'Beginning by recalling Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, author Glenys Nellist invites young children to celebrate the sacrament of baptism as 'a beautiful, holy, mysterious gift' given by God... Nellist clearly and simply explains that there are different ways people are baptized: sometimes infants are baptized in churches at baptismal fonts; at other times men, women, and children are baptized by immersion in a river, lake, or ocean. Nellist captures the profound meaning and joy of the sacrament: 'Baptized in the water, / Like Jesus long ago. / God's Holy Spirit dances, / As waters gently flow. / ... Baptized in the water, / Gathered by the lake. / God hears our songs and prayers, / Each promise that we make.' Combining narrative and poetry, Nellist concludes her worshipful, educational children's picture book with a prayer and Ephesians 4:4-5: 'There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called: one Lord, one faith, one baptism.' Illustrator Anna Kazimi's bright, joyful pictures reinforce the book's message that God is on the move in the whole human family.' -- The Banner, January 2023
2022 Northern Lights Book Award Winner, Religious/Spiritual Category -- Northern Lights Book Awards
Are you looking for a book that fully explains baptism in accessible language? This book delivers. Are you looking for a book that discusses the symbolism of baptism in ways that relate to everyday life? This book is for you. Are you looking for a book that matches text with illustrations so that everyone can find themselves included in and central to the story? Look no further...My experience working with diverse congregations has put me on the hunt to fill our libraries and ministries with books that represent the beautiful variety of God's people. When I started working in children's ministries two decades ago, I would see children light up when they could see themselves in illustrations and text. Now, it is glaringly obvious when God's children are not fully represented. Both author and illustrator of Baptized in the Water teamed to provide us with a book that includes a beautiful representation of the fullness and variety of God's people. This cohesiveness is important in all topics, but especially baptism. -- Practical Resources for Churches, April 2022
