Friday, November 18, 2011

Every Which Way to Pray by Joyce Meyer Book Review


Harley and Hayley Hippo live in Everyday Zoo and want to talk to God, but their Rules for Praying book seems too restrictive in Joyce Meyer's first children's book Every Which Way to Pray.  The hippos meet Pouch, the pelican, along with a cast of animals that suggest many ways to pray. "God doesn't care if your prayers are too LOUD!!" says Pouch.  And "it's got to come from your heart."

This book is simply delightful.  Kids are immediately drawn to the funny animal characters and the brilliant colored illustrations.  The ways to pray are presented in kid friendly language and the story flows naturally from one scene to the next.  I think this is the perfect children's book to teach about prayer.  It is funny and silly, but also shows reverence.  I was instantly drawn to this loveable story and hope there are many more adventures at Everyday Zoo!

*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*




Press Release: 
Inspired by Meyer's adult book, The Power of Simple Prayer, EVERY WHICH WAY TO PRAY is set against the colorful backdrop of Everyday Zoo, home to a comical cast of animal characters who interact and explore life lessons together in their fun-filled community.  

Readers will be captivated by Mary Sullivan's vibrant illustrations and they'll relate to Hayley and Harley Hippo who want to pray, but believe that in order to be close to God, they must pray quietly in a church - with heads bowed, hands folded and dressed in their Sunday best.  

With the help of a quirky pelican named Pouch, the zoo's sheepish librarian, Miss Bimble, and Sarge, a bear police officer, the Hippo children and readers discover that prayer is simply talking to God as a friend.  And, it should be the easiest thing we do each day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical bible teachers and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries. A #1 New York Times bestselling author and named one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America by Time Magazine, she has written more than 90 inspirational books, which have been translated into 84 languages. Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs broadcast around the world and translate into 43 different languages. She travels, extensively, conducting conferences. Meyer and her husband have four children and ten grandchildren and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri. www.joycemeyer.org  
 
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Sullivan was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised all over central Texas. Sullivan studied at the University of Texas in Austin, earning a BFA in studio art. She has been drawing for as long as she can remember and is forever grateful to her parents for filling her childhood home with music, art, and poetry. Mary currently lives in Austin, Texas, and spends her days drawing and writing for children.

Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources authored by influential leaders and emerging voices, and has been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher.


1 comment:

Susan Case said...

I'm glad to know about this book! "Families that pray together - stay together" is my motto. Thanks for sharing.