Book details
Nikki Grimes - Author
Poems and paintings show a child observing his father’s prayers and reflecting on their relationship. Prayer is presented as a recurring part of family life, and the collection centres on Christian faith.
In this collection of new poems by Nikki Grimes, a child learns about prayer from his father, whose prayers carry the family through each day — no matter what the circumstances. Nikki Grimes believes that spirituality and prayer are signs of true strength and power. *When Daddy Prays* celebrates fathers who help their children see this. Nikki writes, "In my view there is no more powerful image than that of a strong man bowing before God." And illustrator Tim Ladwig has created remarkable images, rich with tenderness and touches of affectionate humor, to enhance and complete this exceptional book.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: What do you think the child values about his father’s prayers?
How the book presents it: The words and images work together to frame the child's view of his father and their family life.
Talk about: What might the paintings communicate that the poems do not say directly?
The collection offers a child’s-eye view of a father sharing religious practice with his family. It may suit a family looking for poetry and pictures centred on Christian prayer and parent-child affection.
Prayer and belief in God are central rather than incidental. Consider whether that explicitly Christian focus fits your family’s preferences and the perspective you want a child to encounter.
What does the child seem to learn from watching his father pray, and does the book leave room for your child to describe their own thoughts about prayer or belief?
Read a poem at a time, pausing over the paintings. Invite your child to notice what the pictures add and to connect the father and child’s expressions with the words.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
When Daddy Prays - Nikki Grimes - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Poems and paintings
When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Prayer within family life; Poems and paintings
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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