God Made Me in His Image: Helping Children Appreciate Their Bodies

One day, a group of students and their teacher travel to a zoo safari park to learn about the fascinating animals living there. On a jeep ride, the guide shares unique facts about lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, buffalo, and more—highlighting their distinctive features. As the children learn about the animals’ special qualities, they begin to realize that their own differences make them special too. With the teacher’s help, they reflect on how they were uniquely created in God’s image.

Because children often struggle with body image and may feel confused or embarrassed about their appearance, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb wrote God Made Me in His Image to guide parents in these important conversations.

Through this book, parents and caregivers can:

• Teach children to appreciate their uniqueness – By comparing the animals’ bodies to human traits, children learn to embrace their own distinctive features as part of God’s design.
• Support healthy body image – The book provides gentle guidance for children to understand and accept their bodies in a positive, God-centered way.
• Equip parents with biblical insight – Each book in the God Made Me series includes a special section for parents to foster meaningful conversations, offering biblical wisdom and practical tips.

God Made Me in His Image is part of the God Made Me series, empowering parents to help children grow in understanding of themselves, others, and God’s loving plan.

Justin S. Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and a professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. Justin holds an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.A. in Christian Thought from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).