When I Talk to You: A Cartoonist Talks to God

by Michael Leunig

With its inspirational and insightful prayers and illustrations, When I Talk to You helps readers deepen their awareness of their soul, their inner voice, and God. While the demand for inspirational books is ever expanding, this book takes a refreshing and creative approach that's unlike any other.



When asked to pen a weekly cartoon for Melbourne's Sunday Age newspaper more than 15 years ago, Michael Leunig struggled with the idea of creating just another humor strip. He recognized the need to offset the anxiety and distress found in the news but was determined to take a decidedly different approach from his cartooning peers.

The result was a cartoon that delivered a spiritual message with its inspirational words and straightforward, poignant drawings. Before long, it developed a huge, faithful following and turned Leunig into an Australian national treasure.

Now, he is sharing his illuminating prayers and drawings worldwide in When I Talk to You , a collection of more than 80 of his poignant prayers and delightful drawings. The book looks at life in all its sadness, joy, and-at times-seeming absurdity, and offers people hope through the power of prayer.

Leunig's encouraging words are part inspiration, part desperation-capturing one man's quest for love, the spirit, and a better world. It's a search that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with life and its unpredictable ways.

Genres: Poetry, Art, Literature, Nonfiction, Australia

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2004

About the author

Michael Leunig, typically referred to as Leunig (his signature on his cartoons), was an Australian cartoonist. His works include The Curly Pyjama Letters, cartoon books The Essential Leunig, The Wayward Leunig, The Stick, Goatperson, Short Notes from the Long History of Happiness and Curly Verse, and The Lot, a compilation of his "Curly World" newspaper columns. Leunig also wrote a book of prayers, When I Talk To You.
He was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1999.

Reviews

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A person kneels before
a duck to reflect upon the
troubles and joys of life, and
offers thanksgivings and
expressions of hope.
The person is praying.
The mind is on its knees.
This is the yearning of the
spirit which leads to love
and the creative world.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite things I've read in a long time! Lovely, sweet, funny, thoughtful prayers.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I realised what this book was when I picked it up.

Interesting. A bit bleak.

A nice, just before bed read page, book.

[Janice Raquela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Leunig the author of this book is an australian cartoonist. This book has a special place in my heart. A littke book of grateful prayers recounting the simple joys of life.

[~Emmy~ REYN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Very Cute.
I would re read this a few times if it was on my shelf

Fun Little In School Read - for the Cartoons

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was lovely. I borrowed this from Chris. There is not a lot to say about this. The prayers are beautiful. The illustrations are also really cute.

We give thanks for the domestic animals.
Those creatures who can trust us enough to come close.
Those creatures who can trust us enough to be true to themselves.
They approach us from the wild.
They approach is from the inner world.
They bring beauty and joy, comfort and peace.
For this miracle and for the lesson of this miracle, we give thanks

Amen

A person kneels before a duck and speaks to it with sincerity. The person is praying.

God give us the strength.
Strength to hold on and strength to let go.

Amen

[Emily Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book this is.
God be with the mother...
May she nourish and protect her inner life...
With great skill and energy we have ignored the state of the human heart...
Go help us to live slowly...
It is time to plant tomatoes...

[Cathy Hasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book...and everything he has written...

[Olive Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favourite books. Intertwines words, images and prayer in such a thoughtful and childlike way.

[Janet Atkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely leunig. Read a prayer a day and put life in perspective.