Blog Archives
Faith and Nature Are Woven Together
God’s Plants centers around three children and their great-grandparents as they share the day discovering “biblical plant signs” placed among flowers, herbs, vegetables, and trees. What inspired you to write this book for young readers?
I’m a 75-year-old first-time published author. proud great-grandmother of 7 beautiful great-grandchildren, I was inspired to write this book for them and for all GOD’s young readers. My husband suggested I build on the biblical plant signs we made. I researched a list of 66 biblical plant signs for my graduation project to become a Certified Gardener. The list is included in the back of the book. I actually have a greenhouse and even the Crown of Thorns plant. The only way to write about biblical plant signs is to introduce the Bible, GOD, and Jesus. God’s Plants provides a unique way to see how faith and nature are woven together.
Why is it important for children to see connections between faith and the natural world?
Biblical plants are usually overlooked when reading the Bible. GOD’S PLANTS will give readers an awareness of how nature is intertwined with faith. Plus, the book is a great way to introduce the Bible, GOD, and Jesus.
What do you think children learn differently from grandparents than they do from parents or teachers?
As a great-grandmother, I wish I could have done many things differently when raising my son. But now I can reflect on my past experiences and share them with my great- grandchildren so they can learn from my mistakes. Today’s parents are busy living in the moment, while teachers are teaching what is needed to live a fruitful life. Grand and great-grandparents can provide real-life occurrences that will help shape a child’s behavior and values.
All my books will have messages I would communicate to my great-grandchildren, and they can pass on. By publishing my books, I hope to connect with other families and children.
What was the most rewarding part of creating GOD’s Plants?
Being able to bring to life, in GOD’S PLANTS, the awareness and beauty of biblical plants. And sharing where they are found in the Bible from my list of 66 biblical plants. (And there are more.) But most of all, introducing the Bible, GOD, and Jesus to the young readers, and making this a joyful family book reading opportunity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
God’s Plants
GOD’s Plants, by Carol Allen Gipson, follows three children, James, Marlene, and Robert, as they spend a sunny afternoon with their great-grandparents, Nana and Grandpa. What begins as a playful visit turns into a gentle backyard adventure when the children discover “biblical plant signs” placed among flowers, herbs, vegetables, and trees. Through their curiosity, Nana introduces them to the Bible, God, Jesus, prayer, and the meaning behind plants like mint, herbs, palm, and the Crown of Thorns.
There’s a sweetness in the way faith is presented through ordinary family time, not as a lecture but as a conversation that grows out of children noticing the world around them. I especially liked the garden setting because it gives the spiritual lessons something tangible to rest on. A child can smell mint, see a palm tree, touch a leaf, and then connect that sensory moment to a Bible verse. That idea feels thoughtful and memorable. The writing is warm and direct. The grandmotherly voice has a comforting quality, and I could feel the author’s desire to pass down faith, family memory, and a love of growing things.
The artwork gives the book a soft, welcoming atmosphere. The characters look kind and expressive, and the garden scenes have a glowing, storybook warmth that fits the tone beautifully. I was most drawn to the pages where the children explore among the herbs and signs, because those illustrations make the learning feel alive and playful. The Crown of Thorns section carries more emotional weight, and I appreciated that the book doesn’t avoid the seriousness of Jesus’ suffering, while still framing it gently for young readers. Some of the transitions can feel a little abrupt, especially when the story moves from plant hunting into deeper theology, but the tenderness of Nana’s explanations helps smooth that shift.
GOD’s Plants is a faith-centered picture book with a clear purpose and a deeply personal spirit. It’s best for Christian families, Sunday school settings, grandparents reading with grandchildren, or parents who want to introduce children to biblical ideas through nature and gardening. I’d recommend it especially for young readers who enjoy gentle family stories and hands-on connections between faith and the natural world.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0G5BQ1F9N
