Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson

Are you looking for God-honoring, creative books for your young readers? I’m so excited to share about my picture book, Guess How Much God Loves You, the first of a six book series that teaches children ages 4-8 all about the never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love of God. 

What was the inspiration for Guess How Much God Loves You?

The Bible. This first book in the six book series is about the Creation Account as recorded in Genesis. I know there is some controversy surrounding The Beginning, and just how that happened, even within the Church. But I’m a firm believer in the authority and authenticity of the Bible, so I relied on what God said happened at the very beginning.

But there is more to this book. There is a story thread that runs throughout each book, with two main characters: Lucy Lu and Papa Joe. I didn’t want to only present facts from the Bible, I wanted those facts to be part of a personal story kids could relate to. A series young readers can grow with, both spiritually and in their reading skills.

I was also motivated by frustration. I was seeing too many children’s books promoting anti-biblical principles. Young children are so impressionable and unfortunately they are bombarded with ungodly messages every day, in ways that would have been unbelievable ten years ago.

I wanted to be part of the solution and create something dynamic, fun, and creative – grounded in the Truths of the Bible – for parents and grandparents to share with the special children in their lives.

Each book will teach a key Bible account that is foundational to growing a solid faith in God, and an understanding of God’s character and His great love for all people. This first one starts at the very beginning, with the Creation of God 🌎

While the inspiration for Lucy’s character came from several people, Papa Joe is modeled after my own dad who went home to be with the Lord in 2019.

Describe the ideal young reader for your story. 

Guess How Much God Loves You is a picture book that will appeal to kids ages 4-8. Although it’s intended to capture the attention of Christian parents looking for biblical (and fun!) resources to help disciple their children, my hope is that it will get into the hands of many, many children who do not come from Christian homes. I want every child to know that they have been created by God on purpose and for a purpose, which means their life matters. 

Lots of research and understanding of young children’s character and development goes into writing a picture book. Was there something you just knew had to be included in the story?

As a mom and grandmom, with a background in K-8 education, I’ve had enough experience with children to know three things that would be important for this book. I knew it had to be simple enough for kids to relate to, creative enough to capture their attention, and I knew it had to address two of the greatest needs common to us all, and especially important to a child’s development: the need to be loved and to belong. 

What spiritual truths do you want your young readers to understand after reading your picture book?

I want young readers to understand three simple but powerful truths: God is the Creator of the world, God created them in His image, and God loves them. These are essential truths that will help carry children through the ups and downs of life as they grow into young adults. And I believe it’s what will help strengthen their resolve to resist the worldly messages that so often present truth as relative and life meaningless. 

I’ve also included a page at the end that introduces young readers to Jesus, which will be covered in more depth in another book in the series.

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Guess How Much God Loves You is now available on Amazon (or wherever books are sold), and I hope you’ll pick up one (or two 🙂 to share with the special young readers in your life. I want every child to know their life matters!

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Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom, she loves words and Scripture and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, while teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them. 

The first book in the Guess How Much God Loves You picture book series is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Landmark Booksellers, and wherever books are sold.  

You can connect with Karen on her website or on social media at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon.