Prayer is

As a family gathers around the breakfast table, joins hands, and bows their heads in prayer, a child opens one questioning eye to the scene: "We pray./ But what is prayer?" In the following pages, Fryer Brown and Harris gently expand the notion of prayer beyond one of petition, offering reassuring text and warm-hued slice-of-life vignettes. The practice is defined variously: as expressing "what's deep in our hearts," as comfort, as hope, as forms of mindfulness and listening, and more. And while prayer can often come easily, the text suggests, it can also be challenging, especially "when we're mad," as in a scene that finds a child lying, frustrated, in bed. Through it all, the concept emerges as one component of connection to loving community--and "a gift from God that everyone gets to use.... No matter who we are/ or what we do." Characters are portrayed with brown skin. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)

We can all pray, anytime. What is prayer? Prayer is sharing, an expression of our big feelings and hopes. Prayer is mindfulness, a feeling of calm, and a way to uplift others. We can pray anywhere, at any time, in any way we feel moved to do so: "on a ride, / in a storm, / under the stars… / In a crowd, / with a friend, all alone… // In a shout or in a whisper. In song or in silence." Prayer can also be tough, especially when things don't turn out how we wanted. But trying still counts. Prayer is gratitude, apology, a blessing for all--"the weak and the strong, / believers and doubters." No matter what, "God loves us and wants to hear from us." More a list of musings than a narrative, Brown's quietly empowering verse offers a multifaceted, child-friendly exploration of the topic. Harris' energetic visuals, suffused in light, complement the text nicely with depictions of a Black family going about their day--eating breakfast, visiting elders, and attending church services, where the book's young protagonist sings in the choir. No specific church denominations are mentioned, allowing a variety of Christian readers to see their experiences reflected here. A quiet, feel-good prayer in and of itself.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.