This week on the podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer sit down with children’s book author Talia Messina to talk about her upcoming picture book, God’s Name for Me, releasing from Tyndale Kids in September 2025.

We all have funny or affectionate nicknames given by family and loved ones—names that may be silly, sweet, or deeply personal, but still part of who we are. Does your child have a special nickname that’s just for them?

In God’s Name for Me, Talia Messina brings together a diverse group of children who share the playful nicknames they’ve received from parents, grandparents, and friends. Through these stories, kids are gently reminded that while nicknames can be fun and meaningful, there is one name that matters most: the name God gives them, spoken out of His perfect love.

This heartfelt children’s book helps young readers discover God’s “super special” name for them—freely given simply because they are exactly who He created them to be. The message is clear and powerful: being God’s child has nothing to do with personality, appearance, energy level, size, behavior, or how others treat us. Instead, our identity is rooted entirely in God’s unconditional love for His precious children.

Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and ministry leaders, this episode explores faith-based identity, God’s love for children, and how Christian picture books can help kids understand who they are in Christ.

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The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

S8Ep2: Talia Messina - God’s Name for Me