Robby Hathorn, who recently retired as assistant headmaster at Columbia Academy, has published a new children’s book titled "Kids Can Pray Too: A Lesson Learned." The book is aimed at inspiring young children to embrace the practice of prayer.
Hathorn concluded his career at Columbia Academy in June, where he was recognized for his dedication to fostering a supportive educational environment grounded in strong moral and spiritual values. His new book reflects his commitment to nurturing faith among children, drawing on his years of experience working with students both in the classroom and in leadership.
Hathorn, who is also the pastor of Sonshine Square Church in Carson, said making the transition to children’s author wasn’t something he asked for — the Lord gave it to him during his final year at CA.
“It was not on the radar,” he said. “It was a shock to me. It was like if someone said to me, ‘Let’s go to Jackson to eat turtle.’ Suddenly I had this idea that I should write a children’s book. It wasn’t but a day or two that the title started coming to me, the thoughts and pages started coming to me. I just believe the Lord gave it to me.”
"Kids Can Pray Too" is designed for early readers at grade level two and uses simple language and engaging illustrations to make prayer accessible and meaningful for children. Hathorn said he hopes the book will serve as a valuable tool for parents and educators to encourage children in their spiritual growth.
The book features two main characters, Sally and Zoey, and begins with Sally telling Zoey about witnessing her mom and dad praying. Sally tells Zoey that her dad informed that if she prayed, God would hear her prayers, too. Later on in the book, while Sally is facing fear, Zoey reminds her that her dad told her that she could pray instead of living in fear. Without truly knowing how to pray, Sally’s fear is lifted through prayer, and she tells Zoey that it worked. It concludes with Zoey realizing that she should start praying as well.
“Kids Can Pray Too” is fully illustrated by former CA art teacher Ashlye Shoemake and includes a scripture at the end. Hathorn attended an event at Southern Miss to learn how to self-publish his book and won a door prize for a literary agent to review his work for free.
“I was able to submit my manuscript to them and they got back to me said I could make these tweaks if I wanted to do that. It showed me I was on the right track,” he said.
To make his book a reality, Hathorn had to learn page layout software and put the book together himself. He also had to learn to build his own website, where the book can be purchased. It is also available on Amazon, and Hathorn is marketing the book on social media and through word of mouth.
During his final year at Columbia Academy, he was encouraged by many of his peers to write and publish “Kids Can Pray Too,” and he credits his 10 years at the school for preparing him to write it.
“If I hadn’t been assistant principal there and had 10 years of experience, not only with the high school but with the elementary, I wouldn’t have been able to do this,” he said. “Columbia Academy was one way that God used to equip me to write a 32-page children’s book.”
Since retiring, Hathorn has focused on sharing his message beyond the school community through this book. His efforts continue to impact families by promoting a positive and faith-centered approach to childhood development.
“Kids Can Pray Too” will be promoted through four events in November, beginning with Hathorn reading to kindergarten, first-grade, second-grade and third-grade students at CA Nov. 5. He will be signing and selling his book at Mainstreet Gifts Nov. 7 and at Endless Summer Nov. 8 during open house events. He will also be signing and selling Nov. 15 at CA’s Fall Festival.
The book is now available, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Hathorn as an author and advocate for children’s spiritual education.
