I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God

Written by Diane M. Stortz

Narrated by Diana Batarseh

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God will help children develop an understanding of God's character and His love for them. As they grow to know, love, and trust the great I Am through these 40 stories, devotions, and prayers, they will learn the many names and titles of God.

Creator. Comforter. Healer. Friend. God's names tell us who He is, what He is like, and what He does. Written by Diane Stortz, I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God covers 40 of the Bible’s many names and descriptive titles for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, including?Jehovah Jireh, The Lord My Shepherd, Immanuel, Rabbi,?and?I Am.?

Children ages 4–8 will

• read age-appropriate Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments;
• draw closer to God through short devotions and prayers; and
• discover the meaning of each of God’s names?and how it relates to their lives.?

This go-to Bible storybook is great for

• children reading on their own and starting their faith journey;
• reading aloud with parents, grandparents, and siblings; and
• Sunday school teachers or group discussions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy Nelson
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9780785292449

Diane M. Stortz

Diane Stortz is a multipublished author whose heart's desire is to "tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 78:4). Diane's books include I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, Say & Pray Bible, God's Words to Dream On, and A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year. Diane and her husband have two married daughters and five young grandchildren--all boys! Visit her at DianeStortz.com.

Reviews for I Am

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book will immediately grab the attention of children with its attractive hardback cover, beautiful ribbon bookmark, and colorful illustrations, but the content inside is what will continue to keep their attention. Author Diane Stortz shares forty stories from both the Old and New Testament and each of them mentions a different name for God. From Genesis 1-2, when God created the world and was given the name Elohim (Creator), to Revelation 17:14, when He was proclaimed Lord of lords and King of kings, Stortz reveals a new name or descriptive title. She also includes devotions, Bible scripture, and prayers, along with the stories, to further increase understanding. Reading this beautiful book together provides adults and children the perfect opportunity to discuss God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Even though "I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God" was written for young people, I will certainly enjoy using it myself. I also recommend it as a wonderful resource for your church library.I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my honest thoughts.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I must comment on the cover of this children’s book. It will catch the eye of children with the glitter that pops out and the beautiful and vivid colors that are used on the front cover. The illustrations go perfectly with each Bible story in the book. This book could be read together as a family or for an older child that is able to read on their own. I think it would make a wonderful gift and I plan on giving it to my first grandchild who was born a few days ago. Her parents will enjoy sharing these easy to understand stories as she gets older. I liked how the author tells the stories in a simple way they will understand. I appreciate the ribbon book mark that you can use to hold your place without having to search where you left off. The book is sturdy and will last a very long time. Wouldn’t it be nice to pass this lovely book down through generations? I did notice that there were little changes in wordings of stories that unsettled me. I first noticed when it said, “God said let us make people in our image. In the Bible it clearly states, “ God formed a man from dust.” He never said let’s make people. The next is when Eve eats from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” In this book it says, “God says you can eat from any tree except from the good and knowing tree .” I read each chapter and there were minor word changes. Some of the stories probably should be read by older children and I think it is important to do the little exercise and prayer at the end of each chapter. Overall I think the book is written closely to what the Bible says. As you read with your child notice anything that may not follow your own Bible. It is important for children to know what the Bible says. I understand that authors writing for younger children want to simplify words. I have no problem with that as long as it does not take away the meaning from the Bible. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This Children’s Bible story book made me squeal with delight when I opened the package. I AM by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Diane Le Feyer is a perfect tool for the grandparent, parent, or church worker who wants to teach their children about God.Let’s start with the obvious, the visual presentation, because that is what your child will see first. A hardback, with animated full-page pictures, (the cover is astounding!), the illustrations are very appealing to the 4-8 year range the book is intended for.As a Sunday School teacher for first graders, one thing our Children’s leader taught us is that we want to focus not just on the Bible characters in the Bible story, but GOD’s PROMINENT place in the Bible story. After all, isn’t that what the Bible is all about?So while this book contains familiar stories, starting with ”Creation”, ”A Sad Day in the Garden, ” ”Promises for Abraham,”; what is being emphasized through specially colored shapes is God’s NAME and the characteristics of God (like ”Creator, ” ”God of Truth-El Emeth, ” God All-Powerful, El-Shaddai, ” etc.The Bible passage is listed, plus a relevant verse is written out, and there is a application part, ”What Does it Mean?” Plus, there is included a ”learn more” Bible passage and a hint of what is coming next. As I said before, I just love this book that gives 40 names for God. It reveals His character to children, traveling through the Bible with stories, words, and thoughts that will spark your youngster’s imagination and love for our awesome God.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the moment I first opened Diane Stortz’s “I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God”, I knew that it was going to be spectacular. If you can, I recommend getting the hardcover version because the embossing on the front cover and the sparkling waves just can’t be conveyed on Kindle. There is a nice blue ribbon bookmark inside, as well. All of the pages are in full color and are gorgeously illustrated with figures and scenes that will appeal to young readers. The format is well-executed, with the book divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. For the former, the name of God is given in English and then Hebrew, with a pronunciation (which I found very useful), such as The Lord My Rock (Jehovah Tsuri), and for the New Testament, with a few exceptions, the English name is given, such as the Good Shepherd. This is followed by a Scripture verse and Bible story, noting which chapters of the Bible the story comes from; a key point; a What Does It Mean section that connects the story to kids’ experiences today; a brief prayer; other Scripture verses that explore the same theme; and a short What Happened Next paragraph that explains how God is working and how this story ties into the following one.For a medium-length children’s book, “I AM” is a respectable compendium that highlights many of the main stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Some of those which are not directly focused on, such as Noah’s ark, are told in the What Happened Next sections. This is not a substitute for the Bible, nor is it meant to be, but rather a supplement that allows kids and their guardians to connect some of the many names of God with familiar Bible accounts. I learned new Hebrew names just reading it myself as an adult! Because it is a children’s book, the stories are naturally toned down and do not include all of the mature details, but they still demonstrate conflict and how God fights for us, as with David and Goliath and Daniel and the lion’s den. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to young readers and to families who are able to read it to their little ones.I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.