Kathleen Kelly (text) and Anne Ryan (illustrator), All the Ways To Pray, Wild Dog, April 2025, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742036878
In Kathleen Kelly’s first picture book, a young girl who is shaped by strong moral purpose and faith-filled commitment in her community is bought to life. This author grows an independent, compassionate and courageous individual, ready to make a positive impact in the world. All the Ways To Pray is highly suitable to junior readers in faith-based settings and demonstrative of those values. This work of health and social literature honours a positive mindset with an uplifting message that is grounded in love, gratitude and hope.
This picture book aligns with areas in Humanities and Social Sciences, English, Health and Religious Education. Teachers will find a resource pack online at the publisher’s website.
There are curriculum-related lessons and activities on the book’s themes delivering mindfulness, mental health, the forms of prayer, gratitude, friendship, family, compassion, emotions and resilience.
All the Ways to Pray reminds readers how prayer can be the start of a healthy mindset at any time of the day. The story illustrates how prayer, reflection, connection and support look in daily practice with capturing artwork from Anne Ryan.
I recommend this book for faith-based settings and for its encouragement in creating space for prayer. The book will provide a meaningful resource to young children building harmony, emotional wellbeing, prayer and reflection. The prayer posters in the resource pack are visually-grabbing with children too.
Reviewed by Chantelle Ciccotosto
