WHERE JESUS SLEPT

Name: WHERE JESUS SLEPT
Author: Norma Lewis
ISBN: 978-0-8249-5679-0

by Norma Lewis ; illustrated by Katy Hudson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2016

This Is the Stable by Cynthia Cotten and illustrated by Delana Bettoli (2006) uses the same “This Is the House that Jack...

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The structure of the traditional poem “This Is the House that Jack Built” is used as the premise for this Nativity story.

The opening pages show Joseph leading Mary and their donkey toward the town of Bethlehem, with a verse from Luke about the birth of Jesus as the text. The following pages begin the repeating pattern with the refrain, “This is the bed where Jesus slept,” followed by “the straw that lined the bed,” “the cow that shared the straw,” and so on. The key nouns are capitalized in the text, which is more annoying than helpful, as it reinforces the singsong nature of the pattern. All the phrases repeat with each new character, including Mary, the baby, a lamb, an angel, the shepherds, and the wise men. The last few recitations of all the elements are quite a mouthful, but that’s the nature of this traditional structure and part of its appeal. When the entire group is assembled, the cumulative pattern is cut off with a clunky ending that doesn’t fit with the rest of the text, and a final page includes a picture of a smiling baby Jesus and another Bible verse. The double-page spreads have a greeting-card prettiness, with static poses; the character of Mary looks somewhat unfinished. The shepherds and wise men have light-brown skin; Mary, Joseph, and the baby have light skin.

This Is the Stable by Cynthia Cotten and illustrated by Delana Bettoli (2006) uses the same “This Is the House that Jack Built” structure with a more graceful text and more polished illustrations; seek it out instead. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-8249-5679-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: Aug. 23, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S RELIGION

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GOD SPEAKS IN WHISPERS

by Mark Batterson & Summer Batterson Dailey ; illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 8, 2020

Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in.

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Rhyming text and colorful multicultural illustrations reassure young readers of God’s omnipresence and still small voice.

“Where in the world is God’s voice found?” Perhaps in ocean waves, bird song, or mountain vistas, suggest the couplet rhymes. Even when readers might be faced with difficult emotions and distractions of all kinds, the text reassures them that God is still there and still speaking, if only one pauses to listen. His voice can be found in nature, in starlight, in the love of family and friends, in dreams, and “through His Word.” Admirably, the bright illustrations, reminiscent of mid-20th-century Disney artist Mary Blair’s stylings, depict children and families with a diverse array of skin tones and ages. There is also a refreshing mix of urban, suburban, and rural settings. Yet, despite the appealing illustrations, the rhymes and scansion are often forced (“your feelings, they matter, / even if they’re all mixed up like / pancake batter”), which detracts from the overall message. Contrived couplets notwithstanding, this title will likely find an audience among Christian households seeking reassuring bedtime reads.

Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020

ISBN: 978-0-525-65385-1

Page Count: 40

Publisher: WaterBrook

Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S RELIGION

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DAY IS DONE

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS FOR BEDTIME

by Elena Pasquali ; illustrated by Natascia Ugliano ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2013

A lovely, thoughtfully designed collection to help settle the little ones for the night.

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Gentle prayers and blessings and pleasing illustrations in muted hues coalesce into a soothing bedtime collection in this British import.

A sleeping crescent moon in a cobalt blue, starry sky is the focus of the illustration on the book’s attractive padded cover. The collection of 30 prayers begins with a rhyming prayer about twilight and the coming dark of evening and with an illustration of a multiethnic group of children leaving a beach as the sun is setting. Subsequent prayers and illustrations show different children at home getting ready for sleep, reading with parents and asleep in bed, and the final prayers lead to daybreak and the promise of a new day. Some of the prayers are traditional favorites, such as the familiar “I See the Moon,” “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” and a well-known Gaelic blessing, while others are short selections by 19th-century British authors. All the selections are Christian prayers, and there isn’t much inclusion from outside Great Britain, except for one short selection from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (formerly Mother Teresa). The majority of the prayers are contemporary, rhyming verses with an overall calming effect complemented by cozy illustrations of sleeping children and animals.

A lovely, thoughtfully designed collection to help settle the little ones for the night. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)