Give Me Grace: A Child's Daybook of Prayers

by Cynthia Rylant

These prayers for kindness, for love, for gratitude and guidance are the perfect way to begin or end a child's busy day.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a prayer book from the perspective of any monotheistic religion. Possibly a prayer book for ancient Romans as the prayers are made to the days of the week. They're cute rhymes, but nothing substantive. Saccharine even for toddlers. Check out the pictures on Amazon to see some example pages before you buy this book.

[Cheryl Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is refreshing due to its simplicity and sweetness. Not all prayers or prayer books need to be heavy. I bought this little book for my son years ago, and now he's in 7th grade and he still enjoys reading the quick little prayers/affirmations, it's a nice way to end your day on a positive note.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a 2 page spread of artwork for each day of the week, then a 2 page spread that is 1 page for the poem prayer and 1 page of art.

These are beginning of the day prayers. They're simple and probably good up through mid-elementary.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice daily prayers for children!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my baby grandaughter. The rhymes are simple and memorable which is important when engaging little people to read. I am so excited to read these with her and my other grandchildren. It will be my go to baby gift.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, lovely children's book with a prayer for each day of the week. Rhyming text but not cloying. I like that several of the prayers focus not on "bless me with ..." but on things like loving others, taking time to be still, etc. Mentions God and angels but not Jesus so may be appropriate for some non-Christian faiths as well.

[Erin Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 5 star rating for me because it brings to mind so many precious memories of my girls putting their hands together and reciting the daily prayers from memory. These prayers are very simple and sweet and there is one for each day of the week.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright art work, good for toddler/preschooler "table grace" following UU chalice lighting. Accessible for any denomination, really.

[Boi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A colorful book that introduces your child to the concept of prayer and the days of the week.

[Rondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute. Simple. Repeatable.

[Ratforcekids]

Give Me Grace is a child’s daybook of prayers that explore kindness, grace, and gratitude. You may enjoy reading through these with your child.

[Pita-eater · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of trite rhymes, but I do like Cynthia Rylant. Bright, childlike illustrations and a board book format add to its appeal as a bedtime read-aloud for a parent and a very young child.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful folk paintings illustrate these lovely simple but heartfelt prayers for the days of the week.

[Jenneffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

i had this book when Jasmir was little bitty, and I loved it! I will request it again and see if he remembers it

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for the young children