For Even Younger Ones Book 1 - I am Curious About God Özkan Öze

FOR EVEN YOUNGER ONES, I AM CURIOUS ABOUT GOD is a book series that answers the 5 most common and important questions of children younger than age 9 ask about God. “Where is God”, “why can’t I see Him”, “how does He resemble”, “who created God”, “how great is God” are the questions that the books investigate and purpose answers to, integrated in a story that revolves around our adorable protagonist Meryem. Here is the commentary from an expert, Psychologist Psychotherapist Banu Yaşar on the books:

Children need to ask questions and find answers to learn and to understand. Parents on the other hand, are sometimes surprised or caught off-guard by the questions of their children. Especially, it can be difficult for them to know how to respond to the questions about God. Their concern of not being able to explain properly and correctly causes them to stay quiet at times. These books will help offer children the answers they need in a way appropriate to their young age, and will support the family in giving correct answers.

In these books, abstract concepts are presented in a concrete way with examples of things children encounter in real life. The relevant age group is 9 years and younger, contributing to improving their contemplation skills. That can be considered the primary achievement of this work. Children this age tend to really enjoy playing with words and coming up with original questions. They are curious, eager to learn. The books aim to encourage them to interact with the world around them and to interpret it, which in turn strengthens their critical thinking abilities.

The work utilises a pedagogical-communicative writing style. Neither the tone nor the method are didactic, rather gentle and intimate. The use of childish and imaginative words and language makes it easier and more enjoyable for children to focus.

These books also present a pedagogically exemplary communication dynamic between the parents and the child. By encouraging the children to ask questions, the parents to answer in an understanding manner, the dialogues between the dad and little Meryem provide a valuable guidance for the families. The parent-child bond here is something to aspire for, especially since with the routines of hustle culture, dads can often set aside too little time to spend with their children.

Overall, the books -with their content, writing style, and the attentive handling of such important topics- are perfect to support the spiritual development of young children up until age 9.

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