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Let There Be Light
Let There Be Light combines the extraordinary talents of Nancy Tillman, the New York Times bestselling author of On the Night You Were Born, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this retelling of the biblical story of creation. The pairing of Archbishop Tutu’s lyrical text from The Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman’s wondrous illustrations bring the pages of this book to life for readers young and old.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2014
5 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Tutu
265 books532 followersDesmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African cleric and activist who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. In 1984, Tutu became the second South African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Tutu was the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and primate of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of Southern Africa). Tutu chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is currently the chairman of The Elders. Tutu was vocal in his defense of human rights and used his high profile to campaign for the oppressed. Tutu also campaigned to fight AIDS, homophobia, poverty and racism.
He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Tutu has also compiled several books of his speeches and sayings.
He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. Tutu has also compiled several books of his speeches and sayings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 2, 2014
About the Book:
'In the very beginning, God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else---no trees, no birds, no animals, no sky, no sea---only darkness.'
Let There Be Light combines the love and warmth of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the extraordinary talents of bestselling author and illustrator Nancy Tillman. This retelling of the biblical story of creation vividly portrays the wonder and beauty of God's creation on each of the seven days. Using Archbishop Tutu's lyrical text from the Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman's remarkable illustrations, Let There Be Light brings the story of creation to life for readers young and old.
About the Author:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. He is the author of numerous books including the Children of God Storybook Bible, God’s Dream, and Desmond and the Very Mean Word. From 2007 to 2013, Tutu was the founding Chair of the Elders, a group of global leaders who are working to promote the shared interests of humanity. In 2013he received the Templeton Prize for advancing spiritual progress in the world. He lives in South Africa with his wife, Leah. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
My Review:
To believe in God is to believe in something bigger than ourselves. A child's mind can only encompass so much, but when you sit them down and explain to them that the living things around them God also created. it opens up a whole new world to them. Before long they see the broad scope of creation and all that He has created especially for His children to enjoy. In the book, Let There Be Light, the author is trying to convey this very message and to convey that they are very much loved. A book full of love and full of heart teaches us to never forget the cost that was paid for each one of us.
I enjoyed the book very much. The full color illustrations were very beautiful and this being a board book made it very easy for me to turn the pages. My youngest a 4 year old little boy, liked that he could turn the pages all by himself. As I read the book to him, he was fascinated with the pictures. This book has a beautiful message for this time of year or any time of the year. It is also perfect for gift giving!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from my participation on the Z Blog Squad.
'In the very beginning, God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else---no trees, no birds, no animals, no sky, no sea---only darkness.'
Let There Be Light combines the love and warmth of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the extraordinary talents of bestselling author and illustrator Nancy Tillman. This retelling of the biblical story of creation vividly portrays the wonder and beauty of God's creation on each of the seven days. Using Archbishop Tutu's lyrical text from the Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman's remarkable illustrations, Let There Be Light brings the story of creation to life for readers young and old.
About the Author:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. He is the author of numerous books including the Children of God Storybook Bible, God’s Dream, and Desmond and the Very Mean Word. From 2007 to 2013, Tutu was the founding Chair of the Elders, a group of global leaders who are working to promote the shared interests of humanity. In 2013he received the Templeton Prize for advancing spiritual progress in the world. He lives in South Africa with his wife, Leah. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
My Review:
To believe in God is to believe in something bigger than ourselves. A child's mind can only encompass so much, but when you sit them down and explain to them that the living things around them God also created. it opens up a whole new world to them. Before long they see the broad scope of creation and all that He has created especially for His children to enjoy. In the book, Let There Be Light, the author is trying to convey this very message and to convey that they are very much loved. A book full of love and full of heart teaches us to never forget the cost that was paid for each one of us.
I enjoyed the book very much. The full color illustrations were very beautiful and this being a board book made it very easy for me to turn the pages. My youngest a 4 year old little boy, liked that he could turn the pages all by himself. As I read the book to him, he was fascinated with the pictures. This book has a beautiful message for this time of year or any time of the year. It is also perfect for gift giving!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from my participation on the Z Blog Squad.
May 11, 2019
My thoughts:
My days of small children are behind me for now. My youngest is twelve. However, my eldest is twenty-three, so grandbabies may be in my future... but first a bride and wedding! ~smile~ I am always on the lookout for excellent picture books for my library or for gifts.
Let There Be Light is a nice book. Archbishop Desmond Tutu retold the story of the days of creation in simple yet vibrant language for very young children. God's love is conveyed well in the text. I think that preschool children would enjoy it.
Nancy Tillman, the illustrator, used soft and bright colors to create images that represent the creation. She has a gift. Her giraffes and elephants are so detailed they look like photographs.
Would I read this book to a preschooler or give it to a preschooler? Yes. It would be good for that quick read before bedtime when your child needs to go to sleep quickly with happy God loves me and made me thoughts.
Now for the question that really begs to be answered. Would I buy this book? Honestly, I personally would not. The price is $16.99. While that may not be an exorbitant price for a quality hardcover children's book, it would be a bit high for me to pay for this book. Check it out from a library? Absolutely. Now, if I had a little one crawling up in my lap every night for a bedtime story, I'd probably say yes, or at least tell Grandma about it. ~smile~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
My days of small children are behind me for now. My youngest is twelve. However, my eldest is twenty-three, so grandbabies may be in my future... but first a bride and wedding! ~smile~ I am always on the lookout for excellent picture books for my library or for gifts.
Let There Be Light is a nice book. Archbishop Desmond Tutu retold the story of the days of creation in simple yet vibrant language for very young children. God's love is conveyed well in the text. I think that preschool children would enjoy it.
Nancy Tillman, the illustrator, used soft and bright colors to create images that represent the creation. She has a gift. Her giraffes and elephants are so detailed they look like photographs.
Would I read this book to a preschooler or give it to a preschooler? Yes. It would be good for that quick read before bedtime when your child needs to go to sleep quickly with happy God loves me and made me thoughts.
Now for the question that really begs to be answered. Would I buy this book? Honestly, I personally would not. The price is $16.99. While that may not be an exorbitant price for a quality hardcover children's book, it would be a bit high for me to pay for this book. Check it out from a library? Absolutely. Now, if I had a little one crawling up in my lap every night for a bedtime story, I'd probably say yes, or at least tell Grandma about it. ~smile~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 14, 2018
Awesome retelling of Genesis 1.
March 11, 2019
Beautifully illustrated and told story of Creation from Genesis 1.
April 13, 2020
"Let There Be Light" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Creative and distinctly African rendition of the creation story
Creative and distinctly African rendition of the creation story
April 20, 2020
Great book. Love the simple, beautiful writing and the wonderful illustrations.
April 24, 2021
The most beautiful creation story picture book I've ever read!
May 1, 2021
My review in 3 or more words: beautiful | inspiring | theologically-lyrical
January 3, 2022
The Genesis story of creation told in the stylings of Desmond Tutu. We are grateful for his life and works. He is missed.
August 7, 2022
Great children's adaptation of the Creation story - really loved the intro!
April 4, 2023
Beautiful board book telling the story of creation.
June 13, 2025
The illustrations were a little weird.
July 21, 2024
This is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the creation story.
Archbishop Tutu does a wonderful job with his words to convey what is present in Genesis. The words have a nice rhythm to them and appeal to children and adults alike.
Ms. Tillman’s illustrations fit the words so well. They are simplistic in nature and fit more closely to what you’d expect to see in nature than a cartoonish interpretation which some children’s Bible stories tend to have.
J really has enjoyed reading this particular creation story as have I. And, the board book format is far more durable when little hands want to hold the book as you read or flip through the pages on their own.
Archbishop Tutu does a wonderful job with his words to convey what is present in Genesis. The words have a nice rhythm to them and appeal to children and adults alike.
Ms. Tillman’s illustrations fit the words so well. They are simplistic in nature and fit more closely to what you’d expect to see in nature than a cartoonish interpretation which some children’s Bible stories tend to have.
J really has enjoyed reading this particular creation story as have I. And, the board book format is far more durable when little hands want to hold the book as you read or flip through the pages on their own.
April 15, 2019
When I started reading this book I fell in love with the words she put on the pages and the illustrations. They were breathtaking and honestly laid out a beautiful way. However I wasn’t a huge fan of the way it ended and that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5
Guided reading: N/A
DRA Level: N/A
Traits: presentation
Guided reading: N/A
DRA Level: N/A
Traits: presentation
February 22, 2014
There are some books whose covers are so inviting, you cannot wait to delve into the book and begin the journey that awaits you.
There are some stories that are so compelling, you want to hear them over and over again.
There are some illustrations that are so stunning, you wish you could frame every one.
There are some books that are so enchanting, they remind you of why you love to read!
Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one of those rare gem of a books!
Let There Be Light is a hot-off-the-presses children’s book that retells the biblical story of creation in the most magnificent of ways! The book is infused with all of the love and warmth that characterizes the story-telling abilities of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and captures the artistic talents of New York Times best-selling author Nancy Tillman.
Let There Be Light is a story that never grows old.
Let There Be Light is a story that’s filled with love.
Quite frankly, I think Let There Be Light is destined to become a classic – and to become one of my favorite Children’s Books of the year!
You don’t have to be young to enjoy this book. If you are an art lover who enjoys beautifully illustrated books, you will want to add this to your collection!
To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There are some stories that are so compelling, you want to hear them over and over again.
There are some illustrations that are so stunning, you wish you could frame every one.
There are some books that are so enchanting, they remind you of why you love to read!
Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one of those rare gem of a books!
Let There Be Light is a hot-off-the-presses children’s book that retells the biblical story of creation in the most magnificent of ways! The book is infused with all of the love and warmth that characterizes the story-telling abilities of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and captures the artistic talents of New York Times best-selling author Nancy Tillman.
Let There Be Light is a story that never grows old.
Let There Be Light is a story that’s filled with love.
Quite frankly, I think Let There Be Light is destined to become a classic – and to become one of my favorite Children’s Books of the year!
You don’t have to be young to enjoy this book. If you are an art lover who enjoys beautifully illustrated books, you will want to add this to your collection!
To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 20, 2014
Let There Be Light
By Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Illustrated by Nancy Tillman
Share with your little one how God created the world around them out of His love. Let There Be Light is a retelling of Creation that will engage and share the wonder with young readers (or listeners).
Each day is beautifully illustrated so that each layer of Creation is visually expressed adding meaning to the actions that are portrayed by word.
The beauty, perfection, and peaceful harmony of God's Creation is observed on the sixth day when animals and humans were spoken into existence.
I love the joy that is expressed in God's reaction to His Creation and enjoyment He took in enjoying it on the seventh day. This is sure to become a favorite book with the little one's in your life. This would also be a welcome addition to a Children's Church/Nursery program.
With Christmas just around the corner this would be a lovely gift even for a little one who is soon to be expected or a special little someone who likes to cuddle up on your lap for a story before bed. The illustrations are lovely and just add to the whole delightfully experience.
I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.
By Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Illustrated by Nancy Tillman
Share with your little one how God created the world around them out of His love. Let There Be Light is a retelling of Creation that will engage and share the wonder with young readers (or listeners).
Each day is beautifully illustrated so that each layer of Creation is visually expressed adding meaning to the actions that are portrayed by word.
The beauty, perfection, and peaceful harmony of God's Creation is observed on the sixth day when animals and humans were spoken into existence.
I love the joy that is expressed in God's reaction to His Creation and enjoyment He took in enjoying it on the seventh day. This is sure to become a favorite book with the little one's in your life. This would also be a welcome addition to a Children's Church/Nursery program.
With Christmas just around the corner this would be a lovely gift even for a little one who is soon to be expected or a special little someone who likes to cuddle up on your lap for a story before bed. The illustrations are lovely and just add to the whole delightfully experience.
I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2014
Title: LET THERE BE LIGHT
Author: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Illustrator: Nancy Tillman
Publisher: Zonderkidz
December 2014
ISBN: 978-0310733966
Genre: Children’s Bible story board book
Let There Be Light combines the extraordinary talents of Nancy Tillman, the New York Times bestselling author of On the Night You Were Born, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this retelling of the biblical story of creation. The pairing of Archbishop Tutu’s lyrical text from The Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman’s wondrous illustrations bring the pages of this board book to life for readers young and old.
LET THERE BE LIGHT tells the story of the creation in language young children can understand and teaches them the order in which the world was created. With Archbishop Tutu’s storytelling skills combined with Ms. Tillman’s artistic skills this book is a masterpiece, bringing the story of creation to life.
If you are looking for a storybook about creation for your favorite toddlers and preschoolers, this book is perfect. Also good for a church nursery, a Christian daycare or preschool library. Recommended. Available in boardbook, hardcover, and ebook.
Author: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Illustrator: Nancy Tillman
Publisher: Zonderkidz
December 2014
ISBN: 978-0310733966
Genre: Children’s Bible story board book
Let There Be Light combines the extraordinary talents of Nancy Tillman, the New York Times bestselling author of On the Night You Were Born, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this retelling of the biblical story of creation. The pairing of Archbishop Tutu’s lyrical text from The Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman’s wondrous illustrations bring the pages of this board book to life for readers young and old.
LET THERE BE LIGHT tells the story of the creation in language young children can understand and teaches them the order in which the world was created. With Archbishop Tutu’s storytelling skills combined with Ms. Tillman’s artistic skills this book is a masterpiece, bringing the story of creation to life.
If you are looking for a storybook about creation for your favorite toddlers and preschoolers, this book is perfect. Also good for a church nursery, a Christian daycare or preschool library. Recommended. Available in boardbook, hardcover, and ebook.
January 5, 2014
The story of creation starts the Bible off “in the beginning” which is a great place to start when teaching our children about God! Creation is such a difficult concept to grasp even for adults so books like Let There be Light are extremely helpful by breaking it down in more simplistic words and pictures they can understand.
This story is magically illustrated by Nancy Tillman and I loved the depth yet simplicity that each picture demonstrates about the words on that page relating to creation. With such a huge concept to grasp, the simpler the pictures, the better.
My four and five year olds ask lots of questions about God and life right now and reading this book to them was no exception. Each page drew lots of questions and discussions so it was nice to use this as a guide. It’s just the story of creation retold but in a way that reaches kids on their level.
Let There be Light is a magical rendition of the oldest story in the Bible and one that will get your kids talking and asking the questions you want them to ask.
This story is magically illustrated by Nancy Tillman and I loved the depth yet simplicity that each picture demonstrates about the words on that page relating to creation. With such a huge concept to grasp, the simpler the pictures, the better.
My four and five year olds ask lots of questions about God and life right now and reading this book to them was no exception. Each page drew lots of questions and discussions so it was nice to use this as a guide. It’s just the story of creation retold but in a way that reaches kids on their level.
Let There be Light is a magical rendition of the oldest story in the Bible and one that will get your kids talking and asking the questions you want them to ask.
January 24, 2015
Simply incredible! Filled with loving attention, this retelling of God's creation touches our hearts and souls. The rhythm of the verse and the beautiful illustrations resonates with tenderness and affection.
Little ones can listen to God's blessings of goodness, love, and hope. They will adore the creatures with a comfortable awareness of His design. They will enjoy the tones as these words lull them into God's story of beauty from His tender care.
This is a board book that will offer so many peaceful moments snuggled together in the comfort of your arms. Our little ones want to hear this story as their first pick (out of their large piles of read-to-me stacks), as well as their last choice as they want "just one more."
When choosing books to review, this is one of those books that I knew would bring a blessing to my little ones, our shelves, and our lives. When giving a gift for a new mother... remember to add this one to the gift!
Blessings will overflow when sharing this retelling with your little one,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Little ones can listen to God's blessings of goodness, love, and hope. They will adore the creatures with a comfortable awareness of His design. They will enjoy the tones as these words lull them into God's story of beauty from His tender care.
This is a board book that will offer so many peaceful moments snuggled together in the comfort of your arms. Our little ones want to hear this story as their first pick (out of their large piles of read-to-me stacks), as well as their last choice as they want "just one more."
When choosing books to review, this is one of those books that I knew would bring a blessing to my little ones, our shelves, and our lives. When giving a gift for a new mother... remember to add this one to the gift!
Blessings will overflow when sharing this retelling with your little one,
MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
February 26, 2015
Let There Be Light is a children's board book describing the days of Creation. It has few words but the scripture and the illustrations will take your breath away for how beautiful they are. I believe that any person of any age would appreciate this book, and not just children.
I read the book before I let my sons who are age 3 and 5, look at it. I felt like heavenly music should have been playing as I read the scripture and looked at all the amazing illustrations. The author describes the days of Creation in a way that shows how good God made everything and how much we are all loved. My sons thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the pictures of the animals. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and anyone else who knows the majesty of the Lord.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers for an honest review.
This book review appeared on my blog January 21, 2105: http://raisingsamuels.blogspot.com/20...
I read the book before I let my sons who are age 3 and 5, look at it. I felt like heavenly music should have been playing as I read the scripture and looked at all the amazing illustrations. The author describes the days of Creation in a way that shows how good God made everything and how much we are all loved. My sons thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the pictures of the animals. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and anyone else who knows the majesty of the Lord.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers for an honest review.
This book review appeared on my blog January 21, 2105: http://raisingsamuels.blogspot.com/20...
November 24, 2014
This is such a great book! I was so excited to see that this book is a board book which is the way to go when it comes to children's books!
This book starts at the beginning of Genesis and God creating the world. The illustrations are beautiful on each page. One part I really like is after the plants were created the author added a page talking about when the first flower opened. I had never really thought about the details like that and I think it adds to the children's imagine.
I really like this book and the main message relayed is that you were made for a purpose and are loved. Great book for kids to read along with Genesis.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
This book starts at the beginning of Genesis and God creating the world. The illustrations are beautiful on each page. One part I really like is after the plants were created the author added a page talking about when the first flower opened. I had never really thought about the details like that and I think it adds to the children's imagine.
I really like this book and the main message relayed is that you were made for a purpose and are loved. Great book for kids to read along with Genesis.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
April 1, 2014
This is a wonderful picture book about how God created the world. It takes reference from the Genesis story of the first six days that God began to create our world. I can't imagine anyone telling this except Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I am hoping that there is an audiobook and that he is the performer and brings his innocent, childlike, jovial quality to the reading.
Great as a bedtime story for kids and even for Sunday school.
Great as a bedtime story for kids and even for Sunday school.
December 9, 2014
Such a sweet book, the artwork is amazing, and the story of Creation, while not new, is still wonderful to young minds and old minds alike. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, shares a beautiful timeless story in this gorgeous fun board book. Make for little hands to explore, you will not be disappointed in this book. 5 stars from this reviewer. This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
August 6, 2016
I am not personally a fan of religious materials but the African setting of the Genesis story was unique, and the illustrations had an ethereal quality.
Also, I very much appreciated the final page, which talks about humans' role in taking good care of the world around us. This would be a nice way to open up discussions about the role of faith and the environment.
Also, I very much appreciated the final page, which talks about humans' role in taking good care of the world around us. This would be a nice way to open up discussions about the role of faith and the environment.
April 3, 2014
The lyricism adds such a new dimension to the beginning of this very familiar passage of the Bible. I also loved the wonderful illustrations that added an African point of view the creation. Definitely a book I would share with any parent wanting something to introduce a very young child to the first bible story.
May 26, 2014
This is a story of the creation as told by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of a Nobel Peace Prize among multiple other prizes. On top of the story the illustrations are incredible. Play I Spy by finding God in almost every picture. I read it with my two young nieces and they loved it, especially the pictures of animals.
August 24, 2016
I absolutely adored this colorful account of the Genesis beginning for children. The language was simple and age appropriate. The illustrations were beautiful and the book was large enough for easy handling. It simply tells of days one through seven and will be a book that will be read again and again.
October 1, 2015
Gorgeously illustrated, this retelling of the story of creation is a religious children's classic. My children loved looking for the presence of God on each page, beautifully depicting His presence in every and any matter.
September 18, 2018
I teach 2nd grade religious education and this is a beautiful telling of earth's creation using quotes from the bible. The illustrator used some artistic liberty in pictures but it is just beautiful. I will share it with my class.
January 27, 2014
Beautiful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews