GOD IS WITH ME THROUGH THE DAY

This gently worded story seeks to introduce children to the concept that God is always present for those who have faith. The simple text is written in first person with just one sentence per page set in a large, cheerful typeface in varying colors. Though the words convey a cohesive story about feeling alone, facing fears and finding a brave attitude, the choice of photographic illustrations of different animals does not serve it well. Since there are various creatures on succeeding pages, there is no clear narrative voice to connect with the text, with some animals corresponding to the narrator and others seemingly to God. In addition, several of the photographs are confusing in relation to the relevant text; for example, an orca illustrates a reference to Jonah and the whale—given that it is much smaller than the scriptural whale, which is it meant to represent? The story, such as it is, would have been more effective had it been illustrated with a child as the narrator. To be published with its companion, God Is with Me through the Night (ISBN: 978-0-310-71563-4). (Picture book/religion. 3-5)