Additional information
by Dorena Williamson (Author), Erin Susanne Banks (Illustrator)
Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award
No longer is church a divided space
Now it's a celebration place!
Church is more than just a building--it's a gathering of God's people to celebrate who he is and all that he has done. Welcome to The Celebration Place, a beautifully illustrated book that invites children to envision God's dream for a delightfully diverse church. Authored by Dorena Williamson and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Erin Bennett Banks, this book inspires kids to see the beauty of community, unity, and justice in God's kingdom.
The Celebration Place helps kids and families explore themes of inclusivity and belonging, emphasizing that church is a place where God's people celebrate diversity, work together, and learn about God's vision for justice and unity. That was the message that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared, and it's an important message for us today. Because of God's great love, church should be the best celebration place!
This delightful rhyme, accompanied by colorful illustrations, will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.
Key features:
- Fully Illustrated: Stunning artwork that captures the imagination and brings the message to life
- Parent and Caregiver Message: Includes a message from the author to help families discuss the book's themes with children
- A Heartfelt Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Highlights the legacy of Dr. King's vision and work for justice andunity
Perfect for Christian parents, caregivers, church leaders, and educators, The Celebration Place encourages families to celebrate the vibrant, inclusive family of God. Share this meaningful story with the children in your life, and start conversations about faith, justice, and the beauty of diversity. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!
Author Biography
Erin Bennett Banks is an illustrator with a passion for rich narratives and culturally distinct storytelling. Banks has illustrated seven children's books, earning recognition by The New York Times, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights. She has created artwork for Highlights for Children Magazine, Candlewick Press, McGraw-Hill, The Weekly Reader, and Harvard Business Review. Banks lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her illustrator husband and three creative girls.
Dorena Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God's diverse kingdom. She writes children's books that adults also enjoy and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughtFull, and GraceFull. Priorto becoming an author, Dorena enjoyed a career as a social counselor, a worship leader, and a stylist. In 1995, Dorena and her husband, Chris, cofounded Strong Tower Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, a multicultural fellowship passionate about biblical justice and God's diverse kingdom.
