
Reach for this book when you want to share a quiet moment of gratitude with your child, or to cultivate a sense of wonder about the natural world. Based on a prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, 'Circle of Days' is a lyrical poem celebrating all of creation, from the sun and wind to the smallest animals and the vast sea. Its gentle, rhyming text and warm, collage-style illustrations create a feeling of peace and interconnectedness. Perfect for ages 3 to 7, this book is a beautiful, non-denominational way to introduce ideas of thankfulness and reverence, making it an ideal choice for a calming bedtime story or a reflective moment.
The book has a strong spiritual underpinning, as it's inspired by the Canticle of the Sun by Saint Francis of Assisi (a Christian saint). However, the language is universal and non-denominational. It refers to a creator implicitly through the act of giving thanks but never names a specific deity. It is easily adaptable for secular families focusing on gratitude for nature itself, or for families of various faiths. The approach is entirely metaphorical and gentle.
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Sign in to write a reviewA sensitive 4-year-old who is starting to ask big questions about the world. Also, a 6-year-old in a family that values mindfulness, nature connection, or has a faith tradition they want to share in a gentle, universal way. It's perfect for a child who is calmed by routine and rhythmic language.
No preparation is needed to read it cold. However, a parent might want to know its origin in the prayer of St. Francis to provide context if they choose. The book stands entirely on its own as a celebration of nature. The parent hears their child say something like, "The sunset is so beautiful!" or asks, "Who made the trees?" The parent is looking for a way to nurture that nascent sense of awe and gratitude without necessarily diving into complex religious doctrine.
A 3-year-old will enjoy the rhythm of the poetry and pointing out the animals and nature elements in the collage-style illustrations. A 5-year-old will begin to understand the central concept of "thank you" for each thing. A 7-year-old can appreciate the poetic language and discuss the idea of interconnectedness and what they themselves are grateful for.
While many books celebrate nature, this one's unique strength is its framing as a direct, lyrical prayer of thanks. Its connection to a historical prayer gives it depth, but its universal, non-sectarian language makes it incredibly accessible. Unlike a science-based nature book, its purpose is purely emotional and spiritual, fostering a feeling of reverence rather than imparting facts.
A rhyming, lyrical text offers praise and thanks for various elements of the natural world. It follows a cycle, acknowledging sun, moon, wind, water, plants, animals (insects, birds, fish, mammals), and different landscapes like deserts and oceans. The book is structured as a gentle, inclusive prayer of gratitude for all of creation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.