Amy Parker (1)

I almost like this book. I really liked it in the beginning until the stanza about praying, and the end, where everything is under god’s purview. That immediately means that this book cannot be used in story time for many librarians. It’s such a shame because it rhymes well. The pictures are great and everything about it works. Until religion is mentioned.

This book is a wonderful combination of Bible stories and bedtime wind-down.

The cover is nice and robust, and inviting to even littler hands. The jacket holds a picture in white and blue of sheep lying in a pasture and staring up at a starry sky—peaceful, dreamy and inviting for bedtime. Before the entire thing begins, there's a quick note to parents which explains that these are favorite Bible stories told in such a way to make a perfect bedtime read. After that, the book is broken down show more into the New Testament and Old Testament, each one holding 15 of the most known and loved tales.

The first thing which made me smile was found in the Table of Content. The Bible stories, while very familiar, are given interesting and cute titles such as 'The Wimpy Warrior' (the story of Gideon), ' Angels in the Sky' (angels appearing to shepherds), or 'The Nice Neighbor' (the good Samaritan). The Bible tales are written at a level young listeners are sure to understand and even comes across with very natural dialogue and vocabulary for that age group. They read like bedtime stories without losing the message. During each story, a fitting, two-line rhyme is inserted, which kids will quickly pick up on and repeat. They add fun while allowing the listener to get involved just a little bit. The prayers at the end are short, meaningful and sweet. Add a last night-night phrase with the story's main individual, and the stage is set for a comfortable sleep.

The illustrations are bright, soothing and bring across the characters and stories nicely. It's fun to glance through them, and many are easy to recognize. The prayer is accompanied by a modern day scene to bring the story back closer to home. They offer just enough to look at to keep things interesting without hyping up the tension to make sleep more difficult.

I really enjoyed the stories as well as the way they were done, and can recommend it to anyone looking for this type of bedtime read. It's a wonderful way to introduce the Bible stories, keep them interesting and give that last bit of warmth before dreamland sets in.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers. show less

First sentence: Getting Mom to take a rest
is hard to do--it's true!
She seems to want to stay up late
No matter what you do!
The key is starting early!
When you get out of bed,
Make sure you're right by Mommy's side
Before she lifts her head.

Premise/plot: This picture book has some role reversal going on. A young child is telling readers how to properly take care of Mom--all day and all night.

My thoughts: This one was cute. There are clues throughout that give it a Christian twist. Like a show more banner/sign/decoration in their home that says, "Be still and know that I am God." The illustrations celebrate the ordinary home life--a blessing from the Lord for sure. In one illustration, for example, the mom is surrounded by her two kids and her CAT. The illustrations don't always match perfectly with the narrative. Sometimes they reveal the messiness of life instead of good intentions. Sometimes the illustrations hold all the humor. For example, the child is encouraging you, the reader, to help your mom at the store by keeping the list and checking things off. Meanwhile the illustrations reveal, him putting FIVE boxes of Dino O's in the cart. I'm going to guess this is a sugary cereal that they maybe don't need five boxes of! (Though I could be wrong and it could be dinosaur shaped pasta.) The book ends with a prayer. show less

First sentence: Dear Parent, This little book is a collection of 365 simple, Bible-based prayers to spark conversations between your little ones and Jesus. We believe prayer—seeking Jesus every day, in every way—is the most transformational tool with which we can empower our children. And the earlier we start, the better. We have carefully written these prayers to be relatable to preschoolers, in language they can understand. Each short prayer can be read aloud by the parent and includes show more a quick, bold line for your child to repeat before saying, “Amen.”

This prayer book for young children [toddlers through lower elementary] contains 365 prayers. These prayers are arranged in thematically into sections: "When I Am Happy," "When I Am Sad," "When I Am Afraid," "When I Am Thankful," "When I Worry," "When I Am Angry," When I Feel Alone," "When Someone is Mean," "When I Need to Share," "When I Need Help," "When I Need to Forgive," When I Need Peace," "When I've Done Something Wrong," "When I Don't Know What To Do," "When I Have to Do Hard Things," "When I Don't Understand," "When I Wonder About God," "When I Wonder About Jesus," "When I Wonder About the Bible," "When I Wonder About Heaven."

The prayers are straight-forward, kid-friendly, relatable, concise, not overly flowery, not unnaturally rhyming. In other words, everything I personally think a kid's prayer book should be.

My first impression is that I would have absolutely LOVED this book as a kid. I think I would have worn out a copy of it. Not because it being poorly made, but because I could imagine my younger self praying some of these sections through OFTEN. I appreciate the child's point of view that has been kept front and center. Will every reader find it authentic? I can only say that I found it authentic.

As an adult I appreciate the doctrinal skeleton upon which these prayers are built. There is a strong biblical foundation. I feel--for whatever it's worth--that the author of these prayers is familiar with the Word of God, values the Word of God, upholds the Word of God as being the VERY (actual) Word of God.

This book certainly could be read cover to cover, one prayer a day. BUT I think the value is in the fact that you can use it as a resource. As many times a day as you want, for example, and matching the prayer with the day's experiences and emotions. This book isn't necessarily something to "check off" a list, a "duty" to be done. It is a practical, in-the-moment guide to ease parents and young children into prayer. Again, I think the emphasis is not pray these exact prayers forever and ever. I think it is a way to train hearts and minds to talk naturally with God. I wouldn't be surprised if the ultimate goal was for little ones to begin praying their own words to God.

Sample prayers [aka Quotes]

Dear Jesus, Just knowing that You are with me makes me happy. I love singing songs about You. I love reading about You. I love talking to You. Thank You for bringing so much joy! Amen.

Dear Jesus, The Bible reminds us that we are happy when we trust in You (Proverbs 16:20). It helps me feel safe and loved to know that You are always there. Thank You for being someone I can count on. Help me always to know that I can trust in You. Amen.

Dear Jesus, I know that You are powerful. I know that You made me, and You have known me from the very beginning. I know that You made me to have all kinds of feelings—feelings like sadness and happiness and excitement and anger. Thank You for caring about how I feel, Jesus. Amen.

Jesus, Sometimes when my mind and body are tired, they can make me cry. I know that my mind and body need rest. Thank You for giving us feelings to remind us of what we need. Help me to get the rest I need, Jesus. Amen.

When I’m sad or grumpy, I’m not always very nice. Instead of spreading joy, I make others feel bad. Jesus, help me to love others like You do. Help me to be nice to everyone around me, even when I don’t feel like being nice. Amen.

Dear Jesus, Being sad can sometimes feel like too much. Sometimes it can seem like no one understands. Sometimes it can seem like no one can fix it. But You can, Jesus. Help me remember to talk to You when I’m sad. Amen.

Dear Jesus, Sometimes I’m afraid of something that ends up being silly, like trying a new food. Sometimes I let my fear grow too big. And other times my fears are important. They keep me safe. Help me to know the difference. Jesus, please calm my fears. Amen.

Jesus, Thank You for the people I can go to when I’m afraid. Thank You for the people who listen to my fears. Thank You for the people who hold me close and tell me that I’m safe. Thank You, Jesus, for the people who help calm my fears. Amen.

Jesus, In the Bible, You say not to worry (Matthew 6:31). But I do. I worry about big things. I worry about little things. I worry about things I can’t control. So help me, Jesus. Help me not to worry. Amen.

Jesus, Sometimes when I’m angry, I do mean things that I shouldn’t. I use my hands and feet and body to show my anger and hurt other people. Please forgive me. Help me, Jesus, to use my words to tell why I am angry. Amen.

Oh, Jesus, You’ve given us the best gift! You give us Your peace. Your peace calms the storms. It cleans up the messes. It makes our hearts feel better when they are sad. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me Your peace. Amen.

Dear Jesus, The Bible tells us that when we have Your words in our heart, they help us choose right over wrong (Psalm 119:11). Jesus, help me to listen to and know the words You’ve given us. Jesus, help me to keep Your words in my heart so that I do the right thing. Amen.

Even when we think we do understand something, the Bible tells us not to depend on ourselves (Proverbs 3:5–6). It’s not that we shouldn’t learn and understand things, but that we should trust God more. Jesus, help me trust God more than the things I learn and understand. Amen.

I know that You are perfect. And I’m not. I can be mean and selfish and grumpy and stubborn. But the Bible tells us that You didn’t come to the world to tell us how bad we are. You came so that we could be saved (John 3:17). Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Jesus, Your Word tells us that the Bible was breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16). I imagine someone’s foggy breath on a cold day—maybe that’s like God’s holy breath creating the Bible. When I don’t know what to do, when I feel like God is far away, help me to remember to pick up my Bible. Jesus, help me to remember that the Bible is the breath of God. Amen.

Oh, Jesus, Help me to remember that the words You have given me aren’t just words. You said that they are spirit and life (John 6:63). They help me grow closer to You, and, when I obey them, they help me have the best life. Jesus, help me always to learn from the Bible so that I will have Your spirit and life. Amen. show less