BN Book Review: The Mysteries Of Praise by Dunsin Oyekan & Foluke Oyeleye | Review by The BookLady NG

There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that remind you of a version of yourself you’d almost forgotten. As someone who grew up reading Psalty’s Kid Bible, Open Heavens for Teens, and Rhapsody of Realities for Kids, The Mysteries of Praise took me back to that little girl who learned Bible stories through colourful pages, prayers, and childlike wonder. As I turned the pages, I found myself thinking that every child and adult who enjoys simple illustrated works that convey deep meaning deserves to have this experience.

When we teach children about God, we sometimes strip away the fun because we want to preserve the reverence. And while the things of God are certainly not to be trivialised, we must consider the best approach to make them impactful for children. And because children engage through stories, colour, play and imagination, Dunsin Oyekan’s book debut plays to that. 

Built around the theme of praise, the book explores the mysteries of praise through 21 Bible stories and 7 interactive activities. Rather than treating praise as something only done during worship, it beautifully shows the different ways God responds to and works through the praise of His people.

The stories are familiar enough for children to recognise but told in a way that keeps them flipping the pages. From the singing sons of Korah to the walls of Jericho, the crossing of the Red Sea, Daniel in the lions’ den, the raising of Lazarus, Paul and Silas in prison, and many more, every story points back to the same thread: God shows up in remarkable ways when His people praise Him.

What’s more are activities to help readers fully engage with the book’s messages. These activities are important because they’re a delightful part of the book. They don’t feel like extra work; they feel like an extension of the…