“Storyteller and author Lumbard (Angels) takes a multicultural approach to the subject of prayer. Both beginning readers and those still being read to should find this pictorial journey through the major religions’ prayer practices, as depicted by Iranian illustrator Sadeghian (The Knight, the Princess, and the Magic Rock), to be informative and engaging. The text is minimal, but the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations offer details that can serve as discussion starters. For example, “others use [water] for special ceremonies” depicts a baptism; “Some pray with their heads covered” shows a group of Muslim women wearing veils. Prayers from Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and Shintos appear, and geography, rituals, objects, and reasons for prayer are shown (“People pray when they are happy”). An “About The World’s Religions” page that will help adults answer basic questions about the religions mentioned, and a list of notes for each illustration is provided. While everyone on Earth may not actually pray—around one in six people worldwide is not religiously affiliated—Lumbard’s examination respectfully and simply describes commonalities and differences among the billions of believers who do. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)”
—Publishers Weekly
“(PreS-Gr 1) Using simple text, this title touches upon the traditions of prayer in the world’s major religions, treating each custom with respect and reverence. The colorful, detailed illustrations will help children to understand some of the elements of the religious practices by showing scenes of prayer in many different cultures. At the conclusion, the author provides an appendix with information about the religions named as well as a description of each of the scenes depicted throughout, both of which will be helpful for adults sharing this book with children. Although at first glance this title may seem basic, it in fact offers a gentle, effective way to introduce the youngest of children to the world’s religions and what they have in common.”
—
Sarah Reid, from a review in
School Library Journal
“Written especially for young people ages 4-8,
Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World is an easy reader picturebook about the universal nature of religious faith. The thoughtful artwork depicts a Native American sun dance ceremony; visits to the sacred sites of Jerusalem; Japan’s Shinto shrines; Maasi dances in Kenya; pilgrimages to the holy river Ganges in India, and much more. The underlying message is that though people of divergent cultures have many different ways of praying, their expressions of love, humility, and respect for the divine are universal. Highly recommended, especially for its promotion of religious tolerance and understanding — sentiments that the twenty-first century world needs more than ever.”
—from a review in
Children’s Bookwatch, a publication of the
Midwest Book Review
“Synopsis: ‘Christians, Jews, and Muslims all pray. So do Hindus and Buddhists. Many others pray too’. So begins
Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World, a bright and colorful concept book celebrating the diverse ways that people pray. In a vibrant yet accessible manner, young readers are transported on a visual tour across the globe. Children will discover the Native American sun dance ceremony, visit the sacred sites in Jerusalem, behold the Shinto shrines in Japan, watch Maasai dances in Kenya, see pilgrimages to the river Ganges in India, and much, much more. With an appendix to help answer questions children might have,
Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World offers young hearts and minds a chance to learn that although people from other places and cultures may seem different, we all share the diverse world of faith and prayer. And what a bright and beautiful world it is!
“Critique: Informative, exceptionally well organized and presented,
Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World is as informed and informative as it is educative and entertaining, making it an ideal and enthusiastically recommended contribution to school libraries (Preschool - 3rd Grade) and community library Multicultural and Religion/Spirituality picturebook collections for children ages 4 to 8.”
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Reviewer’s Bookwatch (Midwest Book Review)
“Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, among others, are portrayed through bright and thoughtful illustrations that illuminate the commonalities between religions in a manner accessible to children. The notes at the back of the book offer definitions for more advanced readers.”
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ForeWord Reviews