This Little Prayer of Mine - book review

I was sent this book recently to review.  I don't get a whole lot of children's books, so take my review with that in mind.

As I read the book, I found the story easy to read and the artwork engaging.  This would be a simple to read and generally enjoyable nighttime book for children ages 3 and up I would guess.

But here comes the big but of the review - but I found it lacking and frustrating because it was clear the author did not want to use the word Jesus so that they could appeal to the largest market possible.  Is this a trivial detail?  Not to me.  Every page turn, I looked for it, hoping, waiting for it to appear.  Never did it.  And it is precisely because of this that I cannot recommend it, in spite of very good art and a cohesive story line.  Does everything have to have Jesus?  No.  But when we are talking about God over and over in my house, it does.  With a few small edits this could be an outstanding children's book.  You can see below this approach was intentional as the publisher points it out proudly.


From the Publisher:

Book:  This Little Prayer of Mine

Author:  Anthony DeStefano, Illustrated by Mark Elliott

Dates:  April 5-9

Summary:   Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging  rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always  just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. (meh.) Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author Bio:

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.