Author Kathleen Bostrom has a new release from Tommy Nelson entitled See What God Made. Beautifully illustrated by artist Janet Samuel, it is an engaging and colorful lift-the-flap board book. The charming text leads the readers through each day of the biblical narrative in Genesis.  The lift-the-flap format with 40 lift-the-flap opportunities makes the book interactive and entertaining. 

Reading with a toddler is more than just reading the text on the page. Think of it as an interactive running dialogue of questions and answers that you as the reader are asking and answering yourself while the child listens and, at times, answers. As the child grows older, they will begin to respond more and more. It is a very exciting when a little one begins to verbalize with language. At first, they will repeat you, but be prepared, it may not sound too much like the actual word. This is very normal.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reading to children ages 1.5 – 3 years old:

• It is normal for them to have a short attention span. 
• Interaction is key—singing, pointing at pictures, having them answer questions or act out the lines from the book can help hold their attention.
• If they wander off, don’t fret. Just wait for them to come back and try again.
• Use reading as a time for cuddles, love, and bonding.

Here are some suggestions for how to read SEE WHAT GOD MADE with your toddler.

1. As you read the book with your toddler ask questions like “What’s under here?” as you point to a flap.
2. Throughout the book ask, “What did God make on this page?” 
3. Then rephrase your questions to ask, “Who made the _______?” as you point to different pictures.
4. Remember that at this age, a wonderful way to build vocabulary is to point and name each “picture” in the book. Example: “Look at the zebra, Can you say zebra?” “What color is the zebra?” Then answer your own question, “Black and white.”
5. On a different page, try… “Can you find something yellow?” “That’s right, the flower is yellow.”  If pointing to an animal, have the child start to make the animals sounds. If pointing to a plant or other object, ask, “What color is this?” Questions like this help hold the child’s interest while building literacy. 

Do:

Check out this curated Creation Pinterest Board to find an activity that is suitable for the age of your child.

Purchase the Book:

Here is a link where you can purchase the book. It would make a great book for your child’s Easter basket this year! I highly recommend.

About Kathleen Bostrom:

Kathleen Long Bostrom is an accomplished author who has published over 50 books, most of them picture books for young readers. Her books have been published in over 24 languages around the world. She is a retired Presbyterian pastor who now considers her readers to be her congregation.

Kathy lives in Pasadena, California, with her husband and little mixed-breed puppy, Sophie Grace. Her three grown children and their families live nearby. Kathy loves to read, write, walk (especially on the beach) and watch tennis.

Blurb from Kathleen’s Website:

“I am so excited about my new book: SEE WHAT GOD MADE!, based on the story of creation found in Genesis 1-2, which highlights the events of the seven days in which God made heaven and earth and rested from all the wonderful work. Kids will love pointed out each creation they discover, from towering trees to soaring seagulls to whistling whales, and parents will love sharing this simple introduction to just how much God loves us. After all, God made a beautiful world, and you’re a part of it!”

Mindy Baker resides in Indiana where she is a high school Spanish teacher. She is the author of Mouse’s Christmas Gift, Zonderkidz 2018, and has contributions in multiple Guideposts publications. Her middle grade novel Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix was published in November 2025 with Chicken Scratch Books. You can connect online with Mindy here. She also has a mini-magazine for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of children. You can sign up to receive it here.