Wednesday 10 March 2021

Listening For God: Silence Practice for Little Ones - Katie Warner and Amy Rodriguez

Listening For God: 
Silence Practice for Little Ones
Katie Warner
Amy Rodriguez (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 
9781505118926


This was the fourth Katie Warner book we have read. A few years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it (My daughter reads it to my wife almost every night still). Both my daughter and I loved this book. She read it to me three times the day it arrived and has picked it up every day since and read it to herself. She cannot wait to share it with her friends down the street. And has asked if we can donate it to her school library. It is an excellent read, and we will continue tracking down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

“This creative book, which contains some surprise interactive elements that your child will love, will become an invaluable resource to your family prayer life.

Katie Warner, noted Catholic author of numerous wonderful books for children writes:  “Years ago, I started having my young children practice silent time each day. They loved the story of Elijah and the still small voice, and we’d talk about it in the same way this book does. 

That daily silent time practice became the seed concept for this book. I think it’s so important for little ones to learn early and intentionally how to quiet themselves so they can hear God’s voice. At first, our silent time training only lasted a minute. Then two, three, four minutes and more - a building block to future holy hours that our little ones will spend in the chapel or at home listening for God’s voice and getting to know their Savior and Best Friend.”

The ability to be silent is a skill that even many adults have never developed. Give your child this priceless gift and give it early. For it is one that will reap eternal rewards.”

The story begins with a bible quote of 1 Kings 19:11-12. The first part of the book is a series of illustrations about Elijah and his experience listening to God. Then the story transitions to us. And specifically children and how they can listen to god, and how they can learn to practice silence. We are told that God wants to give us:

Faith
Hope
Love
Wisdom
Courage
Strength

That God has a plan for us, just like he did for Elijah. But we need to learn to listen. The book does a wonderful job teaching about listening for God. And learning to spend time in silence. Both are great lessons, not only for children but for all Catholics. 

It is a wonderful book. Well written, and from the notes at the end written from Katie’s family experience. The illustrations are awesome. There are a few both my daughter and I would love to have as prayer cards to have in our collection. It is a book that will bless the children who read it, who have it read to them. And it will bless adults who read it to and with children. 

It is aa valuable volume for any home, school or church library. Pick up a few copies to give to the children in your life. It is excellent!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!






Books by Katie Warner:
Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family
Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ's Childhood through the Eyes of Women
A Grandparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Grandchildren
A Parent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Children

A Sponsor Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Confirmand
A Godparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Godchild


For Children:
I Went to Mass: What did I See?
Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints

Lily Lolek, Future Saint
Let Us Pray: A Child's First Book of Prayers 
The Word of the Lord: A Child's First Scripture Verses 
Kiddie Cat: A Child's First Catechism Lesson 
Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass 
This is the Church

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