Asheville, NC, September 18, 2023 — Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., takes kids on a journey around the world and across the centuries to explore the sacred spaces, holydays and rituals of several different religions in her new book, ABCs of the World’s Religions.
“Kids really CAN understand the basics of the world’s religions, and adults can simply learn along with the kids,” Garlock said. “I don’t focus on beliefs, per se. Instead, I focus on colorful holydays, interesting ritual practices, sacred spaces and how everyday people live into their faith traditions.”
ABCs of the World’s Religions focuses mainly on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with the Baha’i faith and Indigenous/polytheistic traditions included where appropriate.
Each letter is given a two-page spread with full color illustrations by Raman Bhardwaj. Rhyming couplets on left-hand pages explain basic concepts for preschool to kindergarten-aged kids. Additional information, including similarities and differences among religious traditions, are on right-hand pages and are geared toward elementary school-aged readers.
Appropriate for homes of any faith or no faith, ABCs of the World’s Religions contains easy-to-use pronunciation guides, is non-devotional and is constitutionally appropriate for classrooms.
“Religion and culture are inextricably intertwined,” Garlock added. “Being a knowledgeable global citizen and a compassionate neighbor really requires knowing something about the world’s faith traditions.”
A Readers’ Favorite 5-star review had this to say:“Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., has found the perfect medium to teach young readers about the various religions of the world and their respective traditions and rituals. Garlock’s rhyming verses are superbly complemented by the vibrant illustrations and artwork by Raman Bhardwaj … Although ABCs of the World’s Religions primarily targets kids below 10, I think even adults will find a lot to learn in this engaging, educational book.”
About the Author
Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., is the founder of World Religions for Kids and an award-winning kids’ book author. She earned her Ph.D. with dual specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development and worked as a full-time psychology professor for over a decade before accepting a position as the Curriculum Specialist for Jubilee! Community Church. While there, she developed a multi-year, multi-age, multifaith curriculum for kids and was ordained as their Minister of Education. She and her husband live in Asheville and have two mostly grown kids.
For more information, please visit, or follow the author on Twitter (@WorldRel4Kids), Instagram (@worldreligion4kids) or Facebook (World Religions for Kids).
ABCs of the World’s Religions Publisher: Eaton Press Available from Amazon.com
Release Date: September 1, 2023
ISBN: 978-1947486270 ISBN-10: 1947486276
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
