A Prayer from the Heart

Amanda Lauer reviews Tammy Fernando's debut children's book, a story that demonstrates the power of prayer.

A Prayer from the Heart, the debut children’s book from author Tammy Fernando, is a touching story about a young boy in the United Kingdom who has been praying to have someone move into their neighborhood to be his friend. 

20230417 ALauer A Prayer From the Heart book cover

By chance, a new girl joins his class. Shani is from India, which is near Sri Lanka, the country where Chris’ family is from. Even though Chris is shy, he strikes up the courage to talk to his new classmate after school. 

Unbeknownst to Chris, Shani is one of four children in the family that had moved in next door to his family. The next day when Chris’ father invites the new neighbors over for coffee, Chris is overjoyed to see Shani again. Not only does he have her for a new friend but her sister and two brothers as well. 

At the end of the story, Chris is tucked into bed by his mummy and thanks Jesus for answering his prayers in such an amazing way. 

This colorfully illustrated story is ideal as a read-aloud for younger children or suitable for early readers. The pictures are engaging and help bring Fernando’s well-written story to life.  

If you’re looking for a book for a young person in your life that demonstrates the power of prayer and being thankful for the gifts that Jesus gives us, this would be the ideal one to add to their collection.

A Prayer from the Heart is available online from Amazon.com.