Review
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Title: Our Heavenly Family – Our Earthly Families
Authors: McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Children’s Religious
Year Published: 2016
Number of Pages: 32
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN13: 97801062972-238-2
Price: $18.99
Reviewed by Trudy Thompson for the Association For Mormon Letters
In the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, children are taught extensively about the purpose and role of earthly families in our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation. They learn Primary songs, scriptural verses, quotes from the Prophets and other General Authorities, about their role in their family, and how they can help to make their home a peaceful, safe and loving place.
However, the topic of our Heavenly Family is most often left to adults or older, more mature young adults. This new thought-provoking book brings the subject of Heavenly and earthly families together in a unique and fresh approach, that will help even the youngest of children understand the doctrine and importance of families clearly.
The book begins by explaining what our Heavenly Parents have taught and given each of us. They are responsible for the gift of life on earth with our earthly families. They were perfect, but we and our earthly parents and siblings are not. We learn that no matter where we live, what we look like, or what we believe, we are all children of Heavenly Parents who love us perfectly.
God has declared that our families on earth are the best place to be schooled in how to love, forgive, cooperate, create, play, work, pray, and discover how to be together with each other forever.
Different topics within the book are covered in a two page spread, with the first page devoted to discussing that principle, with questions at the bottom to ask children about that topic. The second page contains quotes by General Authorities and other church leaders. Also on the second page is an illustration portraying that topic.
Some of the different subtitles on these pages include the following: Families Nurture Children, where children are taught that families welcome children through many different ways – giving birth, adopting, marrying someone who already has children, or helping to care for others’ children. At the end of this page, children are asked if they know the story of how they joined their earthly family, and how they can bring joy to the family members.
Another topic is Families Thrive With Love. This page beautifully states the realities of family life: “Christlike love is caring for others so much, you show them love no matter what. It means giving your sister a hug after she has made you mad or being patient with your brother even when he’s grumpy. Practicing love helps us become our best selves. Another important part of loving our family members is really knowing them-taking the time to understand their likes, fears, hopes, and dreams.”
The authors continue to depict both the deep joy and happiness of family life, along with what they call the “messy realities” of earthly life.
In the section covering family councils, readers are taught about the practice of listening to each other. sharing opinions, and solving big problems like how to care for a sick family member, and small problems like having enough hot water for everyone to have a shower.
Other topics include: Families Work and Play, Families Learn and Develop Talents, Families Create and Celebrate, Families Forgive, Families Connect To Heaven, and others.
The illustrations by Caitlin Connolly are in what I would categorize as a modern abstract style. Some readers will find the illustrations a bit distracting, but others may find them helpful. It isn’t clear how children will react to such illustrations. Parents can help guide them through both the text and the illustrations of this fine book.
I love the down-to-earth practical, wholesome, uplifting, and at times humorous advice in this refreshing book. While reminding us all of our Earthly Parents and what they have done for us, it does not sugar-coat earth life, but manages to bring peace and direction, ( and possibly a smile) to adults and children alike, as we all strive to make our homes a haven on earth.
The central message of this book is viewing love as a set of spiritual skills we learn through practice in widely diverse, imperfect and ordinary families.
Easily shared with younger children and read by older youth, this will become a treasured addition to any home or church library.