TELL ME ABOUT GOD

I found this book in a great used bookstore on Spadina: Tell Me About God, written by Mary Alice Jones and illustrated by Pelagie Doane, circa 1959. (Originally published in 1943.)


From the inside flap: "Inside this unique and beautiful book are answered the most profoundly important questions children can ask. "Who is God?" "Why Can't I see God?" "How does God care for me?" "Does God Love everybody?" With these first wondering questions the little child is approaching the great fundamental truths of religion. His whole spiritual development may depend upon how wisely he is answered. Mary Alice Jones... has prepared this book especially to help parents with their important task of bringing their children to know God. Entirely non-denominational, TELL ME ABOUT GOD reflects the best thinking of present-day leaders in the field of religious education." Once I get set up with a scanner I'll post some more of the illustrations, but for now here's my favorite. It goes with the chapter titled "God Sent His Son." I'll reprint the whole chapter here, and dedicate it to Shira Leuchter, who will hopefully learn something...

GOD SENT HIS SON

BOBBY showed his mother a picture of Jesus. His teacher at church had given it to him. "Tell me about Jesus," he asked. "God loves us so much, Bobby, that he sent his son, Jesus, to tell us about it." "How did Jesus tell us?" "He did more than just tell us. He showed us. He helped those who were sick. He played with the little children and told them stories.He was kind to those who were sad. He said, 'See, I love you. That is why I want to help you. God loves you, too. And God wants to help you, too.'" "Did the people listen to him?" "Many of them did. And they understood God's love. Jesus showed them what it meant. They said, 'God is like Jesus. He loves us.' " "Were the people glad?" "Those who listened to Jesus were very glad, Bobby. They felt happy. They said, 'We feel all made over. We are not sad or afraid any more. We know God loves us, whatever happens to us.' " "What else did Jesus tell the people?" "He told them God's plan for them. He told them how God wanted them to live together. He said 'Love one another. Help one another. Share with one another.' " "What did the people do?" "Some of them said, 'Jesus is telling us God's plan for us. It is a good plan. It will make people happy. We will live the way he says.' " "What did the other people do?" "The other people did not listen to Jesus. They did not want to know God's plan for them. They wanted to have their own way. And they made many people unhappy." "If I had been there I would have listened," Bobby said. "Would you, Bobby? I am glad. What Jesus said is still God's plan for us. We can listen to him now."