Baby steps for those on their Christian walk of faith.
A collection of prayers, some biblical and some original, for little ones.
Following through on its titular intent, prayers embody the nine characteristics (including love, faithfulness and gentleness) attributed to the Holy Ghost. Selections (The Lord's Prayer, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”) depict God’s loving relationship with His people and creation. Poems balance reverence for the Omniscient against the individual’s need for attention. “I’m wild as a tiger / I’m wild as a bear / I’m wilder than a wildebeest / and I don’t even care.” (Though the accompanying illustration suggests a gentler reality as the little girl nuzzles a tiger-striped cat.) Where appropriate, traditional formulations are rephrased (“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” does not threaten death, for instance). Not all offerings demonstrate the poetic strength of the traditional text: “The Lord is my shepherd / I’m safe in his care / by pools deep and still / in green pastures so fair.” Cheerful symbolic images (butterflies, doves and sheep) grin against minimalist backgrounds. Cuddly, cherub-cheeked youngsters pray and play, each depicted with small, sweet smiles. Characters’ physical representation reveals a conventional European-American view, with fair, blond angels and white, bearded, white-robed Jesus holding the mostly Caucasian children’s hands.
Baby steps for those on their Christian walk of faith. (Picture book/religion. 1-5)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7459-6251-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Trafalgar Square
Review Posted Online: Sept. 6, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2011
Here's a delightful addition to celebrate both religious identity and family togetherness.
A joyful, child-friendly version of a traditional Jewish song.
A large, extended family enjoys the Passover meal together. Verses tell the dramatic story of Exodus, which is depicted in simple, though sometimes crowded scenes (the Jews advancing over the bed of the Red Sea may even elicit chuckles). They alternate with the chorus, which is accompanied by depictions of the present-day traditional dinner. Repetition builds a sense of purpose and revival. “Day-Day-enu / Day-Day-enu, / Day-Day-enu, / Dayenu, Dayenu, Dayenu!” The modern-day little girl's actions are sweetly and recognizably childlike; she eagerly greets her grandparents, sips her soup and then falls asleep, curled up on the dining-room chair as her relatives continue their conversation.
Here's a delightful addition to celebrate both religious identity and family togetherness. (Board book. 1-4)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-31236-3
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
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BOOK REVIEW
Eleven familiar stories from the Christian Bible are presented for a preschool audience with bright, simple illustrations and just a few sentences encapsulating each story.
The enticing cover shows Noah and his ark along with several pairs of animals, with a rainbow curving behind the title. The first two pages retell the Creation story in just five simple sentences, showing the sky, the land, the sea and Adam and Eve strategically positioned behind green bushes. Other stories include baby Moses, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the lions’ den. The life of Jesus is explained with his birth, two parables, the story of Jesus welcoming the children and a concluding spread that summarizes the crucifixion and resurrection. Each story is simplified to just the most basic characters and plot elements but retains enough meaning to serve as an introduction for the youngest listeners. Children will be drawn to the vivid illustrations done in collage style with simplified shapes and cheerful characters. There is no other collection of Bible stories available with the combination of such simple retellings and attractive illustrations, making this an excellent starting place for younger children. (Picture book/religion. 2-5)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-7459-6342-6
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Lion/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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