There are so many more Christian picture books for children than when my daughter was little. Some look tired and old-fashioned – even though the thoughts may be true. Others are more commercial, but perhaps a bit askew here and there. Rarely, do I find one I am thrilled to have found and suggest to others.
When I Pray For You by Matthew Paul Turner is a new picture book from a Christian perspective. I absolutely love this book on so many levels – it’s almost ridiculous! You know that secular kids book that makes you cry – the one with the grown man cradling his old mother? While the sentiment is laudable, it just misses the real depth possible of a parent’s love for his or her child.
Turner’s book absolutely gets it – the missing piece in the other book was God and how that makes a parent’s love even deeper and richer. When I Pray For You has everything in it you would ever want to say to your child – or that you hope your older children know. It is beautiful in both its words and its illustrations.
It will make you cry – but in a happy, beautiful, “wow am I ever blessed by God” sort of way – that leaves you grateful, content and peaceful in the end. Even more importantly, it can say what you want to say to your child who perhaps doesn’t quite believe you love or like him at the moment – in ways that can be heard through the emotion, confusion and growing pains.
I rarely say this about a children’s book, but get this one for yourself – gift it to others. Help it be a best seller, because it absolutely deserves to be one. (And hopefully replaces a couple of those weepy secular children’s books in popularity!) I think you will be as thrilled as I am to have it in your library!
This book was given to me for free in exchange for my honest review. An affiliate link is included for your convenience.