In this educational children’s book, young children learn important lessons about God’s love and care for humanity. Bautista follows the format she established in her previous children’s book, God Is Proud of Who You Are, which can be sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” She again writes in simple couplets that can be sung to the nursery rhyme “Hush Little Baby.” “Hush little baby don’t say a word / God gave your soul eternal worth,” is the first of these couplets and sets the tone for the lessons to follow. Themes such as God’s creation of heaven and earth, God’s creation of mankind in His image, and God’s plan for mankind are touched upon.
Bautista says she created this series from the bedtime routine she established with her three young children. Finding it helped both them and her through this busy time, she wanted to create a way for others to share this tradition. The book’s simple language helps parents instill faith-based values into even very young children. Children will learn through the melodic reading of the text and retain knowledge through repeated singing of the lines.
“Hush little baby don’t say a word / You had his blessing long before your birth. And when you raise His name in prayer / He’ll welcome you to His arms with care.” This lyric rhyme illustrates Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” It is an example of the author’s commitment to producing a children’s book firmly based in Scripture that is easily accessible even to the very young.
The book’s illustrations are lovely additions to the text. At times, the illustrations evoke as much emotion as the theme’s sentiment. There are stunning renditions of mother and child, Jesus and children, and the hand of God holding an infant. Colors are muted, evoking calm and stillness, and illustrations depict the love of mother for child, as well as the love of God for his creation. Children will instantly recognize the parallel between the story and the art, and parents will find themselves remembering their own childhood lessons about God’s love. “Hush little baby don’t say a word / There will be hard things that you endure. So let us embrace these moments here / And know you can trust Him with your tears.” Parents and children alike will appreciate Bautista’s breathtaking artwork and its accompanying text.
Bautista has created the perfect tool for parents who wish to teach their young children about God and faith. The tune “Hush Little Baby ” is a familiar melody that will help them remember these early Christian truths. Parents will appreciate this bedtime story/routine as their children learn about God’s love and they recapture a bit of their own childhood. Children will enjoy singing along with parents to the common tune while learning about God. Though its language is simple, its significance is not. It is a valuable resource for young Christian families wishing to get a head start teaching their children about God. This is one parents will turn to again and again, probably at the request of their children.
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