Happy Book Birthday: Prayer Is

Happy book birthday to Prayer Is, written by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by me, and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR/Macmillan Kids!

Here’s the official summary:

For fans of Ainsley Earhardt and Matthew Paul Turner, this lyrical and heartwarming picture book introduces little ones to prayer and its infinite meanings, encouraging connection with God in moments big and small.

When we lie down to sleep or bless our food before we eat, we pray. But what is prayer? Prayer is gratitude. Prayer is love. Prayer is a gift from God that everyone can use in times of need. It can be said in a shout or a whisper, in the pews of a church or on the living room couch. Prayer is simple—anyone can do it.

With simple, sweet, contemplative text from award-winning author Tameka Fryer Brown and sweet illustrations from rising-star artist Alleanna Harris, Prayer Is is a gentle exploration of the different meanings of prayer seen through the eyes of a girl and her family—the perfect gift for baby showers, christenings, birthdays, or any moment in a child’s life.

When my agent Alex originally sent me the manuscript, I was already excited because I enjoyed working with Tameka and the FSG BYR/MacKids team (Joy, Naomi, Mina and Hannah) on All the Greatness in You! #teamgreatnessforlife

When I read the manuscript, I was even more excited. Tameka’s words sounded like how my grandmother described prayer to me as a child. It reminded me of the kinds of stories my mom shared when she taught elementary age Sunday School. It felt conversational and supportive. Warm and relatable. Honest and introspective. Wise, but not preachy. I’m grateful that I was able to illustrate Prayer Is and I hope you all enjoy this meaningful picture book during these rough times!

I shared an interior illustration in another blog post, so here's one more sneak peek of another interior illustration:

Prayer Is is now available wherever books are sold!

If you buy a signed copy of Prayer Is from Main Street Books, the proceeds will be shared with Hearts and Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. 

Also, if you're in the Charlotte, NC area on February 14, 2026, Tameka will be having a Prayer Is Storytime and Book Launch at Main Street Books in Davidson, NC from 11 am-12 pm. You can check out the event details and RSVP here.

Prayerfully,
Alleanna