Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

Today I am very happy to share my friend Laura Sassi‘s new book! Laura has a whole shelf full of lovely books, many of which I have reviewed here (including Little Ewe and Love Is Kind and Goodnight Ark) and I recommend them all! 😊

As a special treat, Laura herself has provided an activity to go along with the book, and she is offering a giveaway! Leave a comment on today’s post by Thursday October 5th at 5PM Eastern and you could be the lucky randomly selected winner of a copy of today’s Perfect Picture Book! (US addresses only)

Title: My Tender Heart Prayer Book

Written By: Laura Sassi

Illustrated By: Sandra Eide

Publisher: Paraclete Press, August 29, 2023, poems

Suitable For Ages: Baby to 5

Themes/Topics: prayer, gratitude, love

text copyright Laura Sassi 2023, illustration copyright Sandra Eide 2023, Paraclete Press

Opening:
“Wake Up Prayer
Psalm 118:24

The sun is up. It’s time to pray.
Thank you, Jesus, for this day.

The songbirds sing. The bunnies prance.
The crickets chirp. I want to dance!

I jump. I twirl. Joy fills my heart.
I’m ready for this day to start!

Heart Moment: Jump for joy. Tell Jesus something you are excited for today.”

Brief Synopsis: A collection of simple prayers for all daily activities from waking up through going to bed, including inspirational words and “heart moments”.

text copyright Laura Sassi 2023, illustration copyright Sandra Eide 2023, Paraclete Press

Links To Resources:

An Activity from Author Laura Sassi: Take Your Kids on a “Counting Wonders” Scavenger Hunt!

After praying the “Counting Wonders Prayer”—and looking for all 10 wonders in Sandra Eide’s adorable illustration—extend the concept of praying to God anywhere and anytime by going on your own “Counting Wonders” prayer walk. Focus on finding ten marvelous examples of God’s creation. For example, pictured below are some I found on my walk this morning.  

As you go, thank God for each one. To extend the fun after you pray (or while), grab a clipboard, crayons, and this handy printable scavenger hunt sheet that I created to go with the poem. Then, as you walk, draw what you find. For example, I drew one bunny, four pinecones, seven acorns and ten berries. Everyone’s hunt will be different. Have fun!

Why I Like This Book: This gentle book is filled with ways to appreciate and treasure all the little moments in a child’s day. Although written for the Christian market, it is filled with inspiring words that can help all kids take note of the wonder around them, encourage them to show love and kindness, and provide comfort in times of sadness, reminding them that they are never alone. Each prayer includes a “Heart Moment” that provides a way of acting on the sentiment of the prayer. The prayers are simple, written in engaging rhyme, some lively, some sweet, but all just right to help young readers feel connected with God throughout the day.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊 And don’t forget to leave a comment to qualify for the giveaway!!!