This little collection of 38 poems and prayers is just perfect for quiet time before bed. My children grew up with this little book, which, by the way, was sturdy enough to last for years.

One of the beauties of this children's book is that the selections are short enough to memorize and remember for a lifetime.

I like the fact that meal time prayers are included - my kids liked to have a variety of prayers to say grace. What better way for children to practice feeling appreciative than through little poems and prayers that easily come to mind.

I love the gentle illustrations by Martha Alexander. She uses just the right colors to bring light to each page. Her little people are delicate and bright and nice to look at. I've always thought they serve as models of how I should think and act.

I've even seen one of my granddaughters snuggled up on the couch turning through the pages even though not old enough to read.

Any child will look forward to some of the selections, or even the whole book, for their bedtime story. What better way to finish the day than with some uplifting verse or prayer for any of us, young or old!

Details: 32 page paperback; published by Random House Books for Young Readers (August 12, 1973) ISBN: 0394827058

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"Poems and Prayers for the Very Young" - Selected and Illustrated by Martha Alexander

All reviews from the BellaOnline.com Meditation Garden