The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Do you know this children's book? The Snowy Day is a classic in the field of Children's Literature, it even won The Caldecott Medal. My three-year-old son enjoys reading this book and he'll even read it to you, if you prefer.

After many read throughs I got stuck on two pages towards the end of the book....it just isn't written well. And those of you that know me well are probably chuckling because you know that I'm not a grammar expert, by any stretch. But this one section is just not right and I can't figure out how a prominent author/illustrator go by with it. Maybe that's why he got by with it---he was so good that the publisher let this one slide, who knows. All I know is that everytime I read these two pages I get irked a little more. It's like I expect the words to change magically before I flip the page.

Here's the irritating text:

"He told his mother all about his adventures while she took off his wet socks. (turn page) And he thought and thought and thought about them."

Anyone else think those two sentences are not grammatically correct? Do you see why it rubs me wrong? Am I way off my rocker? You don't get it, do you?

The way it's worded, it sounds like he's thinking and thinking about his WET SOCKS!!!

Read the text again---do you see it now? Let me know what you think.....in the meantime read this classic to your children--they'll love it.

Back to my book---

J Renee

Prayer Power: 30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God by Peter Lundell

Peter’s Lundell’s book Prayer Power, is a guide to creating and building a prayer life. With thirty concise chapters, this book is a natural fit for a month long study. The book is divided into five broader categories while each chapter covers a different prayer element.

Lundell begins by teaching readers the importance of yearning for God and a close relationship with Him through prayer. The next step leads to personal growth that will result in a more fulfilling prayer life. Prayer Power then covers using helps, internal and external. Several chapters are devoted to spiritual warfare and how that impacts prayer and our relationship with God. The concluding section pushes the reader to move out of his/her comfort zone to experience prayer in new ways.

 

There are lots of books on the power of prayer but Prayer Power speaks to a different audience. Most prayer books assume the reader already has a thriving prayer life. Other books tell readers the great things that can result from prayer life; this book develops the desire and ability to have a prayer life. Lundell presents practical steps and easy-to-apply suggestions. He doesn’t declare the “right” way to pray; he offers suggestions and options so the reader can see how a connection with God can fit into his/her life.

Two aspects of this book stand out to me: the prayer starter at the end of each chapter and the comprehensive presentation of the subject matter. First, the prayer starter that concludes each chapter nudges the reader to immediately put into practice the element of prayer discussed in the chapter. I can’t think of a better way to practically verify what was learned.

 

Second, Lundell is thorough and comprehensive in his teaching of prayer and connecting with God. Chapters are short, yet complete. Each section gives the reader enough to consider and learn without overwhelming. This style keeps the reader engaged rather than bogged down. Readers will feel like they can accomplish the goal of a better prayer life because Lundell takes one step at a time.

 

With confidence I recommend this book and say it is the best book I have read on prayer. For those who desire a close prayer walk but aren’t sure where or how to begin, let Prayer Power encourage you. For those who have a daily quiet time with God but need some rejuvenation, let Prayer Power refresh you. For those who participate in a prayer group, let Prayer Power broaden and enhance your experience. People with any and all types of prayer lives will benefit from Lundell’s book.

I received a complimentary copy of  Prayer Power in exchange for a review of the book.

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Back to my book---

J Renee