I’m definitely a fan of birthdays! There’s cake! And presents! And, when it’s a book birthday, there’s a new beautiful story out in the world.

I’m so excited about this book – it’s written by one of my Storm sisters, Chelsea Tornetto. And it a sweet story about how important each of us is in this world – that’s a message kids need to hear over and over again. Plus, even though it’s her book’s birthday, Chelsea is giving the gifts! One lucky winner will have a choice of a copy of the book or a Picture Book Critique. Please make sure you leave a comment.
Here’s a bit about the book from the Amazon sales page:
This uplifting picture book celebrates God’s creation of the world—and of each unique child.God made you. But why? After all, he made great galaxies and vast oceans and fascinating flamingoes. Isn’t that enough?
Through brilliant rhymes and vivid word pictures, author Chelsea Tornetto reminds little readers that to God, the mountains and the whales and the snowflakes were never enough. To our loving Creator, the beautiful world that he made was always incomplete without one very special piece—you.

Author Chelsea and I had a chance to chat and I asked her how this story came to be:
CHELSEA:
I saw a piece of art once that said something like, “Isn’t it amazing that the same God who made mountains, and oceans, and galaxies, thought the world needed one of you too?” It really struck me and made me feel both special and small at the same time. I thought – what a great and important message for kids!
I shared the manuscript with my Grandma before I sent it to my agent. Of course, she loved it – as Grandma’s always do. She passed away when it was out on sub, and just a few days later, we got an offer. I still think she had something to do with it.
Oh, I love that! Thank you for sharing, Chelsea.
And here’s a little bit about Chelsea:
Chelsea Tornetto is an author, world geography teacher, and mom who has been writing ever since she was a kid. Her first book, Conquering Content Vocabulary, was published by Scholastic in 2018, but now her passion is picture books. In both the classroom and in her books, her goal is to help kids fall in love with the wonders of our world and to introduce them to places and people beyond their own backyard. She lives in Jackson, Missouri, with her husband, Mike, her two kids, Tessa and Milo, and a miniature dachshund named Stella. She loves snow days, lattes, and summer. She hates spiders, her sinuses, and laundry.
To connect with Chelsea and find out more about her books:
Website is www.chelseatornetto.com
Twitter is @MrsTornetto
And here are the Amazon links for each book:
God Made You Too
Gardens Are for Growing
Thank you so much for stopping by everyone! I hope everyone is busy crafting their #50PreciousWords entry. If you missed the heads-up-contest-is-coming post, here it is: https://viviankirkfield.com/2022/02/21/sharpen-your-pencils-50preciouswords-is-coming-soon/
Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of a PB manuscript critique from author Chelsea or a copy of this beautiful book!
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Please share this post and share about the contest and come back for Perfect Picture Book Friday, How to Dress a Dinosaur by Robin Currie and on Saturday for when Beverly Love Warren Will Write for Cookies.
Just… sigh! What a beautiful message inside a beautiful story! Thank you, Chelsea (and Grandma!) for bringing it to us!
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Thank you so much!
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I love a PB with great rhyme and can’t wait to read this one! The anecdote about your grandmother is beautiful. I love that you shared your manuscritpt with her. I think I hold mine too tight (other than with critique partners). Best of luck with this one!
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I have the opposite problem! I share with anyone who will listen! Ha! Thanks for reading!
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This book has a beautiful and needed message to share with little ones, and with such vibrant illustrations! I love the tribute to your Grandma. Looking forward to reading this with my kiddos. Congratulations and best wishes!
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The illustrations really are the best! Kimberly Barnes is amazing!
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Definitely need more book like this! xo
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What a lovely message within your book! Congratulations on your book birthday!!
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What a lovely message that kids need to hear everyday. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
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What a beautiful book and story. I recommended it to my library and can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
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Thanks for the library rec! I appreciate it!
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I LOVE THIS! And I’m so glad to see a book that reminds us that we are all perfect and created for something super special! It is a great message for kids, but adults may discover their beauty in it, too. Thanks, Chelsea!
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Such a wonderful concept and book! Thank you!
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What a special & profound message needed in our world today! It looks beautiful!! And that art!! Stunning all around. Congrats!!
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What a great message! I can’t wait to read this story! Congratulations, Chelsea! I’m beyond thrilled for you!
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This looks just lovely, Chelsea! We’ve just started a kid’s library at my church, and this will be a perfect fit for our shelves!
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I’m so glad to hear it!
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A beautiful message and lovely art! Congratulations!
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What a beautiful message and great illustrations! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Chelsea!
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Sounds like a wonderful book. I love the illustrations. Best wishes in 2022.
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This is such a beautiful book! Thank you for bringing it into the world!
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This book is gorgeous and the message is truly one readers will take to heart. I know I need reminders of God’s love in my life too.
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So glad your grandma got to read it, even if she didn’t get to see the final version. It’s beautiful! I’m sure she’d be so proud.
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Thank you so much!
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What a beautiful book!
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It sounds like this is a case of life inspires art…which inspires more art which inspires more life! How beautiful on every level! Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to get to share your book with many little friends.
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I just ordered it! 😊
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Looks like a wonderful book! And in rhyme, I can’t wait to read it!
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What an exciting and special book! Plus it is almost time for 50 words – hip hip hooray!
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What a beautiful message for children (and adults!). Such an encouraging message for these crazy times. Best of luck!
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This looks like the perfect gift for a new baby! I think we need multiple versions…for teens, mid-life , and experienced adults. I’d love to win!
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What a wonderful book. I can’t wait to read it and the illustrations are also gorgeous ❤
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I enjoyed this subject and article, and the book is gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing, Chelsea and Vivian! Best of luck!
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Your book is so beautiful! I know both young children and their parents will love reading it! Congratulations, Chelsea!
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Congrats on this book! What a beautiful message. I can’t wait to read it.
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I love that your Grandma was in on the publishing action – sounds like a very sweet book!
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Beautiful book! I had to look up the illustrator because it reminded me so much of When I Pray for You and sure enough, she illustrated that book also. Thank you for sharing the sweet story about the inspiration for your book and how your grandma helped get it published!
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I love the vibrant colors on the cover and illustration! Thank you for sharing how you were inspired to write this story with such a beautiful and important message for children.
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Both a beautiful message and lovely art! Thank you for sharing your special relationship with your grandmother. 🙂
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Congratulations on your book. The illustrations are great. Such a sweet storyline.
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I wish that I could sit down and read this to my kids (ages 17, 20, & 22). Such a good message that we all need to hear!
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I love the touching connection to your grandma. Congrats on your beautiful book!
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This sounds like a beautiful book!
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What a great message! I love the thought that the world was incomplete without humans.
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