Deep Breath, Little Whisper - by Scott James (Hardcover)

About the Book

Deep Breath, Little Whisper beautifully illustrates how kids and families can use breath prayers to pray throughout the day and through all kinds of situations, bringing peace as they draw closer to God.

Book Synopsis

Help your child discover the importance of talking to God during all types of situations with this picture book that explores the use of breath prayers. Throughout, kids will learn that each of their direct praises, quick thanks, and whispered requests can bring them peace and build a stronger relationship with their heavenly Father.

God loves it when His children talk to Him--and connecting with God can be as easy as using a simple word or phrase. Deep Breath, Little Whisper introduces the idea of breath prayers by using a series of kid-friendly scenarios and engaging text to show young readers how they can have a conversation with God in the moment, wherever they are and however they're feeling. Each example also helps remind them that prayer doesn't have to be big and complex to be meaningful--it just has to come from the heart.

The illustrated book is perfect for:

• read-aloud or prayer time
• introducing breath prayers into your family
• helping children from preschool to early elementary develop a relationship with God through easy-to-remember prayers and prompts
• teaching different types of prayers, including praise and adoration, thanksgiving, intercessory, and confession
• showing kids how they can calm their minds and turn to God no matter what happens

Review Quotes

A wonderfully calming resource, with tremendous read-aloud potential, that encourages readers in any moment of life to pause, take a deep breath, and whisper a little word to a big God who hears.--Joe Sutphin, cartoonist and illustrator of Little Pilgrim's Progress, The Wingfeather Saga, and Watership Down: The Graphic Novel

I can think of nothing more urgent than teaching the next generation not just that they should pray, but also how to do it. This beautiful book is a fun, understandable way to show children a practice they can carry throughout their lives and right into eternity.--Russell Moore, editor at large, Christianity Today

In Deep Breath, Little Whisper, Scott James teaches children a foundational truth: prayer is simply talking to God. With gentle clarity, James demystifies prayer and provides plenty of relatable examples, helping children understand that they can talk to God anytime and anywhere--a foundational truth for nurturing a growing relationship with God.--Marty Machowski, family pastor and author of The Ology, The Redemption Tales series, and many gospel-rich resources for church and home

It's so easy to overcomplicate prayer. This exhale of a book invites children (and the grown-ups who love them) into the simple, sacred rhythm of breath prayer. As someone who often turns to this practice in the comings and goings of the day, I've long hoped for a breath prayer resource to share with families of young children--and this is it. What a needed reminder that the One who gives us breath is always with us, every moment of every day.--Kayla Craig, author of To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents and Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish Your Soul and Nurture Your Family throughout the Year; creator of Liturgies for Parents

Scott James has a profound gift for simple and faithful stories and for sharing those few words we need at the right time. His new book is that and it's about that. It's about giving children (and us all) permission and promptings to pray in every situation. The older I get, the more I long for a faithful script, and am grateful for the written prayers of faithful saints gone before. This book is that in its simplest, most kid-friendly form. I love Deep Breath, Little Whisper and your family will too. It is not just good and true, it is beautiful. It is not just useful, it is evocative and inspiring.--S. D. Smith, author of the Green Ember Series

What a joy to read this book to my family! I love the way Scott James teaches kids they can talk to God. The beautiful illustrations accompany a memorable, lyrical rhythm that encourages children to seek the Lord in every circumstance.--Collin Hansen, vice president for content and editor in chief at The Gospel Coalition; host of the Gospelbound podcast

What a sweet and needed book! Prayer doesn't need to be complicated, wordy, or impressive. Scott James shows us that it can be as natural as breathing in and whispering out even a single word. It's a beautiful introduction to living moment by moment in the presence of the One who cares. Kids of all abilities and their parents can be comforted that God hears our simplest whispered single-word request and knows our hearts when there are no words. Both the words and illustrations are invitational, drawing us into a world where our everyday moments are chances to express ourselves to God. Cozy, whimsical, and beautiful.--Sophie Killingley, illustrator and author of Draw Near and Blessed are the Neurodivergent (InterVarsity Press UK, 2026)

When Jesus taught his friends to pray, he told them they didn't need to use lots of fancy words--he emphasized simplicity. Deep Breath, Little Whisper shows that praying isn't hard and anyone can do it! May children and adults alike take its message to heart, and may prayer become as natural as breathing.--Betsy Childs Howard, editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up