When Daddy Prays [Hardcover]

Nikki Grimes (Author), Tim Ladwig (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When Daddy prays, my fear of darkness disappears. . . . So begins this moving story of a little boy who learns what true strength is from his powerful father, whose humble prayers carry the family through each day--no matter what the circumstances. Features stunning illustrations by TimLadwig, the award-winning illustrator of Marys First Christmas.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4--Brimming with love and faith, Grimes's poems celebrate a father's devotion as seen through the eyes of his child. Conversational, simple, and deeply moving, they stress the man's reliance on God in all aspects of his life. Whether cheering at a Little League baseball game, waiting anxiously at the school bus stop, comforting a feverish little boy, begging God to guard the neighborhood, or celebrating the New Year at a Watch Night service, Daddy is a fine role model and source of strength for his children. Some of the poems are lighthearted, too, as when he searches for lost keys or trips over Rollerblades lurking in the hallway. Ladwig's full-page, dynamic illustrations in gouache, gesso, and oils are interestingly lit and offer views from a variety of angles. They show a powerful, dignified African-American man at work and at home. As in the text, his obvious physical prowess contrasts tellingly with his spiritual dependence on the Lord. Poignant, beautifully expressed poems with a decidedly Christian slant.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3-5. Grimes' characters aren't as realistic here as in her Stepping Out with Grandma Mac (2001), and Ladwig's glossy illustrations of an African American family have a greeting-card sweetness far removed from his heartrending masterpiece, Psalm Twenty-Three (1995). But younger kids will enjoy the blend of playfulness and faith in the pictures and the poems about a small boy's loving bond with his big, strong, gentle dad. In "Like Him" the boy tries on Daddy's clothes and then shuffles down the hall to kneel and pray with his father: "Our Father, whose heart is heaven." In "Earth Angel" the boy helps Daddy pull weeds at his gardening job, and Daddy gives thanks to the Gardener. "Bus Stop" is about Daddy's fear when the bus the boy is on is late, and his anguished thanks to the Lord when his son arrives safely. It's the gritty, humane vision as well as the reverence that will draw families to these vignettes of daily life. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802851525
• ISBN-13: 978-0802851529
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,389,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nikki Grimes conveyed the fire-in-the-belly fervor of a Harlem girl who knows she was born to write in Jazmin's Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. In My Man Blue, a Booklist Editor's Choice and Newsweek Children's Books of the Year selection, her artful words expressed a boy's journey from skepticism to trust. And now with Bronx Masquerade she presents a rich chorus of eighteen voices, singing openly about ideas, feelings, and questions--things that open minds, invite debate, provide release. A recent Booklist review proclaims: "As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for--real characters who show them they are not alone."An accomplished poet, novelist, journalist, and educator, Ms. Grimes was born and raised in New York City and now lives in the Los Angeles area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book to Teach Kids to Pray, March 9, 2003

By 

shoutgrace "savedbyhisgrace" (Charleston, WV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Daddy Prays (Hardcover)

When Daddy Prays is a collection of poems and verses to help a child to learn about prayer. The book tells about a child learns just that from his father. The same as we learn from our Heavenly Father. The Father's prayers help carry the family throughout each day. No matter what the situations or circumstances prayer brings them closer.

I recommend this to any parent, Christian or non-Christian as a teaching tool for their children. Showing them the value and importance of prayer and bringing families closer together in the bonds of love and faith in the Lord Jesus. The illustrations are beautiful, too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, April 8, 2002

By 

C. Trent "Book lover" (Carlisle, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Daddy Prays (Hardcover)

Our library recently purchased this book. I loved it. The illustrations are wonderful, but the verses and prayers truly speak to the heart.