THE GIFT OF BAPTISM

Hutchison offers a child-friendly hymn to God in this Christian picture book.

The pages of the book are dominated by Westwood’s soft, watercolor paintings of people and animals. The overlaid text begins with a series of “I Believe” statements that Christians of some denominations typically say before baptism, such as “I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s beloved son.” The following page of each profession presents more detail, such as stating how Jesus was born with a mission to teach “God’s message of love and joy.” Later, the text goes into more depth about how Jesus was baptized, and what baptism means in Christian communities. An account of Jesus’ death and resurrection follows, as well as additional doxologies and a simple explanation of the Holy Spirit. The tone of Hutchison’s book for young Christians is positive and weaves a loving picture of the trinity and the spiritual practice of baptism. Its doctrinal explanation also doesn’t assign any exclusivity to God’s love and includes a social justice component about helping others by following Jesus’ example. Overall, the book’s poetic prose and beautiful imagery provide a lesson in religious love and kindness. The illustrations include representation of a child using a wheelchair, and characters are portrayed with a range of skin tones.

A well-illustrated primer for kids on the religious significance of baptism.