S8Ep6: Deep Breath Little Whisper - Praying Every Little Word Your Heart Wants to Say
This week on the podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer sit down with author and pediatrician Dr. Scott James to talk about his new children’s picture book, Deep Breath, Little Whisper.
In a world where many kids feel anxious, overstimulated, and constantly on the go, Dr. James offers families a calming, faith-centered approach to peace through prayer. His latest book, Deep Breath, Little Whisper (releasing February 10, 2026), introduces children to the practice of breath prayers, a simple spiritual habit that teaches them connecting with God can be as natural as taking a deep breath.
This beautifully illustrated story encourages young readers to pause and reflect, reminding them that God hears every word, sigh, and need. Through relatable everyday moments, the book shows that prayer does not need to be long or complicated to be meaningful; it simply needs to come from the heart. Parents and caregivers looking for Christian parenting resources, faith-based children’s books, or tools to help kids manage anxiety will find practical encouragement in this conversation.
“Prayer can meet children right where they are, in the middle of play, worry, or wonder,” says Dr. James. “As a pediatrician and a dad, I’ve seen how small habits of prayer can bring deep peace to a child’s heart.”
While many Christian children’s books encourage prayer, few highlight the historic tradition of breath prayers, a rhythmic way of pairing short prayers with intentional breathing. Dr. James offers a kid-friendly introduction that helps families experience spiritual connection together in daily life.
Serving as both a physician and church elder at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. James brings a unique perspective that bridges children’s emotional well-being and spiritual formation. As he shares in the episode, today’s world can feel fast and loud for kids, but intentional moments of prayer help families slow down, breathe deeply, and remember God’s presence.
Megan Dobson, vice president and publisher at Zonderkidz, describes the book as a meaningful resource for families seeking to nurture faith at home. She notes that its gentle approach helps children encounter God in everyday moments and carry prayer with them through both joyful and challenging experiences.
Tune in as Mike and Tricia explore practical ways parents can introduce prayer habits, support children’s emotional health, and cultivate faith in daily routines through conversation with Dr. Scott James.
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His most recent project, an early-reader book series published by Tyndale House titled The Dead Sea Squirrels, has been adapted into a 13-episode animated series now streaming on Minno, with more books and a season 2 of animation currently in the works. Mike also serves as an assistant professor of film and animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and co-hosts the weekly podcast, “The Bible for Kids.”
As a homeschooling mom of ten and wife to John, Tricia knows firsthand the joy (and the chaos!) of discipling kids in real life. She's written more than 500 articles, speaks at homeschool and family conferences across the country, and loves helping parents and grandparents pass along a living faith to the next generation. Her recent releases include Twist of Time, co-written with her son Nathan. Learn more at triciagoyer.com.
