BOOK CORNER

In celebration of the fact that we now have a Toddlers Service, my suggestion for May is from a series of 'Knee High Books' (in title not size!) called Prayers for a Small Child, colourful and exquisitely illustrated by Eloise Wilkin.

I particularly liked the wide range of prayers encompassing the world of the Toddler. There is a choice of three table graces, including the well known and much loved 'Thank you for the world so sweet'. A charming prayer for the Spring: -

Winter's gone, and bright warm sun
Tells us springtime has begun:
For budding flower and busy bee,
Dear God, we give our thanks to Thee.

There is general appreciation of the weather - yes rain too. Whereas an adult might complain about the damp, cold and wet washing etc., children can see things in a more positive light: -

Thank God, who sends the gentle rain
That thirsty flowers may drink again -
For puddles on the garden path
Where little birds may take a bath.

Most of the prayers are generally short and poetic - easy to learn by heart. Amongst the selection of evening prayers is the lovely, 'Now I lay me down to sleep'.

The book ends with the most important prayer of all - The Lord's Prayer - which is illustrated by children playing in the springtime, sheep grazing nearby.

A delightful addition to any little one's library.

Prayers for a Small Child. (Random House, New York.)

Lynn Winter

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page last updated 5 MAY 2000