PEACE ON EARTH
A Book of Prayers from Around the World
edited by Bijou Le Tord & illustrated by Bijou Le Tord
More than 50 brief prayers from many sources and cultures, both traditional material and poems by individuals. Grouped by categories suggesting the cycle of a day, and of life itself (``Morning and Sun''; ``Plants and Harvesting''; ``Children''; ``Animals''; ``Praises and Thanks,'' etc.), the poems are set in spacious white and illustrated with delicate watercolors: the soft colors barely stain the page, while the pencil-outlined forms are childlike in their simplicity. The poems reflect a sunny reverence epitomized in e. e. cummings's ``North America'': ``i thank You God for most this amazing/day...and for everything/which is natural which is infinite which is yes.'' Section headings in five languages (not always the same ones, and many in different alphabets or characters) are a handsome touch with lovely implicit meaning. A thoughtful, beautifully produced collection. (Nonfiction. 2+)