You Will Always Belong

by Matthew Paul Turner, Lauren Gallegos (Illustrator)

A joyous reminder that every child was created by God with infinite beauty and purpose, told in fun-to-read rhymes with a powerful message and vibrant illustrations—from the New York Times bestselling author of When God Made You

All that God saw when God designed you was beauty and purpose and everything true.

In a loud and confusing world, every child needs to know they belong, they always have belonged, and they always will belong. This gorgeously illustrated picture book encourages children to recognize their belonging so deeply that they are free to be their most authentic selves, certain that God created everyone exactly as they are supposed to be.

In You Will Always Belong, children will
• The truth that we matter to God and were designed with purpose
• Encouragement towards acceptance and contentment
• The gentle reminder that the people who truly love us love ALL parts of us

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

Matthew Paul Turner has made his mark as a force in the Christian children's book publishing market. With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Turner's books When God Made You and When God Made Light have become bedtime favorites for families across America. His latest anticipated release is When I Pray for You, which will debut in February 2019.

Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.

When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.

Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.

Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com

Reviews

[K.J. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book’s message is simply beautiful. The illustrations are too. Every kid—and every adult with a traumatized younger self still living within—needs this book.

[Cyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful. This is a lesson for kids and adults that you should love yourself. It also conveys the idea that you have been you from the day you were born. I recommend this book. The book does mention church and God, so it may not be a good purchase for some families. Even with this the idea that everyone belongs is wonderful.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book and the illustrations are beautiful! Families are different but no matter where we live or how we parent we want our kids to know they are secure in our love. Would make a great gift!

[Tim Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

New and Beautiful. MPTs books not only have profound and fun wordplay and messages-- but the illustrators are soo fun and add depth and richness to the story. 10/10 recommend!!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think we belong to ourselves. But otherwise this was beautiful. CathyR

[Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story on love.