A Book for Children on Counting and their Creator (Review)

Sun, Irene. God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2018. 32 pages.

As children grow, they learn the basics of an education. This often begins with parents teaching children their ABC’s and 1-2-3’s. For Christian parents, there should be an even greater priority: to teach their children who God is and what He has done. But what about a resource that points children to God as their Creator while also teaching them how to count? It is that such resource we find in the creative new book by Irene Sun, God Counts: Numbers in His and His World.

Numbers in Scripture

Along with eye-appealing illustrations by Alex Foster, Irene Sun teaches kids to count from numbers 1 to 12. She does this by taking each number and citing an example where the number is used in Scripture. After counting to 12, Irene takes a page to talk about infinity, teaching children God is infinite and has no end. She closes the book by getting personal and addressing the reader about the God who counts and cares for them.

Counting and the Creator

When it comes to teaching children who God is and how to number, God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun is the book parents can count on. Other than the need to clarify or define a couple of words in numbers 10 and 11, the book’s straightforward approach equips parents to teach their children to learn how to count and to find out more about their Creator in the process. Because of the nature of the book (namely, that it is on counting), parents should realize that an explanation of the gospel is not necessarily laid out. Where the book does touch upon the realities of the gospel, parents should use what the book does share as an opportunity to begin or continue a conversation with their kids about their own sin and need for a Savior. The book is ideal for elementary-age kids, 5–11 years old. If you are a parent or know a child who is learning how to count, then be sure you get them God Counts by Irene Sun, so they can learn about the works of their Creator as well.

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.