Sometimes doing the right thing is not the easiest thing to do. A little girl with a torn coat is teased on the playground, but one little girl stands up for her and tells the other children to stop. She even goes home to ask Mommy if they have a spare coat they can give the little girl. Sometimes the temptation to do something wrong, like cheat on a test, is so strong, but deep down we know that it’s better to be honest and feel good about ourselves than it is to cheat just for a good mark. A new girl at school sits all alone at lunch, but one girl leaves her group of friends and joins the new girl to make her feel welcome. It might be fun having lunch with your friends, but think about how much pleasure you can share by helping someone else feel special.

David Kennedy’s picture book story, Mommy I have a Friend Who Once Walked On Water, is a sweet, compassionate story to help guide young readers through some of the more difficult decisions we all face quite regularly. Told in simple language and each new scenario beginning with the line, “Mommy, today at school…” the author presents the scenario that requires decision-making skills. Then he allows the narrator, a little girl, to resolve the issue with kindness and care. Many of the situations will be familiar to young readers and then there are a few that might be new to them. The illustrations are bold and colorful and help carry the story along. The author concludes his story with a truly Christian message: “Mommy, would you like to know the name of my friend who once walked on water?” Very cleverly presented in a gentle tone to appeal to young readers and help them understand the importance of making loving, caring decisions.

Mommy I Have A Friend Who Once Walked On Water, written and illustrated by David Kennedy, is a children's picture book where a young child in the first person is speaking to her mother about the day's events. Each event begins with the child addressing “Mommy” and continuing with “toady at school” or similar wording, and then describing an event where the child was faced with a challenging situation, the choice they made in how to respond to it, and how it made them feel. A friend crying at her desk that they comforted made them feel good in their heart; a pencil sharpener that broke while they used it but wasn't acknowledged when asked made them at first feel anxious, but then feel good once the truth was told. Finally, the child closes with their understanding of Jesus and how that was the guidance they need in situations like these.

The voice of a young child is on full display and depicted in full-color graphics in David Kennedy's Mommy I Have A Friend Who Once Walked On Water. The writing style is best suited for the youngest readers as it is simple to understand, but will likely need to be read to them by an older reader who is further along in the reading journey. I liked the illustrations and the anime-style feel they have with oversized eyes and cute little school uniforms. The book is centered on the teachings of Jesus but aside from the title and the last page, this is a story that could be read by parents who practice a different faith or none at all for its strong and succinct messages on kindness, compassion, caring, empathy, honesty, and right versus wrong. For as short as this book is, it is wonderful how many virtues are extolled, and the clarity of the child's decision-making is perfect. Overall, a good little book with a big message.

In Mommy, I Have A Friend Who Once Walked On Water, we are introduced to a little girl who comes home each day and tells her mom about the choices she made that day despite being scared and nervous to do so. She told her fellow classmates to stop drawing on the wall and making fun of the girl in their class that didn’t have nice clothes as they did. She explained to her mom that she was scared but she had to do something because it was the right thing to do. Even when it came to admitting that she broke the pencil sharpener, she told her mom how she didn’t like the feeling she got and ended up admitting it to the teacher. Then we find out that the friend who walks on water is Jesus and he’s guiding her and helping her make the right choices.

I thought David Kennedy did an excellent job with this book. It shows children that doing something morally right is more important than just going along with what others are doing. Sometimes it is just easier to follow the crowd, but I love how this book portrays a character who listens to her conscience, even when it makes her the odd girl out when it comes to her classmates. The illustrations are also beautifully done and they fit perfectly with the storyline. Mommy, I Have A Friend Who Once Walked On Water is an excellent and unique book that I would definitely recommend to friends of mine with young children.

Children need positive role models. David Kennedy has given children a godly role model in Mommy, I Have a Friend Who Once Walked on Water. Sometimes, it is hard to do the right thing. However, when a child has accepted Jesus as their Savior, the Holy Spirit lives within them to help them make the right choices and do the right things. This book is a beautiful little story for parents to read to their children. It should open conversations about making wise decisions and doing good deeds. Discussions that might be sparked from this book include love, compassion, making the right decisions, honesty, friendliness, and more. Read this book with your children and discuss how they can make good decisions also. How many incidents can your child identify with?

David Kennedy is a grandfather who delights in knowing his grandchildren are making godly decisions (III John 1:4). He shares short stories of children making correct choices in Mommy, I Have a Friend Who Once Walked on Water. David writes for young children. Parents will delight in having their children in their lap and reading to them. Along with reading, the parents can use the time as a teaching event. Children can learn what it takes to make good choices. They can discuss any struggles they face when deciding whether to confront behavior or compliment people. David wants children to follow the example of Jesus and have Him as their closest friend. The little girl in this book shows what it means to be a friend of Jesus. This happens by being a friend to all those around her.