The golden rule gets the spotlight in this tale of selflessness. To provide for their large family, Miguel and his father travel from town to town to sell delicious pastries. Each town welcomes the duo’s arrival through song and dance, though the poor cannot afford the treats. Feeling pity for their plight, Papa graciously donates his baked goods to the struggling villagers. Concern for their family’s welfare causes Miguel and his mother to question this generosity, but his gift is returned threefold when the recipients share their skills with Papa and his growing brood. By focusing on prayer's inspirational power rather than specific doctrine, the nondenominational approach appeals broadly. The religious message cannot escape an earnest wholesomeness, though it refrains from didacticism. Biblical quotations support the straightforward narration. Repetitive dialogue builds the familiar arc to its uplifting conclusion, though the nondescript Latin setting cannot root it. Soft colors suit the quiet message; rounded shapes reveal a sweet vulnerability within each light spread. Overall, Christian charity receives a gentle endorsement. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-71602-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Zondervan
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2010
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
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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