WHEN DADDY PRAYS by Nikki Grimes

Grimes, Nikki. 2002. When Daddy Prays. Ill. by Tim Ladwig. Grand Rapids:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0802851525

I was attracted to this title at first glance because I have a daddy who prays.  Hearing him pray, and the security it afforded me growing up, is possibly the most cherished gift of my childhood.  This book was chosen as “Best Children’s Book of 2002” by the Association of Theological Booksellers.  “With a decidedly Christian slant” (SLJ) Nikki Grimes captures the emotions of adult and child alike by her experienced word craftsmanship.

The first poem, “A Father’s Prayer,” is a prayer from the dad’s perspective, asking God to let his kids see their Heavenly Father through the actions of the earthly father.  The other thirteen poems are told through the eyes of the son, watching his father in everyday activities.  In the poem that shares the name of the book, the child recalls the sound of his dad’s voice when he hears him praying in the dark “through the door and wall.” I identified with this poem, recalling my own dad’s sonorous voice “that floats me off to sleep” when, in memory, I hear him praying in the next room with Mom.

I had to own the book for myself when I read the fourth poem, “Like Him.”  Tim Ladwig beautifully captures wide-eyed paternal idolization as the small boy stands before a full length mirror completely devoured in his dad’s extra large clothes.  He assures himself, “They’ll fit me one day.”  In the fourth verse, the boy kneels with his dad to pray.  The boy, eager to imitate, forges ahead with the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer.   But instead of saying, “Our Father who art in Heaven,” my heart strings pulled tight as he innocently rephrases, “Our Father, whose heart is heaven…” 

Nikki Grimes’ word paintings are perfectly echoed by Tim Ladwig’s bold, warm oils.   His colorful, realistic renderings of everyday life in an African American family are in a style reminiscent of Kadir Nelson’s work.  The rhythm and rhyme of Grimes’ poems are simple, yet varied, and perfect for sharing with audiences of all ages.  Her imagery is eloquent, but easy to understand.  Children would identify with the emotions of jealousy over a new sibling as well as the swell of making Dad proud.  Adults would identify with the worry over a sick child, and the dependence on God for countering evils that threaten family values.  Set a child on your lap and enjoy this gem of a book.  Kirkus suggests, “A unique offering for a family read-aloud.”  Or, just read it by yourself and feel yourself melting into its comfort.  There is plenty to entertain the eyes and ears, heart and mind.