A Child's Book of Prayer in Art

A Child's Book of Art

by Wendy Beckett

Combines well-known religous paintings with explanations of what is happening in each image and how the pictures can be used as a way of "listening" to God and learning simple lessons.

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Religion, Catholic, Prayer, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Sister Wendy Beckett was a South African-born British art expert, Roman Catholic nun, and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s, presenting a series of acclaimed art history documentaries for the BBC.

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a library sale find & was a lovely addition to our morning time. We really enjoyed looking at the art prints & contemplating the prayer applications. Losing a star for my disagreement with some Roman Catholic theology and moralism in the prayers.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book that we used as a morning devotional and prayer. Selected works of art used to illustrate important values and virtues such as love, respect, forgiveness, etc.
Highly recommend for any family's home!

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Looking at art is one way of listening to God." ~~Sister Wendy Beckett

This book was a gift to my daughters from their grandmother, my dear mother-in-law, but that wouldn't stop their own mother from reading it when it's as irresistibly beautiful as this book is. I love Sister Wendy anyway and have some of her other art books, all of which I love. I can't claim to have 'read' all of them however--cover to cover--as I have read this book.

It's a slim, but oversized volume; only 31 pages. Each full page spread is given over to a beautiful work of art, meditative reflection, and prayer organized around around the central theme of a virtue, written in large red letters. The whole text is a visual feast which is my MiL's forté. Although this book is entitled A Child's Book of Prayer in Art, I believe it really takes a very mature child to really appreciate this book--which is just fine. It's one of those books for children...of ALL ages.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and beautiful!!!

[Brianna Bratrud · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be fair I misunderstood the point of this book: it’s a liberal Catholic nun’s thoughts on prayer, accompanied by some short simple prayers she wrote. I will not be reading Sister Wendy’s thoughts/prayers to my children but we will enjoy the beauty of the artwork inside. Disappointed because I was hoping for a book of beautiful classic prayers accompanied by classic, masterful artwork.

[Skye Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother in law recently gifted me this beautiful book and I fell in love. Sister Wendy Beckett does a marvelous job at capturing the sweet spirit of each painting and giving insight to a beautiful lesson that could be learned from each one. She believes that looking at art is a form of prayer because it allows God to talk to us and gives us the opportunity to listen to Him. I full heartedly agree. Cannot wait to read this one to my daughter when she gets a bit older.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Child's Book of Prayer in Art is not just a collection of portraits with hands folded in prayer. Instead, Sister Wendy Beckett considers themes like love, family, understanding, and true forgiveness in works of art (mostly from the medieval and Renaissance eras, all Western). The text for each painting is informational without being dry, and leads to further thought without being moralistic. Each painting is accompanied by a short prayer. I appreciated that every piece had two details pulled from the image. I recall things like that being very helpful as a child, when a vast and busy painting seemed incomprehensible to my little eyes. A two-in-one book of art history and prayer for littles.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book, encompasing spirituality, history, art appreciation. It is for all ages: we are all 'children' in the universe. 'Child' means each of us regardless of age.
Sister Wendy guides us towards growing in spirituality and respect for ourselves and others. Part of this gratitude, she coaxes gently, is to honor a higher power who has given us these beautiful gifts.
From a very base, concrete perspective, this is a book that lists and contains fine art paintings, many of which have graced our collective culture for over 500 years. Human nature is unchanging over the centuries. The book helps us see how connected we are with humanity over time and place. From this book, we examine our own love and respect for God, our self and for others.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this concept! The structure behind it is amazing. I am unsure as to why the author picked the pieces that she did though. I think we just have very different taste in subject matter when it comes down to it, as I did not understand her selections for another of her art meditation books as well.

[Briar · Rating 2 out of 5]

two stars for classical art study. 0 stars for theology and prayers

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Cover: In this inspiring book of beautiful paintings and simple prayers, Sister Wendy Beckett, author of Dorling Kindersley's "The Story of Painting," introduces children to art as a way of discovering more about God in their lives. But this book is not only for children. The demands of goodness and of real human integrity remain unaltered throughout life. Adults and children alike will find enrichment and enlightenment as they contemplate the paintings and consider Sister Wendy's thought-provoking commentaries and prayers. With enormous enthusiasm and sincerity Sister Wendy speaks directly to her readers about their own concerns and helps to bring them to a greater understanding of their spirituality.

What's not to love about Sr. Wendy and good art?

[Margaret Chind]

-- Using as a P4/5 substitute for A Child's Book of Art: Great Pictures First Words, unless I happen to come across that one.

[Melana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sister Wendy's insights.