Finding Joy in Little Moments: A Review of Great and Small Prayers for Babies
As a mom, bedtime can sometimes feel like a whirlwind. Between brushing teeth, picking out pajamas, and a hundred little "I need a snack!" moments, it can be a challenge to squeeze in that precious quality time with my little ones. One evening, in a bid to calm the chaos, I decided to pull out a new book I’d recently found: Great and Small Prayers for Babies by B&H Kids. Little did I know, this charming board book would not only captivate my kids but also create those quiet moments of connection we all crave.
This delightful book introduces adorable pairs of animals, each accompanied by a simple prayer of gratitude. The concept is as sweet as it sounds—thank you, God, for great and small animal friends! Each spread features a larger animal with its tiny companion peeking out from flaps, making it wonderfully interactive for little hands. My youngest, who is just learning to lift flaps, was completely enchanted as we revealed a shy little rabbit hiding under a lion’s paw.
What struck me most was how the simplicity of the text paired with such delightful illustrations (kudos to the artistic team!) truly encouraged discussion. My five-year-old giggled delightfully at the prospect of “scaring” the large animal and finding the hidden little one, while my two-year-old couldn’t help but mimic each animal sound we came across. We spent ages making “roar” and “squeak” noises, which sparked a funny conversation about what our pets would think of these wild creatures.
A particularly sweet moment occurred on a rainy afternoon when my older child decided to read the book to her little sister. Watching her attempt the animal sounds and prayers felt like such a beautiful bond blossoming right before my eyes. It was a gentle reminder of the values we aim to instill—gratitude, kindness, and connection with the world around us.
Honestly, the book’s inviting format makes it ideal for early readers. It’s chunky enough for tiny hands but still light enough to hold comfortably. Each prayer encourages a sense of thankfulness, and the tactile experience of lifting each flap makes for an engaging read-aloud. One of my favorite pages features a gruff bear with a skittish mouse hiding beneath. The juxtaposition of their sizes isn’t just adorable; it teaches a lesson about friendship in all its forms.
So, who would I recommend Great and Small Prayers for Babies to? It’s an excellent choice for families with little ones aged baby to two years, especially those looking to incorporate gentle faith-based themes into their reading routine. I can absolutely see this being a go-to gift for baby showers or first birthdays. If you’re a parent like me, who appreciates the value of slowing down to share heartfelt moments with your children, this book is certainly a delightful addition to your collection.
In our chaotic world, where moments of calm are often fleeting, Great and Small Prayers for Babies reminds us to pause and express gratitude for the little things—like the joy of reading together. It’s safe to say this book will be a favorite in our home for a long time to come, further proving that sometimes, it’s the simplest stories that have the most profound impact.
