Sometimes, as adults, we make things more complicated than they need to be, especially when it comes to big, important topics like faith and prayer. We might get caught up in the “how” or “when,” forgetting that for kids, it can be as simple as having a chat. That's exactly what I found so refreshing about Tanner Olson's All The Things I Say To God (Learning to Pray Anytime, Anywhere). It cuts through all the grown-up noise and gets right to the heart of what prayer truly is for a child: a natural, ongoing conversation with God.
I remember thinking about how children approach things, full of curiosity and wonder. They ask a million questions, and they tell you all sorts of wild and wonderful things. This book perfectly captures that childlike freedom of expression and applies it to talking with God. It’s not about following strict rules or using fancy words; it’s about opening up and sharing whatever is on their hearts, big or small.
Disclosure: I received this item free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Why Every Family Needs All The Things I Say to God
If you're looking for a book that will help a child understand what prayer is all about, you've hit the jackpot. This isn't just another story; it's a gentle guide for young hearts. It really emphasizes the idea that you can talk to God at any time, in any place, and about anything. It’s perfect for families who want to have meaningful conversations about faith, and it’s a wonderful resource for churches and ministries that are helping children grow spiritually.
I believe this book will make a big difference for any child who is just starting to wonder about faith, or for those who are already on their faith journey but want to understand prayer better. It’s written in a way that makes it easy for kids to see themselves in Abby, the main character. When they see Abby learning to talk to God, they’ll realize they can do it too.
Who is Tanner Olson? A Voice of Hope and Humor
Tanner Olson is more than just an author; he’s a poet and speaker known for sharing stories of grace and hope. His writing style is truly unique and inviting, blending faith, humor, and a good dose of curiosity. When I learned about him, I appreciated that he doesn't take himself too seriously, which really shines through in his work.
He’s written four books, enjoys his coffee black, and is a fan of the Orlando Magic – little details that make him feel relatable, like someone you could have a chat with. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, son, and their dog, Pancake. Knowing a bit about the author helps me understand the heart behind the book, and Tanner Olson certainly pours his heart into this one.
The Art Behind the Words: Anita Schmidt's Beautiful Illustrations
The words in All The Things I Say to God are fantastic, but the illustrations by Anita Schmidt bring the story to life in such a vibrant way. Anita lives in Northern Germany, surrounded by seven seas, which sounds like a dreamy place for an artist! Her passion for drawing started super early, as soon as she could hold a pencil.
Even after studying graphic design, becoming a mom to two children brought her back to her first love: illustrating. And I'm so glad it did! Her drawings are beautiful and make the story even more captivating for young readers. The illustrations really help to show kids that prayer is an everyday part of life, full of color and joy.
Abby's Journey: Discovering the Power of Prayer
The story centers around Abby, a young girl who has always prayed with her parents. They pray before meals, before bed, when things are good, and when things are tough. This is such a relatable starting point for many kids. Then, one day, Abby asks a simple but profound question: “Mom, can I pray to God all by myself?” This is the moment where the adventure truly begins!
I love how the book follows Abby as she figures out how to express her gratitude, ask questions, pray for her friends and family, and even use silence to talk with God. It’s a wonderful way to show children that prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s also about saying thank you, sharing your thoughts, and listening. Abby’s journey is driven by her own curiosity, which is such a powerful motivator for young learners. She learns that there’s no limit to what you can pray for because God’s love is boundless. This concept is so important for kids to grasp – that God cares about all the things they say to Him.
The Book's Impact: Why It Resonates with Young Hearts
From my perspective, this book does an excellent job of making prayer feel accessible and personal for children. It’s not preachy or complicated; it’s simply about a child finding her own voice in talking to God. Customers who have bought the book agree, describing it as stunning for children of all ages. They praise its discussions about prayer and how it teaches kids to pray in simple ways.
The illustrations are consistently highlighted as beautiful and relatable, making the book a joy to look at. People have called it wonderfully simple and easy to understand, making it a perfect gift. The joy in the story itself seems to be infectious, with many saying it makes them smile.
I think one of the strongest points of this book is its ability to build a lifelong, personal connection with God. It gives children the tools and the confidence to approach prayer in their own unique way. It's truly a memorable addition to any family’s faith library, whether you're introducing prayer for the very first time or encouraging a child's growing faith.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
One thing I really appreciate about All The Things I Say to God is its genuine warmth. It feels like a hug in book form. It doesn't talk down to kids, but rather meets them where they are in their understanding of the world. The concept of praying “anytime, anywhere, and about anything” is repeated in a gentle, reassuring way, solidifying this important message for young minds. It’s not just about learning how to pray, but about understanding that prayer is a natural extension of their relationship with God.
The book is thoughtfully designed for young readers, specifically those aged 3–6 years, but I think even slightly older kids would enjoy it. The print length is 32 pages, which is just right for keeping little attention spans engaged.
The dimensions are 9.2 × 0.4 × 11.3 inches, making it a comfortable size for small hands to hold and explore. It weighs 15.2 ounces, so it feels substantial and well-made, a true hardcover treasure. The publisher, Zonderkidz, is known for quality children's books, and this one certainly lives up to that reputation.
The Journey of Faith Continues
This book was published on April 29, 2025, and it’s already making a big impact. It’s ranked impressively in the Best Sellers list, sitting at #7,326 in Books overall (as of writing this), which is pretty amazing! More specifically, it's #6 in Christian Homeschooling, #8 in Children's Christian Values Fiction, and #21 in Children's Inspirational Books.
These rankings really highlight its relevance and popularity within its genre, showing that it’s hitting the mark for families looking for faith-based content. The overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars from 109 ratings, speak volumes about its quality and the joy it brings to readers.
I'm confident that this book will be a go-to resource for parents and caregivers who want to foster a love for prayer in their children. It’s a beautifully crafted book that celebrates the simple yet profound act of talking to God. It encourages children to be themselves, to be curious, and to know that God’s love is always there, ready to hear them.
Cultivating a Heart of Prayer in Your Child
Encouraging your child to talk to God in their own way is a wonderful gift. All The Things I Say to God provides a fantastic starting point for these important conversations. It teaches children that prayer isn't a chore or something only for grown-ups; it's a natural, joyful part of life.
By introducing these concepts early, you can help your child build a strong spiritual foundation that will serve them well as they grow. This book truly empowers children to understand that their unique voice matters to God, no matter what they want to say. I wholeheartedly recommend adding this gem to your family's collection. You can find All The Things I Say to God on Amazon.
Key Takeaways from a Heartfelt Read
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All The Things I Say to God simplifies prayer for young children.
👨👩👧👦 Encourages families to discuss faith and spiritual growth together.
🎨 Features beautiful illustrations that make prayer relatable and engaging.
💡 Teaches kids they can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything.
💖 Helps children develop a personal and lifelong connection with God.
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