When God Speaks

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur reviews a new picture book designed to teach children about the power of God’s voice.

When God Speaks

By Hunter Leonard; illustrated by William Meany

When God Speaks

Teach young children about the tremendous power of God’s voice with When God Speaks, a lovely picture book written by Hunter Leonard and illustrated by William Meany. The book has a beautiful refrain: “When God speaks, something beautiful happens.”

God’s Voice in Scripture

The book opens with a beautiful image of swirling light, at a time before creation, when all that existed was God. But then God speaks, and “all creation burst forth at the voice of God.”

In other two-spread pages, Jesus speaks, healing the man with a withered hand, calming the storm, bringing Lazarus back to life, giving the apostles the Eucharist at the Last Supper, and redeeming us with His sacrifice on the cross.

God’s Voice in Our Lives

The last few pages speak about how God continues to speak in our lives today. In church, families gather and anticipate God’s presence in the Eucharist. God continues to speak through the Bible, in prayer, creation, and many other ways. When God Speaks reminds us that “God never stops speaking. The powerful voice of the Lord is just as real today as it was thousands of years ago.”

Leonard’s words and Meany’s painterly illustrations combine for a beautiful reflection on the power and beauty of God’s presence in our lives. This book is ideal for children ages four through eight but also as a powerful lesson for older children and adults. It would make a lovely addition to any Catholic home, school, or parish library. When God Speaks could also be used as a read-aloud in a parish or home religious education program.

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Ask for When God Speaks at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Our Sunday Visitor.

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Copyright 2025 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
Images: (top) detail from cover; (bottom) Canva
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