A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 351

Picture Book: Morning Has Broken 

Author: Eleanor Farjeon

Illustrator: Tim Ladwig

Summary: A celebration of nature’s beauty is at the heart of these familiar words. The illustrations are contemporary and feature a young boy and his grandfather who come together to enjoy a stunning day in a city. References to God and the Holy Scriptures are somewhat subtle. Mostly this is a song of praise to God for new possibilities and the joy of discovering them in loving relationship.  

Hanna’s Comments: For some of us, this is a hymn found in one of the newer hymnals. For others, it is a pop song sung by Cat Stevens and heard at summer church camp and on the radio when we were young. Now for all of us these imaginative lyrics have been translated into a picture book. Eleanor Farjeon was inspired by Psalm 118:24 to write these lyrics for children to sing. They were first published in 1931 in England. At the front of the book, you’ll find a Note about the Author, and at the back, you’ll find the score with all three verses.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: William B. Eerdman’s, 1996 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Song Book, God Book, Pre 2K, Rare but Worth the Search

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adoration, awe, beauty, beginnings/morning, contemplation, the environment/nature, God’s care/providence, grace, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, prayer, worship

Scripture Connections: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24) and other psalms of praise such as Psalm 100 and 150

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when celebrating the possibilities God graciously gives us in each day and how important it is to be grateful and praise God for these many gifts.