
Every Breath, Every Blessing
by Dorena Williamson
ISBN-13: 9780310166788
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Released: August 12, 2025
Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.
Book Description from Goodreads:
In a world full of uncertainty, Every Breath, Every Blessing reminds children that they are never alone. Through lyrical text and beautiful art, this inspiring picture book gives parents, grandparents, and educators a way to connect with children and encourage them that even during the changes and challenges of life, hope can be found through friendship and family.
Today’s kids face a lot of challenges and questions, and parents and caregivers want to give them care and protection. While we cannot promise children that times will never be hard or take their difficult feelings away, Every Breath, Every Blessing offers a gentle story of affirmation: You are loved. You are not alone. I am here. A book for the small disappointments and sadnesses in life as well as the big fears and griefs. When we approach life with gratitude and joy, the big feelings and questions we face do not need to overwhelm us.
My Review:
Every Breath, Every Blessing is a children's picture book. The story followed different children and covered dealing with tough days and giving thanks for being alive. When storms come, your parents will be there for you to talk to or just be with and they'll pray for you. We can help others in bad times (like cleaning up after a bad storm). When at school, children need to follow instructions during an emergency and learn the drill. Just take one day at a time.
The text is spoken as "I" and seems to be a parent giving advice to the child. There's a brief mention of the Giver of Breath (not specifically God or Jesus) who made us a unique and blessed us with life, but the book focused on looking to your family for a sense of security and love. The illustrations were watercolor style and realistic looking, giving a context for the words. The children have a variety of looks and included a disable child in a wheelchair.
I'm looking for a book reassuring children that a good, powerful God is always with them, but I'll have to keep looking. This book seems most suited to parents who want to reassure their child of their love and support but don't feel confident about what to say.
"You can't always control what others may do, but you can do this: Breathe in--you can control yourself. Breathe out--do the next right thing."
If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.