Emma and Mommy Talk to God

Best known for her book A Return to Love and her commentary on A Course in Miracles, Marianne Williamson now turns her attention to children. In an epilogue to parents, she writes that she hopes this volume supports parents who wish to teach their children about the power of prayer and forgiveness and the experience of God. Unfortunately, this book will more likely mislead children about the power of prayer, and it may even leave them convinced that they are failures or unworthy of God's attention. The book begins with Emma and Mommy praying together as Mommy tells Emma of God's love for everyone. Emma learns that God is always with her, that she need not be afraid. Later in the book, however, Emma encounters a mean boy at school. Mommy encourages her to pray for the mean boy, and, as if by magic, he is a perfect gentleman the next day. That is an unfortunate impression to leave with children, who will most likely not have such rapid and direct answers to their prayers and will consider that they have only themselves to blame. Ages 3-7. (May)