Cute illustrations. Sappy story that will be reassuring for a lot of kids and appreciated by grownups trying to instill a sense of secrutiy.

Thank you for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.

What a cute and sweet story! In such a simple but profound way, the authors have reminded the reader of many characteristics of God. And the illustrations! They are absolutely beautiful! I found this story engaging and enjoyable!

There is a popular philosophy among the literary community that any book that begins and concludes with a book map prominently displayed will become a treasured read. The Maker of the Mountain has not proven to be an exception. when the adorable sweet little bear is sent out to travel and search by his mama, the intended goal is clearly expressed-- the little bear needs to search until he finds God's true character. Biblically sound references drawing from key passages in the Bible detail how God is all encompassing. All that this adorable small bear finds on the mountain, including the mountain itself, has been created by God and is under God's trustworthy protection.

This treasure of a children's book seems to be a valued read in the opinions of young children learning to read. the illustrations are endearing and optimistic-- the woodland animals are friendly, encouraging, and compassionate to all they meet. The natural elements across the mountain that sweep across each and every page of this delightful book create a cascading visual effect that will have readers feel transposed into the story itself-- transversing across the landscape with their guide the smallest and most gentle bear cub as together they search for God's identity and true character.

God is love. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)

God is everlasting. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)

This story was well written. I would not adopt this story in my curriculum except if I was in a lutheran or catholic school. My own children would like this story especially with the animals.

Very sweet. I think my favorite part is the map with the corresponding scripture. The story is okay but the message is great.

With four kids, and a previous preschool teaching career, I could not even try to explain how adorable this book is! My kids and I have so cherished this at bedtime. I wish I had this book back when I was teaching.

Such a beautifully illustrated book with an equally beautiful message. I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to read this one early, the artistry on each page adds a whimsical and peaceful feel emphasizing God in the sweetly and simply written passages that will draw little ones into this journey with little bear. It’s the perfect bedtime book easily understood, not too heavy for young readers and one parents and grandparents will find joy in reading repeatedly. It’s one that added a bit of light to my day and one I plan to grab as gifts myself.

I’m a sucker for any children’s book that opens with a map on the endsheets—and this one delivers, complete with references to where the analogies used throughout the story connect back to the Bible. That thoughtful detail immediately told me this wasn’t just going to be a sweet story, but one with real depth and intentionality.

The Maker of the Mountains uses nature-based metaphors to help children understand the character of God—no small task, considering how abstract and big those concepts can be. But McCracken handles it beautifully. Through poetic language and accessible comparisons, she invites young readers (and the grown-ups reading to them) to see glimpses of who God is in the world around them.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning—whimsical, vibrant, and full of quiet wonder. Each page feels like a place you’d want to pause and soak in, perfectly complementing the gentle, contemplative tone of the writing.

This is the kind of book that invites lingering conversations and returns for re-reading. Thoughtful, imaginative, and deeply rooted in scripture, The Maker of the Mountains is a beautiful addition to any home or church library.

The Maker of the Mountain will be published April 15, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley, B&H Publishing, B&H Kids, Sandra McCracken, and Tim Nicholson for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cute story to teach about God in a simple sweet way. Beautiful illustration that helps get the message across.

I have been a fan of McCracken’s song writing for years so it’s no surprise I love this book! I can’t wait for the physical copy to come out to buy for friends!

The Maker of the Mountain
A Story About What God Is Like
by Sandra McCracken; Tim Nicholson

I Ioved this book!💖🫶 @bookswithgranny
The Maker of the Mountain is a beautifully crafted and illustrated book that inspires children to discover God's attributes, characteristics, promises, and the wonder of creation.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, B&H Publishing | B&H Kids and NetGalley. #TheMakeroftheMountain #NetGalley #childrenfiction #babyshowergift #easterbasket #mothersdaygift #birthdaygift

I wish I could gift this to every kid I know! I appreciate Sandra McCracken's lyrics and now, her children's book. Steeped in biblical truth, this read is practical and so warm-hearted. It is a wonderful, visual representation of Psalm 121.

From a 6YO reader: "I learned alot of things about God: He is a rock...He's also a bridge...He's a vine, too! I loved everything about the pictures. My favorite one was the one that shows the sunset. I would definitely read this again! Yes, definitely."

Thank you B&H Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC and the opportunity to leave an honest review. This momma will be purchasing a physical copy of this treasure!

The Maker of the Mountain is a beautifully written and illustrated book about a little bear seeking the maker of the mountain. This sweet book helps children learn about God through his attributes, characteristics, promises, and the beauty of his creation. A great read to help children learn and remember that God is the way, the truth, and the light!

"The Maker of the Mountain" is a Christian children's book. Little Brown Bear is sent out by his mother to discover what the maker of the mountain is like. As he travels to the mountain, over it, and then back home, he asks various animals if they've seen the maker of the mountain. They say yes and that he's like a bridge, gate, vine, rock, boat, or light. He learns that "God is like a bridge...steady and sure...leading me safely on the right path." "God is like the gate, who keeps me safely in and sends me out at just the right times." "God is like a vine, helping me grow strong." "God is like a rock, high and strong." "No matter how high the flood or how wide the sea, God will carry me safely to the other side." and "God is light...he is always there to light your way."

I liked the illustrations, which were watercolor style and showed the bear's journey and what the animals were talking about. There's a map at the beginning and end showing the bear's journey and giving Scripture references for that description of God. Frankly, I found the comment that the vine "tends and tames the branches" a little confusing as a plant doesn't "tend" to itself, but the rest of the examples should be understandable to children. I liked the firefly/light section the most of the 6 sections. Overall, I'd recommend this children's book.

This book was precious. I wish my kids were still little enough to read this to them all the time, but even though they're not this will make a precious baby shower and birthday gift for the little people in my life.

Exploring the question of "what is God like?" the little bear explores a mountain and discovers God is like a bridge, a gate, a vine, a rock, a boat, and a light. The book provides a sentence of explanation on each (example: for the boat, it says "No matter how high the flood or how wide the sea, God will carry me safely to the other shore." The writing itself does not stand out to me (the boat was the best, in my opinion), but the illustrations are absolutely lovely.

I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I absolutely loved it! My child thought it was so sweet and the illustrations were wonderful!