IVP Kids is pleased to announce that God, Right Here won a 2024 Catholic Media Award, receiving first place in the Children’s Book Non–Reader category. The CMA Awards spotlight various genres, from theology and spirituality to historical accounts, children’s literature, and more, appreciating the diversity and richness within Catholic writing.

Written by Kara Lawler and illustrated by Jennie Poh, God, Right Here also earned the 2023 gold Mom’s Choice Award Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval.

God, Right Here is a celebration of God’s creation and the changing seasons. It reminds children that God’s handiwork can be found all throughout nature and every season is full of beauty and wonder. No matter the time of year, the wonders of creation reflect that God is always with us, always right here.

“In God, Right Here, whimsical illustrations combine with captivating narrative to form a celebration of seasons and the God who is present in each one,” said Jenny Albers, author of Courageously Expecting. “Children will adore encountering the treasures found in nature, all while discovering that God is right here, in everything. While we delight in God’s creation, God delights in us—always—which is the message this beautiful book will plant in the hearts of our children.”

Kara Lawler holds a BA in English and an MA in education. She is the author of Everywhere Holy, and her writing has also appeared on The Today Show, Huffington Post, and Parenting.com. As a contributor to magazines and websites, some of Kara’s essays have been read and shared millions of times.

Jennie Poh studied Fine Art at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, alongside illustration courses at Central Saint Martins. As an illustrator, she loves to connect with nature—namely through making her own paintbrushes and textures with leaves, bark, flowers, and anything else she may find while walking outside. She also enjoys using watercolor and inks, which make wonderful splatters and splotches on the page.

For a complete list of IVP award winners, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.