Description

Sometimes, hard things happen. Sometimes, they happen to children. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, over 34 million children have experienced one or more types of adverse childhood experiences or potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood.

When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful helps kids trust that God can take even the hardest things and make them beautiful. This picture book imagines that the hard things in a child’s life is a scribble following him everywhere. The child can’t get rid of the scribble, no matter how hard he tries. Over time, he realizes that God is with him even though the scribble is there too. Eventually, God turns the boy’s scribble into something beautiful: like a cloud in the sky or a steppingstone that leads him somewhere amazing.  

Ultimately, When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful gives young readers spiritual encouragement to plant seeds of hope in the face of difficult childhood experiences.  

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

About the Author

Kate Rietema is the biological and adoptive mother of five girls and has been a mom to many others through foster care. Throughout her life, Kate has experienced God’s deep kindness, and she loves to share her stories with others. Kate works as a nurse, volunteers at her county jail, and lives at the campground she and her husband operate in West Michigan. 

Praise For…

“This beautifully illustrated story helps young children process and navigate their emotions when they face difficult times in their lives. Honest, sensitive, and comforting, the text not only points children to God but also gives them hope for a brighter tomorrow. A great resource for children as well as anyone who loves and cares for them.” 
—Crystal Bowman, award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children including, Good Morning, God Loves You

“This is a powerful book of comfort and wisdom for little people who are experiencing hard times. The truth of God’s Word and the power of prayer come to life with Jennie’s masterful illustrations! I highly recommend this book!”
—Fern Nichols, Founder of Moms in Prayer International

“They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in this case, you absolutely should. In an economy of well-chosen words, author Kate Rietema reassures the reader of God's constant presence and care even when the 'scribbles' in life are hard to erase. Jennie Poh's evocative, gentle illustrations perfectly complement this thoughtful text. When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful is, indeed, beautiful.”
—Glenys Nellist, author of the Love Letters from God series

"Helping kids see that hard things in our lives don't mean God is absent is one of our greatest gifts to them, and this book does just that!"
–Jamie Ivey, author, speaker, and host of The Happy Hour podcast