Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World - by Helen Lee (Hardcover)

About the Book

Does God really hear our prayers? When Kaylee and her grandfather Halbi encounter a photo of a sad boy halfway around the world, she wonders, Does God really care? This story tenderly guides readers of any age toward the God that hears and answers our prayers and will resonate with families of faith all around the world.

Book Synopsis

2025 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Silver Medal

"Kaylee's desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers. . . . Maeng's appealing cartoon images highlight Kaylee's earnestness, and the 'Kim Family Prayer Map' gives their prayer practice a well-drawn sense of practicality. Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful." - Kirkus Reviews

God hears every prayer!

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is an inspiring story about faith, empathy, and the power of prayer. Written by Helen Lee and beautifully illustrated by Shin Maeng, this book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading, they look for ways to pray for the children of the world.

When Kaylee sees a photo of a sad boy from far away, she begins to wonder, "Does God really care?" This heartfelt story gently guides children to recognize the brokenness in our world and to turn their hearts to God with the assurance that He hears every prayer--even when words feel hard to find.

This book offers a way for families to engage with global issues through prayer, fostering meaningful conversations with children. From author Helen Lee and illustrator Shin Maeng, Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World features a Korean American family whose desire to seek after God will resonate with families of faith all around the world.

Why You'll Love This Book

• Encourages Prayer: Help children understand the importance of bringing their thoughts and concerns to God
• Engages Tough Topics: Tackle subjects like brokenness and grief with honesty and sensitivity, encouraging empathy for others
• Builds Faith: Encourage children that God hears and answers their prayers

Discover the powerful story of Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World and bring the message of God's love and care into children's lives today!

Review Quotes

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote that we live in a global village and a great world house, reminding us of our interconnectedness as global citizens. He sought to raise our consciousness about caring for our local, national, and global neighbors alike. In this work, Helen Lee carries forward that vision, helping children understand that we are part of a global world and that compassion knows no borders. Grab this book and use it as a tool to teach your child that God's love extends to the whole world--and that being a good neighbor is not defined by distance."

"Kaylee's desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers. . . . Maeng's appealing cartoon images highlight Kaylee's earnestness, and the 'Kim Family Prayer Map' gives their prayer practice a well-drawn sense of practicality. Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful."

"The church desperately needs resources for teaching children how to navigate the anxiety and exhaustion swirling around us--and Helen Lee has given us the gift of pointing children to the comfort and power of our Heavenly Father. Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World powerfully teaches children (and adults) to bring their fears and cries and requests to the one who can hold them."

"With Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World, Helen Lee weaves together her deep love for children and their spiritual development with her love for language and images. Add those to her heart for prayer, and you have what you are holding--a work of words and art that inspires children and adults alike in ways that we all need."

"Helen Lee masterfully invites readers into the sweet connection between a grandfather and granddaughter. While the familial bond will resonate with generations of readers, as a Black woman, I appreciated the unique window into Korean culture, and as a new 'Gigi, ' I am inspired by Halbi to cultivate the important values of love, listening, and prayer with my grandson. In a world infused with self-centeredness, these pages give readers a better option of moving beyond their interests to care for the needs of others. Christians worldwide will delight in sharing this book in homes, churches, and schools, helping reiterate powerful lessons on listening to the Holy Spirit, and supporting our brothers and sisters in prayer. I'm ready for the sequel to this story, as Kaylee and Halbi have much to teach us!"

"I love this book! What an encouraging model for guiding children in how to pray for the needs of others. In addition to giving children tools for how to pray, this simple story will go a long way in lifting the burdens they carry as they become more aware of the world around them. What a gift!"

"In this sweet story, Helen Lee introduces the simple and profound ways children (and adults) can pray for a hurting world. Incorporating a subtle and satisfying element of Korean culture, Kaylee, her praying dog Keedo, and grandfather Halbi are helped by God to talk with God from their hearts and on behalf of people far and wide."

"This book is a joy. A beautiful illustration of a family who understands the power of prayer for the world. And a telling example of how God delights when his children care for other children. A blessing for Asian families and all families!"

About the Author

Shin Maeng (MA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) now resides in Aberdeen, Scotland, but he grew up in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. He is married to Sarah and together they have a wee lass. Shin loves to create on his iPad and also loves to get his hands dirty. Music, cities, stories, Marvel comics, dancing, most things on YouTube, food, justice, and the movement of God are a few things that inspire Shin's hands to create. You can find out more about what he's up to at www.shinhappen.com.

Helen Lee is an author, wife, mom of three young men--which means she lives at Costco in her spare time--and the dog mom of a Mini Bernedoodle named Simba. She has written books for adults and is working on her first middle-grade novel. Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is her first picture book.