Sunday Is for God

by Michael McGowan, Lou Fancher (Illustrator), Steve Johnson (Illustrator)

“Weekdays are for school and Saturday’s for having fun. But Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Sunday is for God.”

A boy longs to play in the river on this hot summer day, but instead he has to sit quietly in a pew. His collar itches and his tie’s too tight—why does the Lord care whether people get dressed up for church, anyway? But as hymns and prayers fill the room, he begins to appreciate the simple beauty of a day set aside for family and prayer. At the end of the service, he explains a prayer to his little sister by whispering, “The Lord will take care of us no matter what. Like Momma and Daddy”—a deeply comforting message for young readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Religion, Fiction, Childrens, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit surprised to find this at the public library. It very firmly and absolutely states that the Sabbath day is reserved for God and Church attendance is mandatory. Oddly, it doesn't then go on to suggest that children will actually get anything out of religious services; the kids all (realistically) fidget and pay no attention. This book is like a parent who answers questions with Because That's the Way It Is or Because I Say So and I'm Your Father. No rationale.

However, I did quite like the illustrations.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice illustrations, remind me of the early 60s as far as clothing style.

[Jenifer Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book that talks about why Sunday is God's Day and why you should be going to church to learn about Jesus. The only thing I didn't get was the collection plate not having enough and then them doing it again. I've never been in a church that did that so maybe I'm just not understanding?

But other than that, it was a cute book and I would recommend it.

[Ms Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://smithlitblog.wordpress.com/20...

[Jess Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this book explores the ritual of going to church, and the spirituality of it, rather than the overt Christian-ness of it. I like the feeling of family, of culture, and of peace that it has. One sweet portion:

"'The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon Him;
He upholdeth all them that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.'

Sister asks me, 'What is he saying?'
'I think he's saying the Lord will take care of us no matter what. Like Momma and Daddy.'"

I liked that passage, because it is comforting to a child and explains a more complicated piece of scripture. It also reminds me of the best parts of Christianity. The book feels a little lengthy (kind of like sitting through a particularly long Sunday mass), but I like that it explains all of Sunday from morning rituals to family dinner. Good for middle-elementary.

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a family who attends church and Sunday is a very important day for them. The main characters are a boy and girl who are siblings. They wake every Sunday to a busy morning of getting dressed for church and eating breakfast with family.
This book brings back memories for me when I was a little girl. The story is written so lively that any child can relate to it. The illustrations are beautiful. This is a great book about family.
This is a realistic fiction book.
This book is related to my cultural topic because it depicts a how family live and celebrate. Its an African-American family who value going to church and spending time with family. The characters represent a variety of characters. Children are exposed to multiple perspectives and values. It is interesting to children.

[Tiana]

Micheal McGowan is an amazing author who shared his experience on what a typical Sunday is for a African-American family. This story is about a boy who shares his sunday experience with his family. This is a great story for children because he tella the story from a child's perspective. He doesn't use character names, he says things like "Mama and Sister" and includes what they all do on a Sunday. I would love to share this book with my students because most of my students may relate to this book, however I wouldn't want to exclude some children who may not have this experience but it doesnt hurt to hear about someone else's experience on a Sunday. The illustrations are very bright and colorful...they really caught my attention. This book is a keeper!

[Emily Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sunday is for God reminded me of my days as a kid in church. It made me think of when my mom had me dress up every Sunday for church and how it was hard to sit still during the service. Sunday is for God discussed the Sunday routine for a little boy and his family. Their Sunday basically revolved around being together as a family and more importantly God. The book spoke reference and respect for God. I think the book would be good to use for younger students to recognize different religions. I loved the way the illustrations in the book were made of scriptures and hymnals. It really added to the message of the book.

[Willie Butts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because it teaches about God and the importance of spending time with him in a way that children could understand. I also like the descriptions of church activities, but what I really like about it is that it reminds me of the old time southern atmosphere. The way that the people are dressed, the songs that are sung, take me back to a much simpler time. When church was more than a program, but a family. I also like the way the author included verses of scripture on every page blended in the background.

[Felita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multigenerational story dealing with Sunday being the Lord's day. It reminds us how the family worshipped and ate together on Sundays. The illustrator used acrylics painted over collaged paper, rendering their scenes on scraps of Bible verses and hymnal pages.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text was surprisingly funny despite the rather painful title. I'm pretty sure my little boy picked out this book for the cover art alone, and was wise to do so. The illustrations are utterly and unreservedly charming.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book gets all stars for the illustrations alone!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family friendly and beautiful story about Sundays! I loved the illustrations and the story about why Sunday's are special.