visit AnnaNash.net to order a book and find book-signing events in the Birmingham area. Learn more about Lazenby’s art at janelazenbyart.com.
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