I love it!
I want to buy one.

thanks! I've been having a lot of fun with it, but also kicking around the idea of selling custom-made versions for folks (like you'd email me various pictures of your family instead of having us in there). but first we'll have to see how the process of making an actual book goes. I'm optimistic, but the big question is will it hold up to a typical kids treatment of a book? but if that doesnt go so well, we'll just have it be a top-shelf book until the kids are old enough to know better. we'll see.

I think that's the point, there should be no visual for question nine.

For the imagery for eight... well, you've got the apple metaphor, the clover, the three circle thingy...

That's incredible! I don't have kids yet and I'd still like to buy one!

It looks great! I've been thinking about stealing the idea and doing one of the children's catechism we're planning to use (which is a little simpler, only 50 questions, and I've seen used with even younger children with success.) It's here if you are curious.

yeah the more I think about it, the more I like leaving 9 blank. as for 8, I did consider and apple or an egg, but it seemed a bit trite, or at least not quite right.

The idea of spirit is a tough one to represent in an image... assuming that you'd like to avoid anything too abstract in this context, here are a few suggestions... light coming through clouds (like this sort of thing - maybe minus the boat)... or how about an image of a great expanse? The ocean, or clouds and mountaintops, a great canyon or cave, a glacierscape, space -- something that implies everywhere, even at the farthest reaches of our mortal limits... or, how about an interior shot of a grand church? or a small, isolated church, if it's good photography and can communicate the idea that whereever you go, God will be there... and finally -- a photo that combines the image of a cross with interesting light (sorta like this)...

Yea, I think leavong 9 blank is good. it stands out in such stark contrast to the rest kind driving home the point.

My friend is actually working on illustrations for this same exact idea for a Presbyterian publisher.

I love how you use your own pictuers though... For the question of "are there more God's then one..." I'd use the first picture of Caleb (http://www.wiegersfamily.com/photos/section.asp?id=277) pointing his finger "1".... Its such a cute picture and he'd prob love seeing himself in the book too :) Just an idea.

For question #8, i noticed that's the only without a picture. I've always liked the analogy of water in 3 forms (solid, liquid, gas) to communicate the three but one concept. Maybe you could do something like that on question #8. For question #9, I agree in principle with the concept of leaving the page blank, and maybe that's a good way to introduce your kids to abstract thoughts. However, for the book's intended audience (young kids), imagination and the use of pictures to spur their connection with their imagination and the book's content is so key. So if it was me, I would include a picture, yes, maybe something along the lines of when light has body to it (like coming thru the clouds as Alice recommends). ...by the way, the book looks great.

Definitely let us know if you want to make and sell these... Then I won't go through the effort of making my own! : )

We're working on question #1 already with Livia. It's awesome to hear her try to say "God". Of course, she has no idea what she's answering, but it'll be neat to see the concepts sink in one day.

thanks for all the ideas. I've decided to leave #9 blank, for theological reasons. I dont mind having it be a little abstract for the kids. a little (or a lot of) mystery is part of it all, right? even still, thanks for the good ideas. and thanks Angel, I think I will use that one.

I like the triangle, all nature metaphors are missing something so I stay stick with the shape, a symbol and kids love shapes, you could use a contrasting color for the attraction of something vibrant. I agree to leave #9 blank. Thanks for not using the dove. I heard a speaker from the UK joke about how WASP's picture the trinity: a Huge father, a medium sized Jesus and a bird. Kinda wierd when you think about it! Good Job Bob!

Bob, it looks like you may have yourself a little business venture here!

crazy, huh? now if it wasnt for those pesky copyright laws...

I like either leaving nine blank or putting this picture in (sorry I don't know how to do the link in a comment): http://plaza.ufl.edu/aycock/bg/smoke.jpg

Actually, initially I was very much for no picture, but I really like the above-mentioned one.

that's a cool picture, but looks like a ghost or something. plus I emailed our pastor and got this back: "It would be wrong to try to make some visualization of God - that much is clear." so blank it shall be.

Heck, I would love one too. Couldn't you publish under creative commons or something? I think that would cover you. Seriously let me know if you end up putting some of these together.

Oh, I love it!

Bob -- Bear et all are visiting and I got to see the real thing. GREAT JOB! Are you planning to do the rest of the questions?