The Inventions of God (and Eva!)

• Author: Dave Connis
• Illustrator: Amy Domingo
• Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah
• On-Sale: Nov. 9th (Pre-Order Now)
• Synopsis: Precocious inventor Eva spends her time crafting new companions, from the loofapus to Mr. Robotreestuff (versions 1-4). Eva gets her talent from God, who made her JUST RIGHT on the first try.

Scripture Connection

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Cor. 5:17

Themes/Discussion

This sweet little children’s book is an awesome springboard for discussion, touching on various themes:

• God is the Creator of EVERYTHING. (Gen. 1:1)
• Even though God is “hard to draw,” He made us in His image, which means that we can better understand Him by looking at ourselves (and at each other!) (Gen. 1:27)
• God doesn’t make mistakes! Everything He makes is just right on the first try. (Gen. 1:31)
• God has given us hobbies that reflect His own. For instance, we can make things just like He does. (Eph. 2:10, Col. 3:23)
• God loves us and delights in watching us do the good things He made for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
• God is our Redeemer! When we make mistakes, He will bring about good. (Rom. 8:28)

Story

The book consists of various introductions and comparative statements, introducing some of God’s creations, Eva, and some of Eva’s creations.

I’m quite impressed with the amount of content Connis was able to include in such a short story. Despite the book’s brevity, and the simple, child-friendly, language, there is so much being introduced and discussed.

I especially appreciate the book’s emphasis on the fact that we are made to be like God— and that He is redeeming us! How wonderful that God doesn’t toss us out as failed prototypes when we mess up.

Illustrations

Domingo’s illustrations are simply adorable! She brings to life the various creatures and inventions with her imaginative, cartoony artwork.

I also liked the personalized touches, such as Eva’s speech bubble with tools— and the “Redemption Glue: Made with Jesus— Holds All Things Together.”

STEM Emphasis

I really appreciate the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) emphasis with a female protagonist. There’s actually a gender gap between girls and boys who enter these kinds of professions, so I delight in books that showcase girls honing and using these skills!

But, the book is absolutely suitable for girl AND boy inventors!