Prayer Is - Tameka Fryer Brown

KLiC: What was your inspiration for PRAYER IS?

TFB: In 2022, I received a tip from Agent Kelly Dyksterhouse—who I’ve known for nearly two decades—that Joy Peskin at FSG was looking for a picture book about prayer from a Christian perspective. Since the project hadn’t been a fit for any of her clients, and she knew Joy and I had worked together previously, she asked if this was a project I’d be interested in. It absolutely was. I reached out to Joy and said something like, “A little birdie told me you were interested in a pb manuscript about prayer. Is that still the case?” She said yes and we were off and running.
 
KLiC: What are your favorite illustrations in the book?

TFB: I’m glad you asked this question in the plural. I have many, but I’ll just point out two.
I’m kind of obsessed with the illustration where our main character is sprawled on the bed, fuming. Alleanna did such a great job infusing both humor and relatability in this picture. Anger and frustration are common impediments to one’s desire and ability to pray. But as I say in the book, trying is what counts most with God. Sometimes trying is the best we can do. That’s true about prayer, and it’s true about other aspects of life as well.

Another one of my favorite illustrations is the church scene near the end of the book, where congregants are praying in various ways that feel authentic to them. My favorite part about this scene is the teenager in the back giving that bit of side-eye. Is it because of the crying baby, or is she one of the “doubters” that the text refers to? It could be either…or both.

It was important for me to state that prayer is for believers and doubters because my study of the Bible has shown me that God wants to hear whatever it is we are thinking or feeling—including our doubts. Even if they are about Him. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have prayed “Lord help my unbelief” on more than one occasion. Alleanna captured the spirit of inclusion through this character in a subtle but powerful way.

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

TFB: That prayer is less about memorization and recitation, and more about talking honestly to God. That it’s about more than just asking for stuff. That no one is ever too young (or too anything else) to pray.

That’s three things, but I think they’re all equally important.
 
KLIC: What’s next for you?

TFB: I have a book coming out in 2027 with Candlewick called MORE THAN ENOUGH. It’s my most personal picture book to date. Not only is it a lyrical celebration of all the everyday people, places, and experiences that shape us, it’s also a reminder that each of us is worthy of the same respect, honor, and dignity afforded to everyone else in the room—no matter who we are or where we come from. This ode to Miami, my childhood home, is being illustrated by Jenin Mohammed, who was also born and raised in South Florida.

MORE THAN ENOUGH will mark my first time publishing with Candlewick. They have an amazing reputation in the industry so I’m excited to be on this publication journey with them!

To learn more about Tameka Fryer Brown, please visit:
tamekafryerbrown.com