With the Feast of Pentecost on the 18th May in mind, my Book for May compliments the theme of God's power. I am pleased to present 'Does God See the Wind?' by Anne de Graaf.
Aimed at the under fives, this is one of a series of six books in which common issues are considered sensitively and charmingly. In 'Does God See the Wind?' the question of whether or not God is real is addressed.
The story begins with Julia and Lisa playing house. Daniel (Julia's brother) looks on. There is an argument and Dad, who is working on his car, finds out the cause. Julia is mother, Lisa is father and the latter will not say grace before eating. A similar scene occurs inside at the proper lunch table. Mum says Grace. Daniel announces to everyone the fact that Lisa kept her eyes open. (I liked the next bit!) "How could you tell?" "My eyes were open."
However, later, the children have doubts and question why they need to pray. Lisa has told them that God is not real. Mum 'asks God for the right words' and asks Julia and Daniel if they have heard the trees talking to them. It is, of course, the wind but the wind cannot be seen.
When the children are asked what the wind does, they gather up armfuls of leaves and throw them high in the air. There is a delightful comparison between God and the wind. That we cannot see Him but we can see all He does for us - leading to the fact that we pray to thank God for all he does and gives us. (Daniel wants to see the wind so squints hard).
The children feel the wind by running round in circles and Mum helps the children to explore where God lives and how he can be felt. It gives Julia more confidence when she encounters Lisa once more, telling Lisa that if she thinks the wind is real (which she does) then she can certainly believe in God
This book, in hardbacked form, is incredibly well written. It is quite uncanny the way the Author has captured the raw innocence and appeal of little children. Complemented by delightful, whimsical illustrations, this book is meaningful and direct without being patronising.
Getting back to a deeply serious Daniel...'Daniel looked high and made his eyes small. Then he crawled under the car. "Daddy," he asked, "does God see the wind?"'
Does God See the Wind? (Kingsway.). £1.99.
written by Lynn Winter
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