What is God? by Etan Boritzer
An Introduction to God, Religion, and Spirituality for Children
How do we talk with children about God, religion, and our place in the world? The children’s book “What Is God?” offers a thoughtful, engaging introduction to these big questions, helping young readers explore spirituality with curiosity, openness, and wonder.
Written with simple, clear language and illustrated with a delightful blend of seriousness and humor, this book makes complex ideas accessible to children. It encourages them to ask questions, think about what they believe, and begin developing their own understanding of the world around them.
Exploring Different Faiths and Shared Questions
What Is God? introduces children to several major religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It explores their beliefs and holy books while addressing misunderstandings and disagreements that can arise between people of different faiths.
The book also introduces the ideas of prayer, spiritual connection, and our relationship with the world around us. Along the way, it creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about respect, understanding, and the many ways people think about God.
A Wonderful Starting Point for Big Conversations
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver, What Is God? can help you introduce children to spirituality, religion, and philosophy in an approachable way. It also offers an opportunity to help children reflect on their feelings, explore their questions, and consider how they connect with the world around them.
This book is a thoughtful choice for families exploring faith together, interfaith households, classrooms, religious education programs, and anyone who wants to encourage children to approach different beliefs with curiosity and respect.
Product Details
- Reading age: Approximately 4–9 years
- Length: 32 pages
- Language: English
- Dimensions: 8.5 × 10 inches
What Is God? offers a welcoming starting point for conversations that can grow along with a child’s understanding of faith, spirituality, and our shared humanity.
About the Author
ETAN BORITZER is the author of the best selling ‘What is?’ children’s book series on character education and difficult topics, now published in 15 languages.
Etan was first published when he was 13 years old and wrote an essay on John F. Kennedy. The essay was published in a New York City public school children’s anthology and tribute. Etan now lives by the beach near Santa Monica, California where he also writes his children’s books.
Etan does lots of readings in schools locally and nationally, and at other places where there are kids, like at libraries and hospitals. Sometimes he travels around to book festivals and meets lots of people, some of whom even like his books (ha, that was a joke!)
Etan also teaches and consults with other writers about writing and publishing. He believes as Audrey Hepburn said while Director of UNICEF “Children are the only hope!”
Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
About this provocative exploration of God in many places and many religions, PW said, “Marantz’s daring, highly stylized illustrations are full of character.” Ages 6-12.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Other Reviews
How I wish I’d found this book ten years ago…. When I stumbled on this book two months ago, I was thrilled. Critics might see it as a soft-core, everything-and-the-kitchen-sick approach to discussing religion, but that’s exactly what I needed.
Julia Glass ― Cookie Published On: 2008-10-01
This is a thoughtful introduction to the many meanings of God, to the world’s religions, and the author even gives a moment’s thought to the many ways to pray.
Christine Watson ― Santa Cruz Sentinel Published On: 1990-11-23
A delightfully ecumenical book that answers questions straightforwardly and stresses the similarities of the world’s religions in simple language. The color pictures are whimsical and sure to delight readers of all ages.
Washington Post
Etan Boritzer provides young people with interesting, thoughtful perspectives to these types of questions about God… Many spiritual questions are pondered and are presented in a way that shows that…ultimately we all believe in the same things…. A great addition to any home or school library. Highly Recommended.
Lisa Case ― Canadian Review of Materials, Vol. XVII, No. 27 Published On: 2012-04-13
