Prayer for a Child

This Caldecott Medal-winning book has been a classic ever since its original publication in 1941. Rachel Field originally wrote this simple, endearing prayer for her own little girl, but countless young children and their families have been blessed by it over the years. The prayer itself has wide appeal, as it basically just asks God to protect the important things in any child's life - family, friends, toys, and all the other children in the world. The really exquisite, life-imbued pictures of Elizabeth Orton Hand illustrate every part of the prayer, allowing young children who have not yet learned to read to follow along with the prayer as it is read by a loved one. I've no doubt that the reading of this little book could easily become a nightly ritual in many a household. Kids will love the wonderful, colorful artwork, while Christian parents will value the message being communicated to their little one.

I am always on the lookout for classic children's books, especially re-releases, and especially Caldecott honor or medal books. I was surprised to find this recently in an airport bookstore, as I had not seen it anywhere else! The book is just beautiful. I had been on the lookout for a children's book that introduces the concept of prayer in a sweet way, without being too scary or too overtly religious or too over-the-top or too boring. You'd be surprised how little is out there. This old book fit the bill. The illustrations are sweet, simple, and gorgeous, and the words are snug, cozy, warm and comforting. I loved everything about it, and bought it immediately. What a treasure; so glad for the re-issue!

My daughter got this book for Christmas when she was just two months old. To my dismay, it would be several months before she would be content to sit in my lap and listen to me read books, but now that we do that every night (beginning at about 14 months old), "Prayer for a Child" is one of our very favorites. It is one of about four that we MUST read each night.I, like other reviewers, disagree with Horn Book's evaluation of the illustrations being "dated." I also find them sweet and simple and beautiful. Our paperback copy is coming apart so it's time to replace it with a hardback. I love that this covers all the bases of prayer that are relevant to children - toys, home, family, food, friends, all the people in the world. (not necessarily in that order)Reading this book to my daughter will be a treasured memory for a lifetime.

My 16 month old received this book for his 1 year birthday, and I think we've read it at least 3 times a day since then. The illustraions are warm, old-fashioned, and draw in the innocent and gentle nature of the children reading the book. It's absolutely lovely!