When I Daven

This sweet and age-appropriate picture book serves as an introduction to prayer for young children. The text tells what is in the mind of the narrator as he/she prays: “I ask Hashem for many things; I ask him to help me learn Torah and do mitzvos; when I daven I thank Hashem for all that he has given me.” Hebrew and Yiddish terminology are in use, such as the words daven (pray), siddur (prayerbook), and Hashem. Happy children are featured in the bright pictures that are done in primary colors and the illustrations complement the text. Pictures illustrate hildren and adults living an Orthodox lifestyle: boys with kippot and tzizit, and girls in long skirts; a grown man wears tefillin for prayer; women appear with head scarves; boys and girls are separated in the classroom. This is a lovely book that can open a young child’s eyes to the concept of prayer while fostering a connection to Judaism. It can be effective in any program teaching about Shabbat or Jewish holidays. Recommended as a read-aloud for preschool children.

This book is a pleasure for a parent to read to a child, which is good because my daughter always says "read it again Mommy!" It is both a warm, understandable explanation of davening, as well as an enjoyable book to look at.

As soon as I saw this book, I knew I needed to buy it for my daughter. She loves looking at the pictures as I read the book and I love knowing that she’s learning to “talk to Hashem” when she davens.