A Heartfelt Introduction to Prayer: Review of Let Us Pray: A Child’s First Book of Prayers by Katie Warner

There’s something profoundly beautiful about introducing young children to prayer—a moment where faith, love, and simplicity intertwine. Let Us Pray: A Child’s First Book of Prayers by Katie Warner is a tender, thoughtfully crafted book designed to guide little ones (and their parents) through the sacred practice of prayer. Whether you’re a devout Catholic family or simply seeking a gentle way to introduce spirituality to your child, this book is a treasure worth exploring.

But what makes it stand out among other children’s prayer books? How does it balance accessibility with depth? And most importantly, will it resonate with both children and parents? Let’s dive into this heartfelt review to uncover why this book might just become a bedtime staple in your home.

A Gentle Guide to Prayer: Plot Summary & Structure

Unlike traditional storybooks, Let Us Pray doesn’t follow a linear plot. Instead, it serves as a beautifully illustrated primer on prayer, structured to introduce children to different forms of prayer—thanksgiving, petition, praise, and repentance. Each page features a simple yet meaningful prayer, accompanied by warm, inviting illustrations that make the experience engaging for young readers.

The book begins with basic prayers like the Sign of the Cross and Our Father, then expands into original, child-friendly prayers that encourage little ones to talk to God in their own words. The progression feels natural, starting with foundational Catholic prayers before gently guiding children toward personal, spontaneous conversations with God.

What’s particularly effective is how Warner avoids overwhelming young readers. The prayers are short, rhythmic, and easy to memorize—perfect for toddlers and early readers. The book’s structure makes it ideal for daily use, whether as part of a bedtime routine or a morning ritual.

Character & Spiritual Development: More Than Just Words

While there are no traditional “characters” in this book, the real protagonist is the child’s growing relationship with God. Warner’s approach is deeply relational—she doesn’t just teach rote prayers but fosters a sense of intimacy between the child and their Creator.

For example, one prayer reads:

“Dear Jesus, thank You for today. Help me love You in every way.”

This isn’t just a recitation; it’s an invitation for the child to see prayer as a conversation. The language is warm, personal, and free of overly complex theology, making it accessible even to the youngest listeners.

Parents will appreciate how the book models different kinds of prayer:

  • Thanksgiving (“Thank You, God, for food so sweet…”)
  • Petition (“Please bless my family, keep us safe and strong.”)
  • Praise (“God, You made the stars so bright!”)
  • Repentance (“Forgive me when I’m unkind…”)

This variety ensures that children learn prayer as a multifaceted dialogue rather than a rigid ritual.

Writing Style & Illustrations: Warmth on Every Page

Katie Warner’s writing is simple yet profound—no easy feat when writing for children. Her prayers are concise but never shallow, striking a balance between reverence and approachability. The rhythm and repetition make them easy for kids to remember, turning prayer into a joyful habit rather than a chore.

The illustrations by Meg Whalen are equally enchanting. Soft, pastel-colored drawings depict diverse children in everyday situations—playing, eating, sleeping—making prayer feel like a natural part of life. The artwork reinforces the message that God is present in all moments, big and small.

Themes & Deeper Meaning: Planting Seeds of Faith

At its core, Let Us Pray is about nurturing a child’s spiritual foundation. Key themes include:

  • Divine Love & Presence – Every prayer reinforces that God listens and cares.
  • Gratitude – Many prayers focus on thanking God for simple blessings.
  • Trust & Surrender – Children learn to bring their worries to God.
  • Moral Growth – Gentle lessons on kindness, forgiveness, and obedience.

Unlike some religious books that feel preachy, Warner’s approach is gentle and inviting. She plants seeds of faith without overwhelming young minds.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stays on Our Nightstand

As a parent, I’ve read many children’s prayer books, but Let Us Pray stands out for its authenticity. My toddler loves the illustrations, and the short prayers hold her attention. More importantly, it has sparked real conversations—like when she suddenly said, “Thank You, God, for my puppy!” unprompted.

The book’s greatest strength is how it makes prayer feel natural. It doesn’t just teach words; it cultivates a habit of turning to God in all things.

Comparison to Other Children’s Prayer Books

Many prayer books for kids either oversimplify (reducing prayer to a bedtime rhyme) or overcomplicate (using language too advanced for little ones). Let Us Pray strikes the perfect balance.

Comparable books include:

  • The Beginner’s Bible – More story-based, less focused on prayer.
  • Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field – Beautiful but less structured.
  • Catholic Baby’s First Prayers – Similar, but Warner’s book feels more personal.

Warner’s work excels in blending Catholic tradition with a warm, conversational tone.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Perfect length – Short enough for toddlers, meaningful enough for older kids.
✅ Diverse illustrations – Reflects a variety of children.
✅ Theological soundness – Aligns with Catholic teaching without being rigid.
✅ Encourages family prayer – Great for parents to read with kids.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Limited originality in some prayers – A few are very similar to traditional prayers.
❌ Not as interactive – Some kids might prefer lift-the-flap or tactile elements.

Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional book.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Catholic families looking for a doctrinally sound prayer book.
  • Parents of toddlers & preschoolers who want to introduce prayer gently.
  • Teachers & catechists seeking a classroom resource.
  • Gift-givers for baptisms, first Communions, or birthdays.

Even non-Catholic Christian families may appreciate its simplicity and warmth.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

A few standout prayers:

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here…” (A classic, beautifully included.)
“God, my Friend, You’re always near, in my laughter, in my tears.”

These lines capture the book’s heart—prayer as friendship with God.

Final Thoughts: A Book That Nurtures Little Souls

Let Us Pray: A Child’s First Book of Prayers is more than a book—it’s a spiritual toolkit for parents. Katie Warner has given families a beautiful way to cultivate prayer as a lifelong habit. The combination of heartfelt words and charming illustrations makes it a must-have for any child’s bookshelf.

If you’re looking for a way to introduce your little one to prayer—without pressure or complexity—this book is a perfect choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How do you introduce prayer to young children?
  • What’s your favorite children’s book about faith?
  • Do you prefer structured prayers or spontaneous ones for kids?

Let’s chat in the comments! 📖💬

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.