Book Review: God Made Me Unique from Joni and Friends

About the Book:

God Made Me Unique, a beautifully illustrated picture book, helps parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God and each individual has tremendous value, regardless of his or her appearance or abilities.

The story is set in a Sunday school classroom where a new girl, Brie, is introduced by her mom. Brie’s Sunday school teacher takes the time to welcome Brie and to explain to the other children why she is wearing headphones. Through getting to know Brie, the children are guided into a biblical understanding of the uniqueness of each of God’s children. Along the way they learn to ask questions and gain an understanding about their new friend.

Told in a charming rhyming style, this colorful, hardcover book will help eliminate fear and misconceptions about those who have special needs and emphasizes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

The back of the book contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that will guide them in how to have biblical, loving conversations with children and gives them additional information and resources to equip them in talking about this important subject.

Like God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb and God Made Me AND You by Shai Linne, God Made Me Unique gives parents the tools to have important, impactful conversations with their children that will grow their understanding of God, themselves, and others.

My Thoughts:

God Made Me Unique from Joni and Friends offers parents a wonderful resource for explaining to young children (ages 3-6) about disabilities/special needs. In the foreword, Joni Eareckson Tada explains the purpose of the book is to help “children to understand that every person is made in the image of God and has tremendous value, regardless of their appearance or abilities.” This purpose comes through clearly as Ms. Campbell shares with her class (some of which have their own special needs) that a new student with special needs will be joining them. Ms. Campbell goes on to discuss how we are all unique, of great value to God, and part of His plan. The children are welcoming and inclusive, setting an admirable model.

I recommend God Made Me Unique by Joni and Friends to any caregiver who desires to address how to interact with others who have special needs. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney are simple, but bright and engaging. It complements our homeschooling program well and helps foster healthy attitudes and interactions with children who have special needs.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.