by Amy Parker ; illustrated by Leeza Hernandez ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2018
Darling iteration on a common theme.
Inspired by Psalm 118:24, this cheery picture book encourages young readers to seize the day.
Parker (My Christmas Prayer, 2017) employs rhyme to encourage children to get up and get going for a full day expressly designed for them by a loving Creator. From daily hygiene to schoolwork, each activity is imbued with a sense of miraculous potential. Hernandez’s colorful illustrations depict diverse, bright-eyed children exploring and playing together, at school and outdoors, in all seasons. The focus is on every child making the most of each magical day. Though the text has an overall light and celebratory tone, it does attempt to address more difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear. Perseverance and empathy are also addressed, though in a superficial, breezy manner that makes this but a brief introduction to the concepts for young toddler and preschool audiences. Those seeking more in-depth exploration on these topics would do best to look elsewhere. Nevertheless, this book begs to be shared as a read-aloud with audiences that will embrace its faith-based message. A bilingual English/Spanish edition publishes simultaneously.
Darling iteration on a common theme. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 27, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-338-04703-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little Shepherd/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2018
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by David Archuleta ; illustrated by Sara Ugolotti ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2021
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat.
Based on the lyrics of his song by the same name, Archuleta’s foray into picture books calls upon his musical roots as well as his faith.
The book is language-sparse, with most of the story told through Ugolotti’s illustrations. These depict a White child who dreams of playing soccer but must grapple with disappointment. When the unnamed protagonist, who presents male, is not picked to play for the soccer team, he befriends a Black child who presents female and who has also been left out of the game, due to injury. Their initial connection on the sidelines blossoms into a true friendship, proving to be a far richer outcome than the aspiring soccer star could have anticipated. Alongside the visual story runs a little prayer of gratitude thanking God for his presence, patience, and plan in the child’s life. The words are general, with no reference to either soccer or friendship: “Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your eternal presence. / I am learning to be patient and that you are really there.” Though the interracial mixed-gender friendship is cute, the overall prayer and plot are bland. This is useful to augment collections and bookshelves where Christian picture books are in high demand, but it does not stand out from the pack. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-952239-54-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
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by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Kristina Swarner ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2023
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy.
A Black child celebrates their family through prayer and affirmations.
Using repetition (“My mother is a blessing,” “My father is a blessing”), the young narrator prays for various family members, asking that they be kept “safe and well.” Each spread explains why a different member is beloved. The child’s mother “listens to my hopes and dreams” and “watches over me while I sleep.” The child’s father “teaches me to see that rainy days / are lucky days.” Their grandmother “bakes buttery lemon pound cake just for me,” while their grandfather “knows the histories of the world.” Their sister “keeps my secrets” and “helps me find my way,” and their brother “holds my hand when I’m afraid.” Complementing the loving verse, the illustrations are full of warmth and texture and play with geometrical shapes. Godparents, babysitters, and the family dog are even included, too. This book promotes an appreciation for household members as well as the family that can be created outside the home. In an author’s note, Youngblood explains that when she was growing up in Georgia, members of the Black community who weren’t related were often still considered family and that prayer was a big part of her life as a child coping with the death of her birth mother and the realization that she had siblings she’d never met. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy. (Religious picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593234693
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Convergent/Crown
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
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by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Lo Harris
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