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When I Hold You
Where does a mother's love come from? Ashley Huffstutler shows us it comes directly from the heart of God. When I Hold You is a gentle and celebratory poem that draws the comparison between a mother's tender love for her children and God's nurturing love for us.
A perfect gift for any new or existing mother, When I Hold You captures the universal experience of the mother-child bond. As young readers, ages 0-4, listen to the rhyme and see the diverse illustrations, they will better understand how God reveals His love to us through our relationships with one another. With Scriptures woven throughout every image, both mother and child will be encouraged to worship the God whose love lasts forever!
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A perfect gift for any new or existing mother, When I Hold You captures the universal experience of the mother-child bond. As young readers, ages 0-4, listen to the rhyme and see the diverse illustrations, they will better understand how God reveals His love to us through our relationships with one another. With Scriptures woven throughout every image, both mother and child will be encouraged to worship the God whose love lasts forever!
Discover more kids books in the
24 pages, Board Book
Published May 4, 2021
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 25, 2021
Loved the artwork and bible verses spiraled across the pages. This wasn’t very long, just 24 pages and such a delightful thing to share with a little one. Each page has a lot to take in and will bring joy to anyone who hears this story.
Thank you B&H Publishing Group via Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions of this review are my own.
Thank you B&H Publishing Group via Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions of this review are my own.
April 16, 2021
When I gaze upon your face, I catch a glimpse of hope and grace.
There is something about a mother and her baby. A love that is fierce and gentle. A love that is unexplainable until you become a mother. Each page describes a love that a mother holds for her child. What I love the most about this book is the illustrations are just as beautiful as the words. Every kind of mother with her child is unique. I love the diversity and how we are all the same when it comes to love. Highly recommend for a gift for new moms.
A special thank you B&H Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
There is something about a mother and her baby. A love that is fierce and gentle. A love that is unexplainable until you become a mother. Each page describes a love that a mother holds for her child. What I love the most about this book is the illustrations are just as beautiful as the words. Every kind of mother with her child is unique. I love the diversity and how we are all the same when it comes to love. Highly recommend for a gift for new moms.
A special thank you B&H Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 27, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
When I Hold You is a sweet, gentle read which shows so much live through not just the words bit through the illustrations too. This book is an amazing book to gift and share with your child and shows a mother's love for her baby.
The rhyming verses in this book make it even more delightful and magical.
This book is very diverse and talks about God but not in a way that brings it to be too religious.
I love this book and will be looking to get a physical copy soon!
When I Hold You is a sweet, gentle read which shows so much live through not just the words bit through the illustrations too. This book is an amazing book to gift and share with your child and shows a mother's love for her baby.
The rhyming verses in this book make it even more delightful and magical.
This book is very diverse and talks about God but not in a way that brings it to be too religious.
I love this book and will be looking to get a physical copy soon!
March 29, 2026
I loved that this book reminded my mom of how God holds us. She was holding me while we read this, so that was a good object lesson for me.
Added stars for also having Bible verses. Somehow my mom managed not to cry while reading this.
I would say 4.5 stars for the lack of Bo or Benny, but I understand that would be outside the scope of this book.
Added stars for also having Bible verses. Somehow my mom managed not to cry while reading this.
I would say 4.5 stars for the lack of Bo or Benny, but I understand that would be outside the scope of this book.
January 12, 2022
As soon as I saw this beautiful cover, it was love at first sight! With its board book quality pages and richly diverse illustrations, this book was born to be gifted! On each page Huffstutler intertwines a Bible verse with poetry and illustrator Airin O’Callaghan vibrantly paints the words to life. Often we hear God referenced as a Father but this precious book expresses the parallel between a mother’s affection for her baby and God’s love for us as his children. After the birth of her second child, the author was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, inspiring this book–a love letter to her own daughters–and mothers and daughters everywhere.
July 15, 2022
Beautiful!
February 14, 2023
I love the illustrations and Bible verses. Every page has a different type of mom/child.
April 9, 2021
I absolutely loved When I Hold You by Ashley Huffstutter! The pictures are beautiful as well! When I Hold You is a book that describes a mother’s relationship with her child and how it corresponds with the mother’s relationship to God. My favorite part of this book is the Bible verses that corresponded with each line of the story. I highly recommend this book. It would be a perfect gift for Mother’s Day and for moms to read to their child/children. I will definitely tell my mom friends about this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on GoodReads.)
August 25, 2025
I rolled my eyes when we received this one because I am tired of all the children’s books that amount to “I love you a lot.” Even in board books, I still think “show, not tell” is the best way to convey a message. I want my girls to know I love them from lap snuggles and reading great stories together. This may not be a narrative like most of my favorite children’s books, but it is still a beautiful read.
The book is written as much or more for parents as for little ones. On busy days with two under two, I count this as my devotional when I don’t have time to pick up my Bible or spiritual reading. It connects our love for our children to God’s love for us. As I hold my own daughter to read this, I feel I am being held as God’s daughter while he reads to me. There are Bible verses woven into the illustrations that express the sentiment on each page. The illustrations themselves are lovely, tender, and imaginative. My girls (22 and 10 months) both love it too!
The book is written as much or more for parents as for little ones. On busy days with two under two, I count this as my devotional when I don’t have time to pick up my Bible or spiritual reading. It connects our love for our children to God’s love for us. As I hold my own daughter to read this, I feel I am being held as God’s daughter while he reads to me. There are Bible verses woven into the illustrations that express the sentiment on each page. The illustrations themselves are lovely, tender, and imaginative. My girls (22 and 10 months) both love it too!
March 31, 2021
So tender! This is a beautiful book perfect for the mother-to-be. On each two-page spread, a mother holds her baby or small children close to her and a verse from the Bible swirls across the page. It seems that the translation quoted is included after the verse if it is not KJV. There are many races and ethnicities represented and each is drawn beautifully. It is hard to tell, however, if this book is meant as a gift for new mothers, or a picture book for children. I suppose it could be both,as I could definitely see this being a nice baby shower present and a nice bedtime book for little ones.
July 6, 2021
When I Hold You is a delightful storybook that Mothers can share with their young ones with its beautifully done illustrations and verse. I am especially enamored with the way scripture verses are written in a lovely font with every turn of the page to accompany the lines of the poem by Ashley Huffstutler. The colorful drawings by Airin O'Callaghan demonstrate the love between mothers and their children of many races as the little ones are held, cuddled, rest together and play. This board book is one that families will treasure and is perfect for gift giving. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this volume for this honest review.
March 31, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review
Beautifully illustrated. A wonderful title to gift to new mothers and to read with your little one when they arrive. This is God-centered so if that's not your jam, you most likely will not be a fan of this title. I will say that for those who are Christians, this would be a welcome title. Each page has the text and then a bible verse. I am most impressed with how sweet and warm the illustrations feel. The text is typical of most early level picture books and has just one sentence per page.
Beautifully illustrated. A wonderful title to gift to new mothers and to read with your little one when they arrive. This is God-centered so if that's not your jam, you most likely will not be a fan of this title. I will say that for those who are Christians, this would be a welcome title. Each page has the text and then a bible verse. I am most impressed with how sweet and warm the illustrations feel. The text is typical of most early level picture books and has just one sentence per page.
March 31, 2023
This is a simple book that, quite frankly, I cried reading. My children are too old, but I wanted to get it from the library and read it anyway. To my surprise, my youngest two (ages 8 and 10) still listened as I read and asked questions about when they were babies. Knowing Ashley's story made it all the more emotional.
This will be a book I give to new moms and a book I will own if I ever have another baby.
This will be a book I give to new moms and a book I will own if I ever have another baby.
March 25, 2021
Gorgeous baby book! The illustrations are gorgeous and feature a diverse range of mothers and babies, who all look different and beautiful. It is written in sweet and charming verse. I loved the Biblical versus that accompanied each page. I kept having to turn back to pages we had finished, because my kids were not done taking in the beautiful artwork. This one is a winner!
March 25, 2021
This book just melt my heart. As a mother i found so much comfort and love through this pages. The illustrations are mesmerizing. As a teacher you could use this book when Mother’s Day comes so children can better understand her love for them. I love the Bible verses that makes each moment with your child holy. A great book! Good job!
June 17, 2021
This is such a beautiful book for a mother to read with her little ones. The illustrations are stunning and heartwarming, and the words are filled with love and affection and peace. Each page also has a Bible verse that reminds us of God's great love for us. This book is sure to bring comfort to mothers and babies alike!
October 1, 2022
The illustrations are beautiful! So much to look at, name, and create sounds to.
The story and messages in the book are lovely and encouraging especially for those tired and weary mamas. The words help to inspire and restore connection between God and your child in lyrical prose accompanied with scripture.
It makes for such a lovely gift.
The story and messages in the book are lovely and encouraging especially for those tired and weary mamas. The words help to inspire and restore connection between God and your child in lyrical prose accompanied with scripture.
It makes for such a lovely gift.
March 26, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and B&H Kids for a free digital copy for my review.
A very sweet book about how Motherhood points Moms to God's Word and the truths found there. The illustrations are beautiful and the message very heartfelt. Each page is a different mom with her kid(s) and they are all diverse.
A very sweet book about how Motherhood points Moms to God's Word and the truths found there. The illustrations are beautiful and the message very heartfelt. Each page is a different mom with her kid(s) and they are all diverse.
January 10, 2026
In this season of life, I am enjoying any books that celebrate motherhood, and this book does just that. Each page has a Bible verse, and the poetry shows how parenting is a reflection of God‘s care for us. If you are having a sentimental or emotional day, this book will probably make you cry.
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April 8, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 7, 2021
Precious children’s book with scripture on each page.
May 28, 2021
This was a beautiful and heartfelt book! I loved the verse on every page. It was simple but had deep love and meaning.
June 8, 2021
So sweet
January 8, 2022
my heart (psalm 4:8)
August 9, 2022
This book is beautifully written and the author's testimony on the back really reminds us to be grateful for every blessing we have.
January 24, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. The artwork and the Bible verses across the page, added to the story of a Mother’s love. Nothing compares to the love between a mother and her child.
September 22, 2023
Beautiful illustrations and text about a mom's love and God's love.
March 7, 2024
Absolutely beautiful in every way
May 31, 2024
The most beautiful book I’ve ever read. I cried reading this to my sons. A perfect picture of motherhood and the hope and love you have for your children. So well done.
June 29, 2024
Such a sweet little book. I loved the scripture on each page
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews