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Doing Something New: A Prayer for Beginnings
Jesus, now I come to you,
at the start of something new . . .
Children all encounter change differently. And whether a new year, a new school, a new neighborhood, or a new team, change can be hard. Through Doing Something New, award-winning author Mitali Perkins reminds kids that wherever they go and whatever they do, in all of these changes they are not Jesus is with them. And not only is Jesus with them, but he also understands and empathizes with them because he, too, has experienced new and difficult things. In Doing Something New, you'll find a heartfelt prayer kids can lift to God during times of newness and change, a charming story brought to life through Andrés Landazábal’s vibrant illustrations of children in new everyday situations, and a note from the author to encourage further conversation about trusting Jesus in the midst of hard things. Doing Something New is a prayer that offers children—and the adults who read with them—language to pray in times of change or stress. Rooted in the promises of the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-10, this book provides comfort and reassurance that everything matters to Jesus. Share Doing Something New with the children in your life and help them see how Jesus is with them in every moment of their lives.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Mitali Perkins
28 books582 followersMitali Perkins has written many books for young readers as well as a couple for adults, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for the National Book Award) Rickshaw Girl (a NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years, film adaptation at rickshawgirlmovie.com), Bamboo People (an ALA Top 10 YA novel), and Forward Me Back to You, which won the South Asia Book Award for Younger Readers. Her newest novel, Hope in the Valley, received five starred reviews and was selected as a Best Book for Young Readers by Kirkus and Book Page. She currently writes and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area: mitaliperkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 11, 2026
This is a really great book for children who going through something new in their life. It is written as a prayer that rhymes and is also supported with verses of the Beatitudes which connect well with the context of the prayer. It also links well with the experiences in Jesus’ life and how the Jesus also experienced some of the things that the child is struggling with. Likewise, the child also prays that they can be a bit like Jesus in some positive character traits.
Each page is beautifully illustrated. Cultural diversity is depicted in the pictures with different ethnicities of the children. The picture do a really great job of bringing the story to life.
There is a lovely note from the author at the end of the book, sharing about her experience of being in different places as a child and how she found it challenging. This book addresses a need that she had then, and such a book would have been a good help to her back then. There are a couple of suggested discussion questions that a carer can talk about with their child.
Although the main focus is on new situations, there are some situations in the book that children may find themselves experiencing at other times in their lives too, like loneliness and arguments among friends.
This is an ideal book for Christian families with young children, around ages 4-7, although I’m sure older kids would also benefit from reading it too. It will be a great emotional support for children experiencing some of the challenges mentioned in the book. Highly recommended.
Thank you to InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.
Each page is beautifully illustrated. Cultural diversity is depicted in the pictures with different ethnicities of the children. The picture do a really great job of bringing the story to life.
There is a lovely note from the author at the end of the book, sharing about her experience of being in different places as a child and how she found it challenging. This book addresses a need that she had then, and such a book would have been a good help to her back then. There are a couple of suggested discussion questions that a carer can talk about with their child.
Although the main focus is on new situations, there are some situations in the book that children may find themselves experiencing at other times in their lives too, like loneliness and arguments among friends.
This is an ideal book for Christian families with young children, around ages 4-7, although I’m sure older kids would also benefit from reading it too. It will be a great emotional support for children experiencing some of the challenges mentioned in the book. Highly recommended.
Thank you to InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One thing I appreciate about Mitali Perkins' picture books is how she can wrap profound biblical truth in a simple format. This book relies heavily on Andres Landazabal's illustrations to lead us to the truths of the Beatitudes as they relate to children adjusting to a new school.
There were a few spreads that I don't think worked as well as others, in particular the spread trying to show kids thinking the main characters are odd for praying publicly over their lunches to illustrate those who are persecuted for doing right. While it is hard to find an age-appropriate way to illustrate persecution, in this spread, all except one of the kids watching are smiling. I wish their faces had expressed at least puzzlement. But in general, the pictures are appealing. I especially liked the details in the Biblical scenes which follow Jesus from childhood through the cross (and possibly post-resurrection, although it's not clear if that's when the final picture takes place.)
In general, and as Perkin's seems to indicate in her author's note, this is a book that will work best as caring adults read it and talk about it with kids aged 4-7.
There were a few spreads that I don't think worked as well as others, in particular the spread trying to show kids thinking the main characters are odd for praying publicly over their lunches to illustrate those who are persecuted for doing right. While it is hard to find an age-appropriate way to illustrate persecution, in this spread, all except one of the kids watching are smiling. I wish their faces had expressed at least puzzlement. But in general, the pictures are appealing. I especially liked the details in the Biblical scenes which follow Jesus from childhood through the cross (and possibly post-resurrection, although it's not clear if that's when the final picture takes place.)
In general, and as Perkin's seems to indicate in her author's note, this is a book that will work best as caring adults read it and talk about it with kids aged 4-7.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very reassuring and comforting playbook on how to deal with grief, hurt and disappointed.
One of the things I am fondest f about this playbook is the constant 'appearance' (I am not sure is the right word) of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This created an atmospehere where it felt like there was direct conversation with Him and His voice is the only thing that matters, as should be.
The artstyle is one of the styles I am fondest of when it comes to picture books. it feels very cozy and warm. This could also be due to the fact that most of the picture books I read when I was younger were of this sort.
Reading about the author at the end, I felt very warm. It is a blessing to see people who can utilize their gifts to help others find their peace and comfort in God.
Thank you to NetGalley, IVP Kids and Mitali Perkins for giving me the opportunity to receive a free copy to review!💙
One of the things I am fondest f about this playbook is the constant 'appearance' (I am not sure is the right word) of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This created an atmospehere where it felt like there was direct conversation with Him and His voice is the only thing that matters, as should be.
The artstyle is one of the styles I am fondest of when it comes to picture books. it feels very cozy and warm. This could also be due to the fact that most of the picture books I read when I was younger were of this sort.
Reading about the author at the end, I felt very warm. It is a blessing to see people who can utilize their gifts to help others find their peace and comfort in God.
Thank you to NetGalley, IVP Kids and Mitali Perkins for giving me the opportunity to receive a free copy to review!💙
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is hard to review, I'm struggling to find anything positive about it. It does show disconnected scenes of different brave things kids do in their lives.
But even as a prayer it is a book so it should be something a child can follow from page to page. However, there isn't a cohesive story or anything being taught in the words or pictures. The "prayer" is odd, it's not kid language that a child would use or understand to have a personal relationship with God as prayer should be and without a cohesive story to see the kids in the book demonstrating an example of it's very lack luster. It reads more like a penance chant than a prayer or connection.
The supposed scripture connections about Jesus are abrupt and hard to connect to the child or the experience being discussed in the book.
The illustrations are weird too their mouths all look inhuman and if there wasn't an illustrator created I would think it was AI.
But even as a prayer it is a book so it should be something a child can follow from page to page. However, there isn't a cohesive story or anything being taught in the words or pictures. The "prayer" is odd, it's not kid language that a child would use or understand to have a personal relationship with God as prayer should be and without a cohesive story to see the kids in the book demonstrating an example of it's very lack luster. It reads more like a penance chant than a prayer or connection.
The supposed scripture connections about Jesus are abrupt and hard to connect to the child or the experience being discussed in the book.
The illustrations are weird too their mouths all look inhuman and if there wasn't an illustrator created I would think it was AI.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Doing Something New: A Prayer for Beginnings by Christopher Robbins is such a gentle, comforting read. It’s all about those moments of starting something new—whether it’s exciting, scary, or a mix of both—and wrapping that feeling in faith and reassurance.
The prayer itself is simple but really thoughtful, making it easy for kids to understand while still feeling meaningful. It’s the kind of book that feels grounding, especially during big transitions or new seasons.
The illustrations by Yumi Shimokawara are soft and calming, and they pair so well with the tone of the text. Everything about it feels peaceful and intentional.
Overall, it’s a really sweet, faith-centered book that would be perfect for bedtime or moments when a little extra comfort is needed.
Doing Something New: A Prayer for Beginnings by Christopher Robbins is such a gentle, comforting read. It’s all about those moments of starting something new—whether it’s exciting, scary, or a mix of both—and wrapping that feeling in faith and reassurance.
The prayer itself is simple but really thoughtful, making it easy for kids to understand while still feeling meaningful. It’s the kind of book that feels grounding, especially during big transitions or new seasons.
The illustrations by Yumi Shimokawara are soft and calming, and they pair so well with the tone of the text. Everything about it feels peaceful and intentional.
Overall, it’s a really sweet, faith-centered book that would be perfect for bedtime or moments when a little extra comfort is needed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This gentle, reassuring book follows kids who are attending a new school and getting to know new people. The story is written as a prayer to Jesus, as the children ask for his help and relate some of their experiences to aspects of Jesus's life. This book emphasizes that Jesus understands what you are going through, and that you have the opportunity to be like him when you show love to others and make good choices. The book also weaves in the Beatitudes from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount.
This book flows well and feels authentic to a child's perspective, and the illustrations are lovely and full of emotion. Also, don't miss the author's note at the end! Her personal reflections are heartfelt and encouraging.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book flows well and feels authentic to a child's perspective, and the illustrations are lovely and full of emotion. Also, don't miss the author's note at the end! Her personal reflections are heartfelt and encouraging.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a really soft, calming book. It’s less of a story and more of a gentle prayer for kids who are nervous about starting something new, a new school, a new place, a new routine. It doesn’t try to fix anything or rush past the fear. It just sits with it and says, you’re not alone.
There’s no big plot here, just reassurance and repetition, which honestly feels right for the audience. The illustrations are quiet and warm, and the whole book feels like something you’d read slowly, maybe more than once, especially during a tender season.
Not exciting, not flashy, just steady and comforting in a way that feels very intentional.
★★★★
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
There’s no big plot here, just reassurance and repetition, which honestly feels right for the audience. The illustrations are quiet and warm, and the whole book feels like something you’d read slowly, maybe more than once, especially during a tender season.
Not exciting, not flashy, just steady and comforting in a way that feels very intentional.
★★★★
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I appreciate the heart behind this book, as a prayer for children that relates their experiences of doing new things with all the new things Jesus did. I also love the author's inclusion of the beatitudes, which is a great passage of scripture that can be hard for kids to understand.
But I found the writing a bit hard to follow (and so did my young kids!). The rhyming felt forced and interrupted the author's purpose, which I believe was to share Jesus is always with us and sympathize with us.
Many thanks to NetGalley and IVP Kids for the advanced complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
But I found the writing a bit hard to follow (and so did my young kids!). The rhyming felt forced and interrupted the author's purpose, which I believe was to share Jesus is always with us and sympathize with us.
Many thanks to NetGalley and IVP Kids for the advanced complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy
I am so thankful to IVP for gifting me a preview copy of this book. What a delightful and insightful way to walk children through new challenges in their lives. And it resonates with adult challenges as well. The scripture quotes are more than icing on a cake. They are the words we need to share most in these moments when we fear we’re alone. The Bible declares that Jesus is always with us. And if you’re a true believer, the Holy Spirit resides within us. Ok, doesn’t mean you won’t be afraid in new circumstances. But it does mean that if you know the Lord, you will never be alone!!
Can’t wait to share this with my grandson!!
Can’t wait to share this with my grandson!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We absolutely loved Doing Something New. It is such a beautiful, gentle book for children who might be a little scared or hesitant to try new things. I love how it turns those nervous moments into a prayer for encouragement throughout the day. It focuses on making right choices and encourages kids to look to Jesus as their example. The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly match the sweet, uplifting tone of the story. A must-have for any child facing a new milestone! Thank you netgalley for the early copy all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one is good. I like how a prayer is incorporated with the Beatitudes and the life of Jesus in earth. Hey who doesn't have challenges of starting a new in their life specially as a kid. And it's great to encourage them to pray, look at Scriptures and emulate the life of Christ in their life. This one is truly perfect for those kids who can't find words to express their feelings. The illustration is just OK but the content is solid enough for kids to understand and apply.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a cute prayer book that leads a kid through ways to pray through change. It also walks kids through prayers on how to be welcoming to others and more like Jesus. I recommend this book for a church or home library for kids to have as a resource when they are encountering change.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweet connection between Matthew's Beatitudes and the real lives of young children. Visually representing the model we should follow with clear pictures and examples of what they can look for in their own world. They may not understand poor, but they know when they feel poor. They may not understand humble, but this book shows them how they can live it and all kinds of real love out loud now in age and emotionally appropriate ways.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My little one absolutely felt this book. The illustrations are so beautifully done and the message of the book is well done. This children’s book contains passages from the Bible to explain parts of the story. He asked questions and it opened up a discussion about the Bible. Highly recommend it for inquisitive little ones.
I want to thank NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for allowing me to read this book in advance.
I want to thank NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for allowing me to read this book in advance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
It’s written as a child’s prayer to Jesus. I tried to rate this from a child perspective. The book relates things go through: like attending a new school, to the trials of Jesus.
Overall, the book is fine and I could see where I child would make these connection. It could be used a tool with someone struggling to change and adapt to something new.
I personally felt some of those connections were trying a bit hard to make the pieces fit. That’s why the 3.5 vs 4 star rating.
It’s written as a child’s prayer to Jesus. I tried to rate this from a child perspective. The book relates things go through: like attending a new school, to the trials of Jesus.
Overall, the book is fine and I could see where I child would make these connection. It could be used a tool with someone struggling to change and adapt to something new.
I personally felt some of those connections were trying a bit hard to make the pieces fit. That’s why the 3.5 vs 4 star rating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.
This book was so precious! It was a great way to share the love of Christ, even with kids! I would totally buy this for my kid, and it was super cute.
The pictures were bright and inviting and the rhyme made it engaging and fun.
I love how Jesus was depicted and shown even thoguh no one really know what he looks like.
It was super cute and a great kid's read.
Thank you for reading my review.
This book was so precious! It was a great way to share the love of Christ, even with kids! I would totally buy this for my kid, and it was super cute.
The pictures were bright and inviting and the rhyme made it engaging and fun.
I love how Jesus was depicted and shown even thoguh no one really know what he looks like.
It was super cute and a great kid's read.
Thank you for reading my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is incredible for children going back to school or starting school.
It ties biblical lessons and passages (mainly pulled from the beatitudes) to situations that young children will face in school. It teaches them how to serve God in the face of difficulty in school.
The illustrations are very well-done and add to the story. The book is an easy read for children of all ages. I highly recommend to all parents!
It ties biblical lessons and passages (mainly pulled from the beatitudes) to situations that young children will face in school. It teaches them how to serve God in the face of difficulty in school.
The illustrations are very well-done and add to the story. The book is an easy read for children of all ages. I highly recommend to all parents!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the message in this book. I’m not religious (I’m spiritual) but I enjoy books from multiple perspectives, cultures, and religions. I’d definitely recommend this for children facing new situations of even just wanting to deepen their relationship with Jesus and nurture empathy. I enjoyed the illustrations and general book layout too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very religious book, a bit more than I thought it might be. I read it with my 7 year old son and it did open up a conversation and chance for him to ask questions. It was helpful that specific situations were talked about.
The illustrations were great.
The illustrations were great.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and InterVarsity Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This was a really sweet book for back-to-school! I loved the prayer in it, and it handled grief really well.
This was a really sweet book for back-to-school! I loved the prayer in it, and it handled grief really well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the illustrations in this book. It brought across the message clearly. Change is difficult even for adults and this would be a practical and suitable book especially for a child who is undergoing changes such as a new school, moving to a new town and so forth.
August 18, 2026
3.5 stars
Using the beatitudes as a guide for school conduct, a young student, nervous about the start of a new school year, prays to be more like Jesus. This is a warm gentle title good for sharing with children in church school before the start of the school year.
Using the beatitudes as a guide for school conduct, a young student, nervous about the start of a new school year, prays to be more like Jesus. This is a warm gentle title good for sharing with children in church school before the start of the school year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Doing Something New
A Prayer for Beginnings
by Mitali Perkins
Very religiously oriented book showing religious connection to social emotional problems, of inclusion and comfort.
A Prayer for Beginnings
by Mitali Perkins
Very religiously oriented book showing religious connection to social emotional problems, of inclusion and comfort.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.75*
This was such a sweet book reminding children of the Beatitudes and preparing them to do something new. The illustration style is beautiful as well.
This book comes out just in time for back-to-school season, and it would be great for kids in pre-school or elementary school!
Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press Kids for the eARC! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was such a sweet book reminding children of the Beatitudes and preparing them to do something new. The illustration style is beautiful as well.
This book comes out just in time for back-to-school season, and it would be great for kids in pre-school or elementary school!
Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press Kids for the eARC! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For those times when change inevitably happens, here is a calming, hopeful read. Help soothe and encourage your child to go forward into new things with God’s help, because He’s been there too. I love the parallels to Jesus’ life and the Beatitudes, which remind all of us we are not alone. A very sweet book that will reassure the reader as much as the child being read to. A great book to gift when those big changes come, or to keep on hand as a reminder in the small daily interruptions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews