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The Girl God #1
The Girl God
A magically illustrated children's book celebrating the Divine Female. Magically illustrated by Elisabeth Slettnes with quotes from various faith traditions & feminist thinkers.
"This book will be one I treasure, for it is rare indeed—the articulation of the divine feminine for both children and adults, a bridge between our spiritual beginning and our spiritual future, a spark for the reawakening of humanity." ~ Elizabeth Hall Magill
**PLEASE due to formatting constraints, the Kindle version does not include all the quotations from the printed version of the book.
Read more about our projects at www.thegirlgod.com.
"This book will be one I treasure, for it is rare indeed—the articulation of the divine feminine for both children and adults, a bridge between our spiritual beginning and our spiritual future, a spark for the reawakening of humanity." ~ Elizabeth Hall Magill
**PLEASE due to formatting constraints, the Kindle version does not include all the quotations from the printed version of the book.
Read more about our projects at www.thegirlgod.com.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Trista Hendren
37 books154 followersTrista Hendren founded Girl God Books in 2011 to support a necessary unraveling of the patriarchal world view of divinity. Her first book—The Girl God, a children's picture book—was a response to her own daughter's inability to see herself reflected in God. Since then, she has published more than 40 books by a dozen women from across the globe. You can read more about her projects at www.thegirlgod.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 9, 2013
One of the greatest harms we have inflicted upon our souls stems from our our denial of the feminine face of God. By making God into a bearded, robed patriarch (even if only in our mind’s eye), we have lost the ability to recognize what Trista Hendren beautifully and simply calls, “The Girl God.”
On my own spiritual journey, I was deeply wounded by an exclusively male image of the divine. And it started when I was a child. A child looking for answers to questions I didn’t even have the words to ask. Thankfully, in her book The Girl God, Trista provides not only those words but has collaborated with artist Elisabeth Slettnes to give us images that sometimes answer our questions even more deeply than words can.
Though written as a children’s book and inspired by conversations with her own young daughter, this vibrantly illustrated book will speak to women of all ages. Maybe even some men who dare to acknowledge there is a part of God not found in the “he-ness” to which God’s been restricted in our modern world.
In The Girl God, Trista reminds us, as she explains to her daughter, that “In the beginning, God was a woman.” With child-friendly simplicity and a beautiful interfaith approach, she tells young Helani that “in Hebrew, there is no gender for God, but when the Bible was translated to English, God became a man.” Bringing in her Islamic faith, she writes of fifty volumes of newly discovered works by female scholars that are now being published, asking her daughter,” Can you imagine how much of our religion would change if we heard it through the mouths of women instead of only men?” When I imagine it, my heart soars in anticipation of a long-awaited wholeness that seems to fill my entire being.
The mother-daughter dialog is the thread on which we are carried through the book, but there are quotes sprinkled on nearly every page that are every bit as powerful as the story being told. From sources as diverse as Kabir, Sojourner Truth, Gloria Steinam, Prophet Muhammed, the Bible (Isaiah) and Georgia O’Keefe, these wisdom-filled snippets ground the story in the bigger quest each of us is on to recognize the God inside us.
The Girl God’s greatest contribution is its ability to help tear down one of the barriers to this divine connection. To silence that voice that says if we listen to our deeply sacred feminine wisdom, we are not listening to the “real” God. Read this book to your daughters and your grand daughters, and perhaps they will never doubt the validity of their inner voice. Read it to yourself to remind you of your own. Read it and weep. Read it and heal. Read it and smile with the relief that someone finally had the courage to tell our girls that God is not just for their brothers and their fathers. Walk away knowing that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is equally the God of Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel. But most importantly, walk away knowing there is a Girl God inside you too.
On my own spiritual journey, I was deeply wounded by an exclusively male image of the divine. And it started when I was a child. A child looking for answers to questions I didn’t even have the words to ask. Thankfully, in her book The Girl God, Trista provides not only those words but has collaborated with artist Elisabeth Slettnes to give us images that sometimes answer our questions even more deeply than words can.
Though written as a children’s book and inspired by conversations with her own young daughter, this vibrantly illustrated book will speak to women of all ages. Maybe even some men who dare to acknowledge there is a part of God not found in the “he-ness” to which God’s been restricted in our modern world.
In The Girl God, Trista reminds us, as she explains to her daughter, that “In the beginning, God was a woman.” With child-friendly simplicity and a beautiful interfaith approach, she tells young Helani that “in Hebrew, there is no gender for God, but when the Bible was translated to English, God became a man.” Bringing in her Islamic faith, she writes of fifty volumes of newly discovered works by female scholars that are now being published, asking her daughter,” Can you imagine how much of our religion would change if we heard it through the mouths of women instead of only men?” When I imagine it, my heart soars in anticipation of a long-awaited wholeness that seems to fill my entire being.
The mother-daughter dialog is the thread on which we are carried through the book, but there are quotes sprinkled on nearly every page that are every bit as powerful as the story being told. From sources as diverse as Kabir, Sojourner Truth, Gloria Steinam, Prophet Muhammed, the Bible (Isaiah) and Georgia O’Keefe, these wisdom-filled snippets ground the story in the bigger quest each of us is on to recognize the God inside us.
The Girl God’s greatest contribution is its ability to help tear down one of the barriers to this divine connection. To silence that voice that says if we listen to our deeply sacred feminine wisdom, we are not listening to the “real” God. Read this book to your daughters and your grand daughters, and perhaps they will never doubt the validity of their inner voice. Read it to yourself to remind you of your own. Read it and weep. Read it and heal. Read it and smile with the relief that someone finally had the courage to tell our girls that God is not just for their brothers and their fathers. Walk away knowing that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is equally the God of Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel. But most importantly, walk away knowing there is a Girl God inside you too.
September 11, 2013
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I have read and reread this little gem of a book more times than I can count. Although it is a children's book, it honestly is so much more. It's about women and girls and the divine feminine and God (but not in that way). The Girl God is beautifully versed, beautifully illustrated, and full of beautiful quotes. If you have a daughter, you should read this to her. If you have a son, you should read this to him. If you are a woman you should read this no matter if you have children or not. If you love a woman you should read this book. This book is not just about spirituality, it's about female empowerment. It's about looking at things and knowing it doesn't have to be a certain way just because that is what I was told. It's about opening yourself up to possibilities and new ideas that are very, very old. Read this book. Buy the paper copy of this book. Leave this book out so you can pick it up and read it often. Leave it out so people visiting you can see it. The illustrations alone are enough to draw their attention. There are very few words I can use to express how much I adore The Girl God. And honestly, 5 stars are not enough for this book.
I have read and reread this little gem of a book more times than I can count. Although it is a children's book, it honestly is so much more. It's about women and girls and the divine feminine and God (but not in that way). The Girl God is beautifully versed, beautifully illustrated, and full of beautiful quotes. If you have a daughter, you should read this to her. If you have a son, you should read this to him. If you are a woman you should read this no matter if you have children or not. If you love a woman you should read this book. This book is not just about spirituality, it's about female empowerment. It's about looking at things and knowing it doesn't have to be a certain way just because that is what I was told. It's about opening yourself up to possibilities and new ideas that are very, very old. Read this book. Buy the paper copy of this book. Leave this book out so you can pick it up and read it often. Leave it out so people visiting you can see it. The illustrations alone are enough to draw their attention. There are very few words I can use to express how much I adore The Girl God. And honestly, 5 stars are not enough for this book.
August 2, 2013
The Girl God is a must have on your daughter's book shelf. The story/conversation from a mother to daughter is undeniably relatable. The powerful quotes within the book make a great read for older children and adults. To top it off the art work and bright colors are absolutely captivating. It also caught the attention of my baby girl. This is one book that can be enjoyed on ALL age levels. My daughters and niece's eyes lit up when I read it to them. Simply stated, The Girl God opens up necessary dialogue and needs to be shared with our daughters on a GLOBAL scale.
August 26, 2013
This is a beautifully written and illustrated meditation on The Divine Feminine. The quotes in the book are deeply inspiring and the story line is simple, sweet, and reflective of the clear/deep heart of the author. I recommend this for all who are interested in exploring spirituality.
September 6, 2013
Trista Hendron, author, and Elisabeth Slettnes, illustrator, have teamed up for a powerful celebration of the divine feminine. THE GIRL GOD dedicated to Trista’s daughter Helani addresses a child’s confusion over God’s identity as well as her own, growing up with parents who are separated. The text is supplemented with powerful artwork and timely quotes.
While this book is suitable for children (and adults) of all ages it should be a must have for children just learning to read. The illustrations speak directly to an active, inner imaginative space and will pull a child naturally to seek an understanding of Trista’s keen, insightful prose.
In these days of multi-cultural, inter-faith relationships, conscious parenting is more critical than ever. THE GIRL GOD is a colorful and inventive addition for every parent’s library.
September 17, 2013
THE GIRL GOD holds the key by which children may unlock the world of Divine Presence.
In her book, Trista Hendren poses a question: “Can you find the Girl God inside of you?” It’s an important question to ask. Encouraging young girls to get in touch with the divine feminine is a powerful rite of passage, enabling them to recognize their spiritual potency as well as the importance of the feminine in upholding the creative balance of life.
I loved the way the book moves between girl and woman in the phrases and quotes and also includes so many rich, colorful images that not only enhance the meaning, but deepens it as well.
In her book, Trista Hendren poses a question: “Can you find the Girl God inside of you?” It’s an important question to ask. Encouraging young girls to get in touch with the divine feminine is a powerful rite of passage, enabling them to recognize their spiritual potency as well as the importance of the feminine in upholding the creative balance of life.
I loved the way the book moves between girl and woman in the phrases and quotes and also includes so many rich, colorful images that not only enhance the meaning, but deepens it as well.
July 25, 2014
I found this treasure in The Crossroads store on Jay St. in Schenectady but perhaps it's on Amazon too? It's a book that I'll keep, pillowed by other awesome books on women's spirituality.
It's a children's book that ADULTS should read and I wanted to own. The slender paperback (maybe 9" x 11"?) is packed with beautiful contemporary art created by the illustrator. And the quotes, in small print below the art, are grown-up quotes from people like Rumi, Gandhi, Sojourner Truth, Judy Chicago, Starhawk, Sue Monk Kidd, bell hooks, Buddhist tradition and lots more. I love the quote on the title page, by Gloria Steinem: "God may be in the details, but the goddess is in the questions. Once we begin to ask them, there's no turning back."
The girl/child-focused story appears in larger print, above the colorful artwork.
Buy it and give it to a girl/woman of almost any age. Or hold on to it for yourself, for its gorgeous illustrations, for empowerment.
It's a children's book that ADULTS should read and I wanted to own. The slender paperback (maybe 9" x 11"?) is packed with beautiful contemporary art created by the illustrator. And the quotes, in small print below the art, are grown-up quotes from people like Rumi, Gandhi, Sojourner Truth, Judy Chicago, Starhawk, Sue Monk Kidd, bell hooks, Buddhist tradition and lots more. I love the quote on the title page, by Gloria Steinem: "God may be in the details, but the goddess is in the questions. Once we begin to ask them, there's no turning back."
The girl/child-focused story appears in larger print, above the colorful artwork.
Buy it and give it to a girl/woman of almost any age. Or hold on to it for yourself, for its gorgeous illustrations, for empowerment.
February 4, 2015
Oh, wow. I picked this small but mighty book up for free today from Amazon. I was intrigued by the picture on the front cover and the title. I thought I was getting a children's book. I believe this is an 'everybody' book.
The story was from a mother to her daughter. A sweet simple story. But the wisdom of the story runs deeply. Then there are the quotations throughout; each capturing a piece of my soul. All the illustrations were engaging. I wish I bought this in tree form as I would like to spend more time with the book and with the pictures. At least I can go back to this one in my 'cloud'.
Because this was so wonderful I went to find other books by Trista Hendren. Yay! The were free with Kindle Unlimited!
The story was from a mother to her daughter. A sweet simple story. But the wisdom of the story runs deeply. Then there are the quotations throughout; each capturing a piece of my soul. All the illustrations were engaging. I wish I bought this in tree form as I would like to spend more time with the book and with the pictures. At least I can go back to this one in my 'cloud'.
Because this was so wonderful I went to find other books by Trista Hendren. Yay! The were free with Kindle Unlimited!
October 23, 2013
The Girl God by Trista Henderson and illustrated by Elisabeth Slettnes is an amazing book. The illustrations are beautiful. The story itself had me glued to the pages. It was of a young girl and her mothers conversations over the aspect of god/goddess. This book should be read by all children and adults. It is a beautiful story with many great quotes from others. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan to share it with my daughter and many others! It is a must read!
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 28, 2014
The author has done something very important with The Girl God. Teaching children that young girls are not subject to a male God and his rules makes it clear that girls are valuable and play a greater role in society than be the servant of males. While it may not seem like a big deal, being indoctrinated into a world that views men as superior and females as subordinate teaches girls subtle messages that we are not important in life. But when we grow up learning that we are important, we grow up to become women who can do wonderful things.
December 6, 2017
This is so much more than a children's book. There is the central children's story at the top of the pages, but there are beautiful poems, quotes, and narrative passages at the bottom of each page under the gorgeous illustrations by Elisabeth Slettnes. I absolutely recommend this for every woman who is interested in the divine feminine as well as recommend it for all children.
October 1, 2018
This book isn't terrible, but it's target market is a very particular community of cis, semi traditional girls and women.
It didn't work for our neurodivergent, interracial, disabled, queer, non-christian, trans family.
It didn't work for our neurodivergent, interracial, disabled, queer, non-christian, trans family.
September 5, 2017
Such a wonderful book
I've just finished my first reading of this book and can think of ten children who I hope to share it with. So beautiful, thought-provoking, and important.
I've just finished my first reading of this book and can think of ten children who I hope to share it with. So beautiful, thought-provoking, and important.
November 22, 2023
I loved it! The title caught my eye at the library and I decided to read it. I loved reading about the divine feminine and how we all have a divine spark inside us. It was interesting reading about how the original word for God is gender-neutral but was changed to male when the Bible was translated into English. It's sad that not many religions recognize the divine feminine but hopefully that will change in the future.
December 22, 2018
A treasure
The book all children would benefit from reading. A reverence to the wisdom children hold and the divine feminine within them
The book all children would benefit from reading. A reverence to the wisdom children hold and the divine feminine within them
June 29, 2020
This is a brilliant and beautiful book all parents should share with their children.
January 12, 2021
Wonderful
Simply a wonderful book for young and old readers alike. Colorful, insightful, touching. Gives me hope for the future generations.
Simply a wonderful book for young and old readers alike. Colorful, insightful, touching. Gives me hope for the future generations.
November 30, 2022
Cute and Powerful! What a wondeful way to introduce the Girl God to a child!
January 17, 2016
This is a GREAT book for little girls (and boys)! It is such an affirming account of sacred femininity that is told through a sweet story between the author and her daughter, and through quotes from a diverse grouping of authors and world religious leaders. BEAUTIFUL artwork throughout as well! Highly recommended for parents looking to teach daughters that being a girl is an awesome thing to be!
March 14, 2016
This was a cute book, but I'm unsure how it would translate to kids who were brought up with the divine feminine around them. For example kids in pagan or Hindu families.
Either way it's quite cute and would be nice for kids who feel left out of spirituality because of how gendered it is in mainstream Abrahamic religions,
Either way it's quite cute and would be nice for kids who feel left out of spirituality because of how gendered it is in mainstream Abrahamic religions,
November 7, 2013
Beautiful paintings accompany thoughtful story that asks the reader (or listener) to seek out the feminine divine within themselves. A very pretty and thought-provoking little book.
January 3, 2014
An beautifully illustrated allegory calling people to stop polluting Mother Earth and pick up stewardship of our planet.
September 3, 2014
Great Stu
I really appreciate this tale of female power written for the young and so beautiful illustrations. I look forward to reading it with the little girls in my life.
I really appreciate this tale of female power written for the young and so beautiful illustrations. I look forward to reading it with the little girls in my life.
June 29, 2020
Precioso libro, divino para ninas y nonos igual para crear un mundo de igualdad.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews