Emma and Mommy Talk to God [Paperback]

Marianne Williamson (Author), Julia Noonan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

"Mommy, who is God?"

Emma isn't quite sure who God is and what it means to believe in Him. Through loving talks with her mother, Emma realizes that God is always with her to help her find her way. Marianne Williamson, internationally acclaimed author and philosopher, shares her insights while Julia Noonan's glowing paintings infuse this inspirational story with warmth and light.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Best known for her book A Return to Love and her commentary on A Course in Miracles, Marianne Williamson now turns her attention to children. In an epilogue to parents, she writes that she hopes this volume supports parents who wish to teach their children about the power of prayer and forgiveness and the experience of God. Unfortunately, this book will more likely mislead children about the power of prayer, and it may even leave them convinced that they are failures or unworthy of God's attention. The book begins with Emma and Mommy praying together as Mommy tells Emma of God's love for everyone. Emma learns that God is always with her, that she need not be afraid. Later in the book, however, Emma encounters a mean boy at school. Mommy encourages her to pray for the mean boy, and, as if by magic, he is a perfect gentleman the next day. That is an unfortunate impression to leave with children, who will most likely not have such rapid and direct answers to their prayers and will consider that they have only themselves to blame. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?An obviously didactic but nondenominational text centers on God's love and the power of prayer. Emma's mother has taught her from earliest childhood to thank God daily for her blessings and to trust that He will always care for her. Awakening in the night, the child is frightened until she remembers that God is with her. When she is picked on by a boy at school, she prays for his well-being, and he becomes kind and helpful. Emma and her mother have a close, loving relationship in which the child is warmly praised for her faith and concern for others. She is told that she came from heaven to her family, sent by God, who loves all people everywhere. The plot is minimal and obvious but successful as a religious teaching tool. Done in a technique of idealized realism, the attractive full- and double-page illustrations glow with a soft golden light that gives a feeling of happiness and comfort. The angels, mostly young white females, are beautiful in their robes of muted colors and smilingly enfold the children in the story.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperTrophy (January 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060799269
• ISBN-13: 978-0060799267
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,679,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to show children God is in their lives, June 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Emma and Mommy Talk to God (Hardcover)

The first time I read this story to my daughter (then 4), she asked that I substitute her name for Emma's - she was so thrilled to see what we do every day reflected in a book. I like the fact that this book refers to "talking to God" rather than "praying" - a much easier concept for small children to grasp and adopt. The drawings are ethereal and loving, and the love and respect Ms. Williamson has for her daughter and all children is palpable. I can't recommend this book enough to parents of small children (and even for the parents themselves!). Barbara Seidel ([e-mail])

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This books is an excellent example for Children and ADULTS!!, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Emma and Mommy Talk to God (Hardcover)

What a heart-warming story for the young and young-at-heart! The world would be a better place if more people followed the advice given by this author!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good book to open the discussion of God with your child., January 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Emma and Mommy Talk to God (Hardcover)

This book is a great springboard for discussing the concept of God with your child. The subject of God is approached from a very general standpoint, making it appropriate reading for readers with a variety of religious backgrounds.