1950s Children's Prayer Books

Little Golden Books' "Prayers for Children"

• One of the original titles published by Simon &Schuster in the 1940s as part of the "Little Golden Book" series, "Prayers for Children," sold in the 1950s for an accessible 25 cents. Though titles such as "The Poky Little Puppy" may be more recognizable, "Prayers for Children" was part of a world-wide publishing phenomenon. By the series' tenth anniversary in 1952, more than 183 million books had sold, with that figure nearly doubling by 1953. The most recent edition is available through Amazon (www.amazon.com), while vintage copies can be purchased at online auction sites like eBay (www.ebay.com).

Lolly Pop Books' "The Children's Prayer Book"

• The Lolly Pop Books were produced in 1949 by John Martin's House of Kenosha, Wisconsin. These books were tiny -- less than 4 inches by 4 inches! -- and featured stories about animals, animated objects and religious themes. The format and subject matter suggests that the Lolly Pop Books were published in reaction to the amazing success of the Little Golden Book series. "The Children's Prayer Book" captures some of the most common children's prayers of the day alongside cheerfully drawn illustrations. Vintage copies are available through auction houses like eBay and GoAntiques.com. Obtain current editions through Amazon.

"Some Time Every Day"

• If you're looking for a devotional for older kids, try Mabel Niedermeyer's "Some Time Every Day." Published in 1948 by Bethany Press in St. Louis, this book combines verse and prose to offer contemplative answers to common questions youth ask (one chapter, for example, is called "How Can God Think of Me?") as well as a reproduction of the Lord's Prayer and other prayers to suit specific times and places. Intended for "junior" boys and girls, the book provides classic black and white illustrations. Obtain this book through eBay or from the used booksellers at Amazon.

"Prayer for a Child"

• Though it was written in 1944 by Rachel Field, this picture book of prayers was a 1945 Caldecott Award winner and continued to be popular through the 1950s and beyond. Written specifically for her daughter Hannah, "Prayer for a Child" was nonetheless intended, as Ms. Field put it, "for boys and girls all over the world." She cites its recognition of the simple aspects of life -- everyday people, places and things and their connection through loving devotion to God. Full of beautiful illustrations by Elizabeth Orton Jones, the original edition sold for $1.50. Today, look for valuable first edition copies or purchase the current edition online through Amazon.