Praise for DEAR MAMA GOD

Endorsements (in text form):

"This precious book takes us on a journey of prayer with the heart of a child. These prayers are the prayers of a child inviting us into a tender, thankful relationship with Mama God. The heart of this richly illustrated world is the Tree of Life representing God, connecting in the book with those who hold and read and pray it." - The Rev. Wil Gafney, author of Womanist Midrash and A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church

“This is one of the most beautiful children’s books I’ve ever encountered. Daneen Akers has given us a gift, one that not only helps us imagine a bigger, more complete picture of God but one that will bring hope and healing to many of its readers. And the illustrations are a masterpiece. With each spread, Gillian Gamble presents a new and breathtaking view of God. And y’all, She is awesome and holy and full of love and light.” - Matthew Paul Turner, NYT-bestselling author of What is God Like? (with Rachel Held Evans), I Am God's Dream, and When God Made You

"God is called by many names in the Sikh tradition -- Mother, Father, Beloved -- and so this book lands in my heart! Mama God awakens us to the wonder of being alive and nurtured by the earth. Each page gives us beautiful art and gentle words that orient a child (and their grown up) to limitless gratitude. I can’t wait to read this book with my children!” - Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project

“It's not often that an illustrated children's book qualifies as theologically significant. And it's also rare for a book to be as spiritually moving for adults as it is for kids. But Dear Mama God is amazing on both counts, in addition to everything else you'd expect from a stellar children's book. I couldn't be more enthusiastic. - Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian? and Faith After Doubt

“What a beautiful gift for our kids - and for the kid still within all of us. With inclusive language and gorgeous illustrations, this book models profound theological truth with beauty, strength, gratitude, and invitation.”- Sarah Bessey, NYT bestseller “A Rhythm of Prayer” and “Jesus Feminist”

“When God is woman, girls see the divine in themselves and boys embrace their feminine traits as holy. Mama God loves each kid as they are, and this book invites them into the safety of Her presence.” - Cindy Wang Brandt, author of You Are Revolutionary and Parenting Forward

“Filled with a Great Goodness, Dear Mama God is wondrous, tender, and deeply nourishing. It calls us back to our origins—a womb—and invites us to the roots of gratitude and belonging. With heart-filled, stunning artwork, and the loving words of a prayerful child, this much-needed book is poised to become a household favorite.” - Jasmin Pittman Morrell, co-editor of The Porch magazine

“Dear Mama God is a gratitude-filled dance with a child in the form of a prayer. The lyrical text pairs perfectly with glowing illustrations. This book is a wondrous celebration of Mama God’s love for us.” - Rev. Teresa Kim Pecinovsky, author of Mother God

“I want my sons and daughter to grow up trusting in God’s motherly love for them. I want them to know this, not only intellectually, but in their hearts. Written with a simplicity and beauty that few prayer books for children manage and illustrated with breathtaking whimsy and beauty, Dear Mama God is an absolute treasure. It’ll be my go-to gift for new mothers and graduates alike. This book is manna for the journey.” - Rev. Traci Smith, Author of Faithful Families

“Dear Mama God will shock and thrill you if, like me, you were brought up with highly masculinized Christian interpretations of God. There’s nothing scandalous here, though: the thrill comes from discovering the utter simplicity and naturalness of addressing the Eternal One as Mama…My favorite image is the Tree that holds and shelters—a rich symbol of the Mother who is our home.” - Ruth Goring, author-illustrator of Picturing God

“This is a book my soul needed. In addition to reminding me of God’s abundant, gender-full love, it reminded me how much in this world there is to celebrate and be grateful for. So many of the kids in my life will be getting copies of this.” - Sandhya Jha, author of Liberating Love

“Dear Mama God invites children off all ages into the mystery that is God’s indwelling presence. With imaginative words and spirit filled  images we are invited to join our prayers with this one to God who is our mother. - Rev. Dr. Elizabeth F. Caldwell, editor of Growing in God’s Love Storybook Bible

"Would that every child grow up with an image of God as comforting, as loving, and as generous as the Mama God who shines so whimsically through the pages of this beautiful book. The world would be a different place if so. I bought a copy for my daughters immediately, and I know we will be reading it again and again. - Rev. Kyndall Rae Rothaus, author of Thy Queendom Come and Executive Director of Nevertheless She Preached