A FAMILY PRAYER

by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Kristina Swarner ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2023

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

Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION