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Sometimes We Pray

Illustrated by Felishia Henditirto
Hardcover
$17.99 US
9.88"W x 9.81"H x 0.39"D   | 15 oz | 20 per carton
On sale Feb 24, 2026 | 40 Pages | 9781623546403
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2

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Discover the diverse ways people around the world pray—through movement, stillness, and connection. A beautiful celebration of spirituality and human expression.

A culturally rich celebration of prayer practices worldwide, fostering diversity and connection. This timely book encourages children to appreciate spirituality in all forms.


People have prayed for centuries, and it is a significant component of most, if not all, religions. It is also a powerful part of people’s lives who are not part of a religion. Many people believe that paying attention to the world around them, and to their relationship with it, is a form of prayer.

Prayer in its myriad forms conveys a relationship and a communication with something mysterious, something within or something beyond ourselves.

Available in both picture book and board book.
The importance of prayer in many cultures and religions is vividly presented in this picture book. Lessons in unity and tolerance are shared as people with a range of skin tones of all religions are shown praying in a variety of places and at different times of day. Although prayer may look and sound different in each religion and culture, there are common elements regardless of religion and culture, and the similarities are shared within this text. Through the text and illustrations, readers learn why people pray. An author’s note shares the personal story that sparked this book. Also included is a glossary defining terms and images throughout. Illustrations are warm, inviting readers deeper into the text. Some scenes are happy, some sad, and some conjure nostalgic moments spent with loved ones. VERDICT This expressive book is perfect for adults and children longing to learn about or connect through prayer, making it a great purchase for both secular and religion-centered book collections.
School Library Journal
Mary Wagley Copp is the author of Yoshi's Big Swim and Wherever I Go. She loved exploring the world with her parents and studying Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, visiting the symbol of ancient Greece, the Parthenon, or imagining how the Incans built Machu Picchu in Peru. She was always curious about how other people lived and how they spent their days. What was important to them? What were their joys and what were their struggles? What did they dream about? When she is not reading and writing stories, she teaches English as a Second Language to newcomers and has recently traveled to Ethiopia and beyond.

Felishia Henditirto was born in Bandung, Indonesia, and has been fascinated by art and stories since she was a child. When everybody else was busy taking notes in biology class, she was stuck in her own world, drawing. Illustrating stories is her biggest passion, and she has recently graduated with a BFA in graphic design. In her illustrations, Felishia likes to play with colors, lights, and shadows. She also finds that using metaphors in her drawing is fun, she likes to think about the meaning of everything! astound.us/felishia-henditirto

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About

Discover the diverse ways people around the world pray—through movement, stillness, and connection. A beautiful celebration of spirituality and human expression.

A culturally rich celebration of prayer practices worldwide, fostering diversity and connection. This timely book encourages children to appreciate spirituality in all forms.


People have prayed for centuries, and it is a significant component of most, if not all, religions. It is also a powerful part of people’s lives who are not part of a religion. Many people believe that paying attention to the world around them, and to their relationship with it, is a form of prayer.

Prayer in its myriad forms conveys a relationship and a communication with something mysterious, something within or something beyond ourselves.

Available in both picture book and board book.

Praise

The importance of prayer in many cultures and religions is vividly presented in this picture book. Lessons in unity and tolerance are shared as people with a range of skin tones of all religions are shown praying in a variety of places and at different times of day. Although prayer may look and sound different in each religion and culture, there are common elements regardless of religion and culture, and the similarities are shared within this text. Through the text and illustrations, readers learn why people pray. An author’s note shares the personal story that sparked this book. Also included is a glossary defining terms and images throughout. Illustrations are warm, inviting readers deeper into the text. Some scenes are happy, some sad, and some conjure nostalgic moments spent with loved ones. VERDICT This expressive book is perfect for adults and children longing to learn about or connect through prayer, making it a great purchase for both secular and religion-centered book collections.
School Library Journal

Author

Mary Wagley Copp is the author of Yoshi's Big Swim and Wherever I Go. She loved exploring the world with her parents and studying Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, visiting the symbol of ancient Greece, the Parthenon, or imagining how the Incans built Machu Picchu in Peru. She was always curious about how other people lived and how they spent their days. What was important to them? What were their joys and what were their struggles? What did they dream about? When she is not reading and writing stories, she teaches English as a Second Language to newcomers and has recently traveled to Ethiopia and beyond.

Felishia Henditirto was born in Bandung, Indonesia, and has been fascinated by art and stories since she was a child. When everybody else was busy taking notes in biology class, she was stuck in her own world, drawing. Illustrating stories is her biggest passion, and she has recently graduated with a BFA in graphic design. In her illustrations, Felishia likes to play with colors, lights, and shadows. She also finds that using metaphors in her drawing is fun, she likes to think about the meaning of everything! astound.us/felishia-henditirto

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