For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day

by June Cotner (Editor), Nancy Tupper Ling (Editor), Helen Cann (Illustrator)

A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” Annual Exhibition Selection

Kirkus  “Thoughtfully selected and prettily illustrated.”
Wall Street  “Illustrated with careful delicacy…With works from a range of cultural and religious traditions, this book will encourage 4- to 10-year-olds to count their blessings.”
The Inner Source “We suspect that the words will sink deeply into minds and hearts as a lasting well of inspiration.”

How do you find joy in ordinary moments? How do you mark small wonders like the return of the fireflies or a friend’s helping hand?

Arranged from waking up to falling asleep,  For Every Little Thing  is an engaging collection of the day and its delights. This inspirational anthology gathers classic selections, modern prayers, and new poems from multiple cultures and faiths. From Emily Dickinson to Amma, from Ken Nesbitt to Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro, fifty-one voices encourage children to be present and thankful at all hours.

Accessible language and richly detailed illustrations celebrate simple pleasures like slurping noodles and splashing in puddles. Perfect for sharing around the table or at bedtime,  For Every Little Thing  will awaken a sense of gratitude in readers of all ages.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

June is the published author of 40 books including the bestselling books, Graces, Bedside Prayers, Dog Blessings, and House Blessings (published by major houses such as Random House, Harper Collins, and Hachette. Her books are carried in nationwide bookstores and at the innovative Restoration Hardware store chain.

June's newest book is BLESS THE EARTH: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World, coauthored with Nancy Tupper Ling, and published by Penguin Random House/Convergent Books.

June's books collectively have sold more than one million copies and have been featured in many national publications, including USA Today, The New York Times, Better Homes & Gardens, Woman's Day, Glamour, and Family Circle.

June has taught workshops and given presentations at bookstores throughout the country and at the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Conference, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Conference, and The Learning Annex in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

"Creativity for me involves connections ... whether it's coming up with new book ideas, helping others make their book proposals stronger, or finding a perfect quote for one of my books." ~ June Cotner

Reviews

[Byron Bibliotherapy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read an andvanced readers' copy of this anthology, but I will definitely be buying it for my own bookshelf when it comes out. This is a gorgeous anthology of poems about gratitude, arranged over the course of the day. I'm looking forward to sharing such positive words, about the sun rising and then stars shining in the sky, with my children. Our household is non-religious, but I appreciated the range of religions, ages and cultures of the poets in this book, and the idea that we can connect with our spiritual side through giving thanks.

Connect with me @byronbiblio or on my website: www.byronbibliotherapy.com

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had a child to sit with me.
The illustrations are gorgeous!

The sun is up
and so am I
to wonder
at the morning sky.

The shifting clouds
the birds on wing
The cooling air
that fresh rains bring.

I feel the wind
I touch the earth
I celebrate
a new day’s birth.

I too am part of
all I see
for my dear God
gives life to me.
(Daniel Roselle)

A Child’s Prayer

God make my life a little light
Within the world to glow;
A little flame that burneth bright,
Wherever I may go.
(Matilda Barbara zbetham-Edwards)

[Caroline Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. The illustrations by Helen Cann are like poems themselves: each is vivid and beautiful and full of tiny details as well as a sense of wonder and magic. There are people on flying carpets during the dream poems. There are so many cute animals amongst beautiful flowers. The illustrations make the book a thing of wonder that you want to look at again and again. And the prayers, poems and blessings are gorgeous. They range from humorous to glorious to magical to thought-provoking to inspiring. From drooling puppy kisses to imagery of the sun, snow, rain and wind, to thinking of sleeping animals curled under their tails at bedtime, the book is a constant source of delight. I look forward to dipping into it again and again.

[Songju Daemicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and inspirational collection of poems and prayers is a love letter to this wonderful and magical world. It instills gratitude, appreciation, and brings peace and love to the heart. I have recently been going through some personal life changes and haven’t slept well for days. Last night I slept deeply and soundly after reading this book. I am grateful. This book will surely bring calm and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures to young readers too. Highly recommended.

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for an anthology of prayers that I can read with my kids at different points throughout the day. I like how this anthology specifically cultivates gratitude with prayers and poems from a variety of different authors and topics that seemed down-to-earth and relevant to the life of my kids. I really like the prayer titled "Seeing You" by Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro as a blessing for my kids before they head off to school.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of poems! After reading FOR EVERY LITTLE THING: POEMS AND PRAYERS TO CELEBRATE THE DAY, I feel inspired and grateful. I especially love the diversity-- not only are different religious traditions represented here, but there are classic poems by Emily Dickenson and Helen Keller and more modern poems by Nancy Tupper Ling, and a poem by an eight-year-old child. This is a perfect book to read any time of day, but they're especially good bedtime poems. I'm grateful that I had a chance to read this book!

[Natalia Paruzel-Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving collection of poems and prayers filled with great wisdom about gratitude and the true essence of joyful experiences to be enjoyed by children of all ages. The whole anthology offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect and focus on what's truly important. The poem "My Family's Home" by Nancy Tupper Ling is splendid and timeless. Just like the poetry, the illustrations are thought-provoking and will keep young readers returning to the pages over and over again.

[J Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! FOR EVERY LITTLE THING is a book to help celebrate the joy and good all around us. Poetry and artwork combine to make each page in this book a treasure. FOR EVERY LITTLE THING is a book to keep close by for your good days and, for a little soul restoration, maybe even for your not so good days.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely collection of prayers, poems, and blessings is a soothing reminder of things for which to be thankful. Divided into sections like Morning, Love and Kindness, Family and Friends, Nightfall, and more, the book is suited to read any time of day and any time of year, but the lulling rhythms of most of the poems are particularly suited for bedtime. Helen Cann’s watercolor, collage, and colored pencil illustrations depict the natural world around us. Her use of soft lines and muted color scheme are perfectly paired with the poems selected by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper-Ling. If you’re looking for a morning, daytime, or bedtime read with uplifting poems and prayers, this is a great one!

[Erica Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

From waking to sleeping, this book adds a bit of love and magic through beautiful words and illustrations into every little moment. It is one to read and to cherish.

[Berrie Torgan-randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of poems gathered by June Cotner and Nancy Ling. This collection is perfect for a poem or two to read to a child before bedtime. The book of poems is a celebration of life and reminds children to be thankful for God and Nature. The illustrations by Helen Cann are bright, colorful, and feature a set of diverse characters.

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOR EVERY LITTLE THING is a beautiful collection of verses to help children and adults alike develop a practice of gratitude. This collection enchants readers with rich, grateful language that will enhance their own vocabulary. This is a gem to be enjoyed with loved ones over and over.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful poetry anthology for young children. Many of the poems mention God, so be aware of that’s not your belief or preference in a book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cotner and Ling have thoughtfully compiled simple poems to celebrate parts of the day. The illustrations re especially engaging in the Dreams section. Families can use for devotions, reading together and as discussion starters at dinner. A lovely gift for any age.

[Ilona E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of uplifting passages that are accessible and geared to kids. The premise of the book is to find blessings in life's ordinary things. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the beauty of the carefully and adeptly curated poems and prayers, as well as the creative and lovely illustrations by Helen Cann. Each passage stirs the reader to see anew and to feel gratitude for the little things in life. Kudos to Cotner and Tupper-Ling for masterfully creating a gift for us all. A beautiful addition to anyone's daily meditations and a treasure to be shared with the youngsters in our lives.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, very sweet compilation of poems and prayers for children. They will help parents direct their children's hearts and minds toward expressing love and gratitude to God for things about them.

The text and illustrations are gentle, thoughtful, and expressive.

While not distinctively Christian, the poems do convey an appreciation for God and an invitation to experience God in one's life.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Lisa Cloherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book of poetry and prayers. I especially loved the sections Love and Kindness/ Family and Friends. The poem Hearts in my Pocket by Nancy Tupper Ling was especially beautiful. A must read!

[Nikki Bergstresser · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Every Little Thing is a beautiful book of poems and prayers to grow a grateful heart. Each page is filled with appreciation for the little moments in our daily life. The illustrations by Helen Cann beautifully compliment the poetic language. Look forward to adding this to my poetry shelf!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's exciting to share a new book and even more exciting to share one that fits my idea of a special pleasure, reading to children. I've read to all ages because I'm a teacher. I love when I finish and more than one child asks to borrow the book. Then, of course, we have to make a list to take turns. Also wonderful are the times I've read to my own children, and now grandchildren. Sharing books through a read-aloud means creating unique and special memories.
June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling have gathered, as the cover says, "poems and prayers to celebrate the day" into this new anthology, For Every Little Thing. In our recent months of challenges, there may be times when children hear the bad news and need reminding that there are many things to appreciate every single day!
The contents divide into seven parts such as "The World Around Us", "Night", and "Family and Friends". From the first to the last, sixty-six poems and prayers take readers traveling through the day from morning wake-up to evening goodnight. These poets bring the wondrous world to us through all their words.
It's a book to cherish for oneself, for a gift, for young and old. Thanks, Nancy and June for bringing this anthology to us all!

You can read the rest of my review here at this post: https://bit.ly/3C6T36S

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Every Little Thing Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day selected by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling, illustrated by Helen Cann, is a delightful collection of poems and prayers. It celebrates the little things in life and captures the moments that seem ordinary and makes them extraordinary. Featured poetry is from poets both new and classic. Some of the poets included in the collection are; Walter de la Mare, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Fletcher, Charles Ghigna, Helen Keller, and many more! Poems and prayers were collected from many different religions and cultures. Charming illustrations are done in watercolor, collage, and colored pencil. With a focus on gratitude, the poems and prayers are arranged from beginning of the day to end of the day and offer readers inspiration and provide opportunities for discussion and celebration. For Every Little Thing will make a great addition to a Sunday school library collection and for a parent and child to share together. Highly Recommended.

[Maritza Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this lovely book for an honest review, but it caught me by surprise the beauty of each page and the inspirational poems it contains. The illustrations by Helen Cann are full of vivid details that illuminates the poems along with this marvelous anthology that is divided into categories that make us reflect, not only on little things of our daily life but lead us in a simple and deep prayer.

My favorite poem: “The Power of One” As the poet said, “We need to believe in the power of one…”

It is written for children; however, it is a perfect poetic prayer book for everyone who wants to pray FOR EVERY LITTLE THING to Celebrate the Day. Perfect title! I highly recommend this prayer book for all ages.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Every Little Thing is a sweet collection of children’s poems collected from various faith backgrounds. The book will bring encouragement to any child and help them see the world through the lens of God’s blessings. The poems are eclectic: some modern, some classical; some are written as prayers or songs. But they all celebrate life and the beauty around us! The book is laid out in sections with many lush illustrations.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for Cybil’s judging purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[Karin Fisher-Golton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be gifted with this lovely book to review for Multicultural Children's Book Day 2023. Take a look at the lovely and inspiring details in the words and illustrations that touched my heart and read about why here: https://karinfisher-golton.com/2023/0....

Highly recommended for spiritual-oriented families of any denomination, children's spiritual educators, and fans of illustrated poetry anthologies. This is a good resource for bedtime ritual poems and prayers.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the poems very enjoyable, I didn't expect quite so many to mention God. I missed the subtitle "Poems and Prayers to celebrate the day." While I have no problem having God in the poems and being thankful through prayer, it just isn't a book I'd feel comfortable using in a public school. If a student was devout or was just looking for something like this I would definitely recommend it but I wouldn't use it in a typical class.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book of poems & prayers!
I used this book as bedtime reading with my youngest, as a way to pray, reflect & spark conversation. I love how it is divided into sections (ex. Morning, Love and Kindness, Family and Friends), which gives a chance to read it in small themed parts together.
The illustrations are so lovely, colourful and lifelike.

Such a special book, to be cherished and gifted.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book just not what I was looking for. Has a lot of prayers and poems from different religions. It is well put together, the illustrations are lovely, there aren't very many words on the page which is great. My two and a half year old got kind of bored with it because there weren't very many fun poems with sound effects and stuff. I think it would be better with preschoolers and older.

[Sherry Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book of poetry for children is heartwarming. Although this is a book for children, the sentiment will also hit true for any adult. The illustrations enhance each page as well. This is a book that will be a treasure for the household.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely collection in both word and art makes for a thoughtful introduction to poetry for even the youngest readers.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this cuddled up with my sick five-year-old today. Such delicious poetry and lovely illustrations. A new favorite children’s book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for feeling grateful or when you need a nice piece of poetry to recite for Thanksgiving.