Loved (Board Book)

Lloyd-Jones's padded board book contains a gentle adaptation of the Lord's Prayer. Diverse children play together in a verdant seaside meadow, reciting a quiet prayer to God: 'Hello Daddy!/ We want to know you./ And be close to you./ Please show us how.'

They climb a hill, step through wildflowers, and traverse a fallen log in single file. They request God's attention and care ('make everything in the world right again./ And in our hearts too') and forgiveness 'for doing wrong or hurting you.' Two friends are pictured in a disagreement, then forgiving one another.

The play day concludes at twilight, as they return home to a welcoming house. Lloyd-Jones's sincere verse (which first appeared in the Jesus Storybook Bible) and Jago's cozy, child-centered art sends an assuring, down-to-earth message about God's love. Ages up to 4. (Sept.)