Who God Wants Me to Be: A Picture Book

by Crystal Bowman, Michelle S. Lazurek (Contributor), Sandra Eide (Contributor)

This empowering picture book features a diverse cast of little girls dreaming of all the things they can be when they grow up and exploring how they can serve God in all kinds of careers.

I’ll keep trusting God, and then I will see
exactly who He wants me to be.

An artist, a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home mom—there are so many things a girl might want to be when she grows up. And even if she changes her mind as she cultivates new passions and skills, that’s okay! The important thing to remember is that she will discover the talents and desires given to her by God as she grows and learns. Whether she becomes a protector, healer, builder, or creator, she can use her gifts to share God’s love with others!

Join Haley, Isabela, Lexi, and Ashley as they explore different careers and encourage all girls to trust God and who he created them to be!

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Crystal Bowman is an author, speaker, and former preschool teacher. She graduated from Calvin College with a degree in elementary education and studied early childhood development at the University of Michigan. Her writing career began in 1990 as a lyricist for children's piano music. She began writing children's books in 1993 and has since written more than 100 books for children and 3 for women. She has written books for many popular children's series, such as Little Blessings, BOZ the Bear, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Berenstain Bears, and I Can Read! She has also written two books of humorous poetry for children, numerous magazine articles, Bible study materials, and educational resource books. As a speaker, Crystal enjoys sharing her stories and poetry with students in the classroom and also with adults at teachers' conventions, writers' conferences, and women's seminars. "Writing and speaking can be intimidating because in order to connect with your audience you need to be personal and transparent, exposing what's in your heart and soul. But when readers or conference attendees respond positively to something I've said or written, it is humbling and rewarding all at the same time!" Crystal and her husband, Bob, have enjoyed 44 years of marriage and are the parents of 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. They spend summers in Michigan and winters in Florida.

Reviews

[Janice D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who God Wants Me to Be by Crystal Bowman and Michelle S. Sazurek is an excellent choice for growing girls who like to think about what they would like to be when they grow up. The four main characters are so real and believable as each considers occupations based on their interests and backgrounds. And in true child-like tradition, they often change their minds in a wholesome way.

I love how this book includes children from various nationalities and also includes a girl with a physical handicap. The art and text are engaging and will surely stretch any girls imagination as she considers what she might want to become one day.

I also love how this book ties in their many choices with serving people and the environment and becoming the kind of person God wants them to be.

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Haley, Isabela, Lexi, and Ashley in this heartwarming, affirming picture book as they explore their different talents and imagine what God might call them to be. Whether a dentist, an artist, a mom, a firefighter, or something else, the four girls discover that whatever they may become, the most important thing is to use their God-given gifts to help others and make the world a better place. Sandra Eide's diverse, inclusive illustrations complement the thoughtful text and make this book an engaging, reflective read for young girls everywhere.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring words and beautifully diverse illustrations come together in this book, introducing young girls to all the things they can grow up to be. From doctor to artist to stay-at-home mom and so much more, the authors encourage readers to explore the gifts God has given them and how they might use them. Best of all, each girl’s imaginings end with the line, “I’ll keep trusting God, and then I will see exactly who He wants me to be.” Perfect for encouraging any little girl’s dreams!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

[Penny Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!
Crystal Bowman and Michelle S Lazurek team up to write a delightfully affirming text that encourages young girls to dream big, and trust God with their hopes and ambitions. Sanda Eide's illustrations are perfect. So many little details to notice, gentle humour and inclusivity for everyone.
This is my favourite Christian children's book of 2022.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My literary agent Michelle S. Lazurek is also a successful author. When she invited me to read her latest children’s book, I immediately said yes. This picture book is ideal for children, especially girls, 4 to 8 years old, right at the time when they are considering who they want to be when they grow up. The colorful illustrations are warm and engaging. The story helps children dream big while thinking about how God has gifted them in unique ways to take various paths in their future careers or service projects. It’s a beautiful gift for a child who has aspirations to do good things, and wants to know more about the plans God has for her.

I received a preview copy from the publisher.

[Patti Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHO GOD WANTS ME TO BE, is a celebration of girls and all the wonderful things they can be! Each page is filled with God whispers to girls everywhere that they are created, loved, chosen and perfect for whatever they put their heart, mind and hands to doing! A great gift for the young girls in your life who are just beginning to dream, and a wonderful addition to school and home libraries! A great conversation starter between moms, daughters, nieces, sisters, and grandmothers about all the possibilities and paths available to girls looking to make a difference in the world! Love this book!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with your little ones with encouragement for them to strive for what they want to do in life. I really love the beautiful artwork in it as well. My little ones enjoy reading this with me.

[Brock Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this book! As a dad with three girls, I especially loved the encouragement found in this story. Each of my kids is made so unique by the Creator! This story was spot on!

[Margaret Welwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book really draws my seven-year-old granddaughter in. There's so much to think about with the text and pictures that she listens to it again and again. And the theme--repeated often but not too often--is just right for a little girl. We discuss Eliana's dream job when we read the story, and what that might look like for her. What God Wants Me to Be has a positive message that affirms little girls' dreams, stimulates their imaginations, and builds their faith.