THANK YOU, GOD, FOR EVERYTHING

A little girl named Daisy is encouraged by her parents to cultivate gratitude in this gentle, encouraging story of Christian faith. Halperin’s imaginative illustrations in pencil and oil show Daisy setting off on a journey of discovery, following ribbon-like paths in sunset hues that take the little girl through space and time to discover the many blessings that surround her. She moves from familiar people and the places she loves out into the wider world, where she finds much to appreciate at different levels, from tiny buds and seeds to broad vistas of forests and mountains. The simple but eloquent text is enhanced by the detailed illustrations, which use widely varying perspectives and a thread of magical realism to allow Daisy’s exploration to expand. Some difficult theological concepts—God as an ever-present friend, for example—are skillfully conveyed through the illustrations, with Daisy following her path past a giant candle, through mysterious doors, over an immense bridge and right back to her waiting parents. (author’s note) (Picture book/religion. 3-6)