MAMA'S HEART FULL OF PRAYERS

A mother shares how she prays for her child—from before birth through every day of their life—in this sweet rhyming picture book.

From the very first moment the mother learns she’s pregnant, she prays for her future child to be healthy. As the baby moves within her, she prays it will grow up to think on its own and ask questions. While choosing the child’s name, the mother prays for her child to have an impact that will last. And once the child is born, she gives thanks to God: “Then we prayed your ears would hear wisdom, / and you would heed correction, / and every day of your life / would be full of peace, love, and protection.” The mother pledges she will pray for her offspring every day and encourages the child to commune with God as well. With smooth rhymes and a sometimes-syncopated cadence, Dixon offers a lullabylike rhythm for these words of deeply felt hope and love. Though not specified, the phrasing and illustrations (a written prayer, a cross necklace) indicate these prayers are from the Christian tradition. The diversity in the families pictured (Black, Asian, white, multiracial) gives many believers opportunities to see themselves within these pages. Latterell’s fine digitally painted illustrations, which focus on the mothers, radiate the warmth of the families.

A gentle wish; ideal for lap readers in faith-centered families.