My Tender Heart Prayer Book

Written by Laura Sassi

Illustrated by Sandra Eide

Paraclete Press, 2023

Thanks to Susanna Hill and her blog, Picture Book Builders, I was introduced to Laura Sassi’s new book, My Tender Heart Prayer Book. Thank you, Susanna and Laura, for sending me a copy of this beautiful book!

My Tender Heart Prayer Book is a beautifully illustrated board book. Which means it is sturdy enough to last through repeated readings, accidental food and drink spills, trips in the car, and the myriad of other life experiences of a book living with a child.

This book is filled with easy to read one page prayer prompts. The prayers are all related to things that naturally occur throughout the day of a young child. A title on each page lets the adult reader know the theme of the prayer. Next, the Bible verse(s) is listed. This is followed by a short rhyming prayer, perfect for young children. To finish each page, Laura has included a Heart Moment. This idea is a way for the reader to personally connect with the prayer theme. Some of the Heart Moments include encouraging a child to think of his or her favorite breakfast food and thank Jesus for each one, asking how a child can show love to their family that day, and naming ways God loves them.

My Tender Heart Prayer Book is just right.

Congratulations, Laura and Sandra!