PRAYERS FOR A BETTER WORLD

A small trim size, cheerful colors and short prayers with just a few lines of text make this British import a fine choice as an introduction to prayer for younger children. The collection of 38 mostly rhyming prayers includes several based on familiar Bible verses and many original prayers by Piper and a few additional authors. Also included is the “All things both great and small” snippet from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The collection is organized into thematic divisions such as “For Planet Earth,” “For Green and Growing Things” and “For Peace and Justice.” Simple, bright illustrations of preschool-age children of different ethnic groups show the little ones enjoying the outdoors, alternating with scenes of the natural world with appealing animals and birds. The prayers refer to God in a general way (but not to Jesus), and there is a contemporary feel to them, with a focus on treating other people and the earth with kindness and respect. Short, simple and not too sweet. (index of first lines) (Picture book/religion. 2-7)