God Made Me Good

Kathryn Swegart reviews a picture book that introduces children to the Catholic view of the human body.

God Made Me Good

By Hannah Saeger; illustrated by Tammie Lyon

Published by Pauline Books & Media

Back in my childhood days, Mom drove my siblings and I to catechism classes at a nearby Catholic school. It was on a Saturday, a time when I preferred doing other things like watching The Three Stooges on television or riding my bicycle. Perhaps my mother picked up the vibe. Wise mother that she was, Mom knew her priorities, ignored my pouting, and faithfully brought us to “Saturday school.”  

Here, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, garbed in traditional black and white habits, used tried and true teaching methods. They used the Baltimore Catechism. Teachings of the Church were drilled into my rather thick skull through repetition. 

In a more delightful way, God Made Me Good, repeats an important message that echoes the Baltimore Catechism. Sprinkled joyfully through the book is the message God made my body. He made it very good. 

At first glance, I thought this book would be superficial, with abundant splashes of color and children romping through the pages. Thankfully, I was wrong. 

God Made Me Good tackles core Catholic beliefs about the human body in a way that will capture the interest of young children. 

Right off the bat, young readers read that God made their bodies, and made them very good. Each child was knitted in their mother’s womb. 

 Turn the page and read that God made my body smart. Our bodies tell us when we are hungry, tired or sick. We move along in the book to read, God made my body so other people can know me, and I can know them. A child can think, listen and speak words that encourage and uplift. We have emotions that make us cry or laugh and share what is in our hearts. 

We live in a culture where young people can tragically go down the path of transgenderism. God made my body good, even when there is something about it I don’t like. Sometimes I want to change my body. Once again, the author touches on an important topic, always presented in a positive way. 

An Emphasis on Theology of the Body and Christian Charity

God made us to be a gift to other people. So now we traverse the pages away from theology of the body to Christian charity. Our arms are used for hugging. Our hands are used for helping grandma. 

Keep reading. Now we are in church. God made my body so I can meet Him on earth. Now that packs a wallop. We can smell incense, sing praise to God, make the Sign of the Cross, and pray aloud. A young boy kneels and prays.  

Exuberant children frolic through the next pages, thankful for their bodies. My body does not need to change to be good. It is already good because God, my heavenly Father in Heaven, made it just for me. 

Just as we are called to care for creation, children read that they are called to care for their bodies. Brush your teeth. Run and play. 

As a grandmother of a child with special needs, I applaud the illustrator creating a girl in a wheelchair who races other children. 

Here is a book, greatly needed in our culture, that introduces children to the Catholic view of the human body. Thanks to the author, illustrator, and Pauline Books & Media for the joy and wisdom that burst out of each page.  

Appropriate for ages 5 and up. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Kathryn Swegart
Images: Canva