A Prayer for the Animals

by Daniel Kirk

Overview

May all of the animals of the earth
And the animals of the sky
And the animals of the sea
Be at peace.

This lyrical picture book from bestselling author and illustrator Daniel Kirk encourages young children to be kind to all the animals of the world. Kirk’s loving and hopeful verse blesses and gives warm wishes to farm animals, house pets, wild animals, and other creatures. Sure to warm the hearts of children and parents alike, this book is perfect to curl up with at bedtime.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419731990
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	09/04/2018
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	662,519
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Daniel Kirk has written and illustrated a number of popular and bestselling books for children, including Library Mouse, which Booklist praised as a “show-stopper.” He is also the author and illustrator of Library Mouse: A Friend’s Tale and the novels ElfRealm: The Low Road and Elf Realm: The High Road. He lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his family.

Editorial Reviews

07/23/2018
Commemorating World Animal Day on October 4, an author’s note explains, Kirk (Rhino in the House) wishes peace to the inhabitants of earth, sea, and sky, and he entreats readers to remember that these creatures want the same things they do: safety and security, “good things to eat,” and “the companionship of friends and family.” The animals (“wild animals, working animals, and pets alike”) are distinctly cuddly and often regard the audience with a direct, trusting gaze and the whisper of a smile. Kirk frames some subjects within the oval shapes of old-fashioned portraiture (in one, a green frog seems to wink), but lush double-page spreads are the real showstoppers: four pigs, happily gorging at the trough, represent a marvelous study in pinks and rich browns. The book’s prayerful wish is simple and powerful, and it could work equally well as a meaningful bedtime read or a discussion starter about what stewardship means, beyond being “a friend, a protector of the big and the small.” Ages 4–8. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

09/01/2018
PreS-Gr 1—The book begins: "May all the animals of the earth, and the animals of the sky, and the animals of the sea be at peace." Simple, heartfelt text warmly bestows a wish of harmony, well-being, and empathy for planet's wildlife. Large, full-spread, colorful illustrations of idyllic, placid-faced animals (wild and domestic alike) accompany and amplify the message. An author's note informs readers of World Animal Day on October 4, encouraging them to show care and concern for animals by volunteering and donating to animal shelters and animal rights organizations. An important reminder to young readers that they can be active participants in their communities and the broader world. VERDICT A kind and loving message for young readers, which will encourage them to be good stewards and enjoy all living things. A sweet bedtime read for medium to large collections.—Megan Kilgallen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn

School Library Journal

2018-06-25
This large, colorfully illustrated picture book gives a strong, simple plea on behalf of the animals that inhabit the Earth.Using spare, carefully chosen words that read like a solemn prayer, Kirk writes and illustrates a supplication to readers to consider the animals. "May they be free of hunger, may they be free of fear," he writes. While the words give the text gravitas (but add a hint of human dominion over the beasts), the digitally colored pencil illustrations have an accessible feel, painting the animals with slight smiles, for a winsome look. While undeniably carefully illustrated and written, the story has a humancentric bias in its depiction of the animal world, ascribing to them human preferences ("may their hearts and minds be calm") and ignoring the issue that it is the encroachment, habitat destruction, and predatory behavior of humans that are the greatest threats to the animals. However, young readers will be drawn to the cute animal faces, and the heartfelt text—presenting itself with conscious simplicity and profundity—may instill a sense of empathy for the other creatures of the planet, one that could possibly grow into a greater curiosity to discover more.As an invitation to readers to empathize with the other creatures that inhabit our planet, this book is successful—and it is very pretty to look at. (author's note) (Picture book. 2-7)

Kirkus Reviews