When I Pray for You By Matthew Paul Turner: Book Review

Truly this book and the other two children’s books by Matthew Paul Turner are treasures that I am so excited to share with my grandkids. The life affirming words in each book have become prayers and praises as I converse with the children and their Maker. In "When I Pray for You", the author has captured the thoughts, hopes, cheers and fears of every parents and written them into this book, using descriptive, yet crisp language. The author and illustrator were intentional to be inclusive in the illustrations of the children. The pages are filled with diversity, creativity and personality, as you turn the pages, your child will likely see someone who looks like him or her. Finally we have books that feature the beauty and diversity of all the children in our communities.
Matthew Paul Turner has captured childhood beautifully with his words; the prayers, wishes, hopes and dreams of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends for the children in their lives. I'm head over heels for his portrayal of kids just being kids through light saber duels, garage bands, and little girls twirling just to name a few. The illustrations provided by Kimberley Barnes are stunning! So much detail and color. Children will enjoy studying every page. They will find cardboard box forts, feathers exploding from a pillow, a hat made from a pot and many more examples of childhood imagination and angst. I've found myself shedding a tear each time I've read through the pages of "When I Pray for You". My children are grown, but you know what? I still pray these prayers for them. I still pray "you choose hope should you ever face fear. And seek wisdom with patience when the pathway's unclear."
My granddaughters literally argue over who gets to be the little girl on the cover when I read the book to them. This book is sure to be a family favorite for years to come.

Product details

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (February 19, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052565058X
• ISBN-13: 978-0525650584
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.3 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

Wow this book is the cutest most heartwarming book ever. To pray over a child has to be the biggest blessing you can bestow upon a child. The prayer is so sweet and thoughtful and just to pray a prayer over the life of a little one is just amazing. I loved it and made it my own. I’m reading this prayer over my great nieces and loving them while I read to them. This book touched my heart and I’m so blessed to be able to review it. Read and be a blessings.