Saturday, April 30, 2011

Book Review: This Little Prayer of Mine

I received a sweet children's book to review as part of the Blogging for Books program.  This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano showed up at my house earlier this week, and Trina insisted that I read it to her, oh, the moment she first saw it.

I was happy to oblige.

From the publisher:
I know you're up in heaven, God,
and can hear my voice from there.
I'm just a little child.
Will you answer my short prayer?


So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age.

With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening, caring, and eager to respond to their requests. They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy.

Most importanly, This Little Prayer of Mine reminds children—and those who love them—that they can trust God to tenderly care for them, no matter what the future holds.
Trina snuggled up with me, as this was a book that screamed out to be read all snuggled up.  She adored the amazing illustrations by Mark Elliott.  The first page has a little girl with her ponytails and in her footed pajamas, kneeling by the bed with her slightly older brother -- with mom ("whose ponytail looks just like yours, Mom!") peeking around to see.  Oh, yeah, Trina was totally enthralled.

The first time through the book I don't think Trina got much of a message.  Mostly it was, "Look, Richard would love that biplane!" or "her doll looks just like mine!"  In other words, she was totally engrossed in the illustrations.  And there are plenty of amazing lessons to be drawn just from them -- the very sad little boy on the steps, the boy wanting to go play instead of going to school.  We had some fabulous conversations.

On subsequent journeys through the story, she is starting to hear the text, and the message that God is there and God does care, and we can trust Him to take care of us.

Lovely book.  Absolutely lovely.




I would truly appreciate you for "ranking" my review with the link above.  Thank you!


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.



5 comments:

Marie said...

I saw this review and almost had a heartattack. "NO this review can't be due today!!" Then I realized it wasn't a Crew review...I can breath again, lol.
All of that went through my head and then I realized...well even if it were due today it would be an easy review and I'll be home later this afternoon...definitely could get it done. I'm such a nut!

Debra said...

Marie -- LOL. Literally. Thought I'd wake Trina.

I have SO done this before. Someone will post a book I have for one of these other places, and I'll panic...

Glad I'm not alone, sorry for giving you a heart attack...

kewkew said...

This book looks great. Thanks for the review. I also ranked your review.
Blessings

Cristi said...

Why is it that every time you review a new book, my wish list gets longer and longer? ;)

Debra said...

Thanks, kewkew and Cristi! I try to make wish lists expand. :) Mine keeps getting longer too. All the books I don't get to review.