If God Were a Great Big Bear is a picture book by Paul Harbridge, beautifully illustrated by Marta Dorado. The text asks what God would do if he (or she or they) were a number of different entities such as a bear, a lilac bush, a whale or a star. Illustrations show a child observing this theoretical God in an environment clearly made for his entity. We are shown a beautiful world made by a caring and thoughtful creator. If God Were a Great Big Bear goes beyond praising God's creation and shows how God and ourselves are connected to the world and in the world. This is a lovely book with a gentle text, perfect for stories at bedtime or any time. I expect it will be become a favorite that many children will ask for again and again.

A beautiful book about the wonders of God. Stating this up front, the book uses different gender pronouns to refer to God, I found this to be a good lead into a discussion for how we are all the Image of God and what that can mean, but some people will have issue with this. My daughter (5) really enjoyed this book, discussing what God is in, where God is, and how He created everything. The illustrations are beautiful, the poetry very descriptive and easy to read for my daughter. She took the book from me to read herself halfway through. She was looking for the little boy on every page and was a bit sad when he wasn't there, she thought it was a 'find me' type of book. A good book for helping to explain how God is the creator of everything and in every one and thing around us. We read this book through NetGalley.

The illustrations drew me in first, then the beautiful, lyrical inclusive language solidified my interest. This was a beautiful viewpoint of the many ways we may see God (She/He/They), and how He has His hand in all that makes up the earth and the universe, and just as humans are, our world is perfectly and wonderfully made.

This would be a beautiful book to read with children, and to reflect on our inner child who prays to God and sees Him as a Father. This may not be for some religious views that only see God as a He, but that is my only caution. This book would be a wonderful addition in libraries and progressive houses of worship.

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I’ve had the privilege to read. The colors are vivid, bold, happy and pull your eyes into the detail. My favorite page is the boy dressed all in green, running with outstretched arms toward the flying geese. He demonstrates unbridled joy in God’s creation.

The rhyming of the text is magnificently written with a delightful flow.

Use this book to emphasize how blessed we are by God who created this awe inspiring world for those he loves.

While I understand what the author was conveying by using pronouns of he, she and they, I think children may find it confusing and distracting from the lovely point of the story.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the end which highlights the vastness of our home Earth, noting the beauty all around us, made by our creator.

If God Were a Great Big Bear by Paul Harbridge invites children to meditate on how God is all around us, in us, and how all his creation is connected to each other. With lyrical prose, the author's words combined with the stunning and colorful illustrations by Marta Dorado draw readers in.

It should be noted that the author chose to make God gender fluid, using the pronouns He, She, and They interchangeably throughout the story. While this fits in with his goal of the reader being able to identify God in all things and how they are connected, considering the recommended reading age for this book (3-8), it would likely be confusing to them.

That said, it's a wonderful story filled with beautiful natural elements and imagery the reader will appreciate as they journey through God's world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

While the book's illustrations are noteworthy, the text itself presented a challenge to read. The language may cause readers difficulties. The author's explanation at the end of the book underscores this issue, as a children's book should convey its message clearly without needing further clarification. Furthermore, I disagree with the book's wording, which appears to add to and take away from God's word, contrary to biblical teachings.
Is God a man, woman, or both, or something entirely different? Why does He, as a spirit, want us to call him Father and not Mother? Since God is composed of spirit (John 4:24), he is not male or female, masculine or feminine as human beings can be. Yet, in scripture, the Eternal constantly refers to Himself as a "He," not as an "it" or as a "she." The concept that God in heaven utilizes a feminine persona in which to interact with humans is a Biblical false doctrine that owes some of its origins to pagan goddess worship. If God wants to call Himself consistently a "He," we are in no position to criticize or change this way to relate to Him. He is, in Jesus' model prayer, "Our Father in heaven," not "Our Mother" (see Matthew 6:9). To translate the Bible in a gender-neutral way not supported by the original texts is not right. We humans are in no position to exalt our minds over the awesome mind of God (Isaiah 55:8 - 9) on this issue, such as Job discovered when he judged. Therefore, we cannot contradict the Bible.

I love the message of this book, God is in everyone and everything. The illustrations are amazing and so detailed without being too detailed/too much to look at all at once. When you are reading each thing that God might be, there are different pronouns used that apply to the thing God is in. While reading it, it could be misunderstood that the pronoun is referring to God instead of the animal or the plant ie: they are referring to God as they, he, she, it, etc. When in reality after finishing the book I am not under the impression that that is the case. This could be a positive or a negative depending on your religious beliefs.

Mother of two here! We loved the way the author, Paul Harbridge, cleverly called out different elements of nature and animals reminding us that God is all around us and He created this beautiful planet for us to enjoy! A rhyming children’s book is always a major plus for our family, too. The illustrations by Marta Dorado were absolutely beautiful. My children and I loved spotting different elements of nature throughout the book. This book was so original and well-thought out, I would highly recommend it to any family with elementary-age kids.

Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for this eARC!

Wow this is an absolutely a lovely children’s book!
My daughter’s two years old she’s so enjoyed the illustrations of this book and even the rhymes
What a wonderful perspective to think about how there’s so much that has not discovered so mych We actually don’t know about God. I am Christian and teach my daughter the values of how beautiful our world in the nature we have is to us because God has blessed us with this.! in the end, the author notes that God is in all of us, even the bear, and truly, though I’ve never actually read a book until now that portrayed or said that directly I’ve always felt that since I was a child. I always felt that the Lord was present in the trees and in the wind and in the ocean and in animals. I highly recommend this book for your children, but also to give you the parent a breath of fresh air.!!
Now these illustrations ! Are absolutely phenomenal and complement the storytelling so well as I read, I got emotional because everything that you could possibly picture in your head is even better through the illustrations that were given!

Message was great, but the illustrations for this book completely elevated the words. The authors note at the end highlights the vast unknown of the planet noting the beauties all around us, made by our creator.

God is everywhere, in all of creation. Regardless of your personal religious beliefs, this book highlights that one beautiful and connecting fact.

Immersive and beautifully written by Canadian author Paul Harbridge, this book helps to illustrate the interconnectedness that all life shares through the creator. Not only does the writing create a cozy space for the reader to connect with the message, but the illustrations have amplified the meaning by allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the smallest details of it.

The combination of the writing and imagery allows even young readers to follow and receive what 'If God Were a Great Big Bear' is trying to convey. The book in itself is a beautiful book that provokes all minds into joyful and fulfilling conversation about God and creation, or simply allows the space to revel in joy knowing they are part of all this beautiful creation as well.

The clever use of pronouns also broadens the reach of this book by allowing many different religions and beliefs to connect with their version of the Creator through the warm and inviting verses and illustrations.


Thank you to Paul Harbridge and the Publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“If God Were a Great Big Bear” by Paul Harbridge and Marta Dorado is a beautiful lyrical picture book celebrating the magnificence of God’s creation. The stunning illustrations and vibrant colors bring the story to life, making it a captivating read for young audiences. As a Sunday School teacher, I can see this being a wonderful read-aloud before a lesson on Genesis, with students matching each page to the days of creation. A thoughtful and visually striking book that perfectly blends faith and wonder.
Thanks to NetGallery and Beaming Books for an advanced copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review.

Perfect depiction of God’s amazing design! The pictures are beautiful and full of color. I can’t wait to purchase a hard copy so I can read and share with my 2 year old! This book is the definition of pure joy!

This story is absolutely beautiful! It touches my heart in ways words can't fully express. It's everything I try to teach my children about God and the incredible wonders of the world around them. The message in this book is so profound—reminding us that if God has created all of these beautiful things, it's not just for us humans, but for everything in the world to enjoy.

What I love most is how the book uses pronouns so thoughtfully. God can be anything for anyone, as seen through the eyes of the reader, and that makes it all the more powerful. The way it's written is so graceful and comforting.

The illustrations are breathtaking. The full-page pictures truly bring the author's vision to life, helping to capture the essence of the story in such a vivid and magical way.

This book is a five-star read in my mind, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone I know. It's a timeless treasure that will resonate with children and adults alike.

Thank you Paul Harbridge, Marta Dorado, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.