Jewel-toned, folk-art–style illustrations illuminate this tale of the first indigenous saint in the Americas. Authentically and lovingly told, this version of the familiar story of Juan Diego and the Lady of Guadalupe is dramatic and bold, affirming the worth and celebrating the perseverance of the poor and downtrodden. Born Talking Eagle, Juan Diego converted as an adult and was more than the simple peasant he’s often considered to be. He was a deeply spiritual man, known for his kindness and his eaglelike ability to “rise above and see things that others could not." When Juan Diego meets a mysterious lady one December day on the hill of Tepayac, she commands him to relay to the bishops her instructions that "a house of prayers" be built. He is repulsed by them twice before she sends him back one last time with his cloak (tilma) full of miraculous roses. Córdova’s illustrations are bright with turquoise, fuchsia and terra-cotta and appropriately infused with religious iconography. An afterword by Gollogly provides useful historical and cultural background to this story that has had such an impact on the religious life of Mexico. The tale is not often told in children's books, and this is a much stronger telling than Tomie de Paola's The Lady of Guadalupe (1980). Respectful and affectionate, this book will be welcomed by Sunday-school teachers and religious households alike. (Picture book/religion. 5-10)
Pub Date: May 11, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8801-0719-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Steiner Books
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
March is Women's History Month, a perfect time to release a book celebrating the amazing things girls do on a daily basis. Girls of all origins, shapes, color, and size bounce around the pages illustrating smaller, everyday accomplishments as well as the big milestones. An excellent choice for emerging readers, there are many pages with only one line of text and repeating lines that rhyme— "Girl, you're amazing, the things you can do! / Pack your own lunchbox and lace your own shoe." "Girl, you're amazing, the things that you know! / How to write stories where fantasies grow." Girl, you're amazing for the art you create, the show you put on, the help that you lend, the power you've got, the sport you can be, the love that you show, the things that you are, the things you'll become. Energetic watercolor-and-crayon illustrations brimming with social consciousness and amusing details seem to dance through the book. Potter is also a performing director for a mask and mime troupe, ballet dancer, classical pianist, and mother of two daughters. Kroll, a mother of six children, has published over a thousand children's stories and 38 books. Just amazing! (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-8075-2930-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2001
The only hesitation readers might have about this easy-to-read gathering of dog information is that the answers are a little too pat, without room for doubt or suggestion. Why dogs bark is a good example. Holub writes here that barking is a form of warning or greeting. But dogs will also bark for just about any reason, which makes for a lot of false alarms on the warning front. On the other hand, the book does offer plenty material on sniffing and tail-wagging, on how much fun dogs can be, and what an amazing variety there is. It is chock-a-block with photographs of dogs doing dog things, and there is a small complement of line drawings to soften the touch. The text is facile without being silly or moronic: "When puppies are three to four weeks old, they begin to walk, bark, play, and wag their tails." Nice to have an easy-reader information book on a topic sure to be enticing. A companion volume is available: Why Do Cats Meow? (ISBN 0-8037-2503-5) (Easy reader. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-8037-2504-3
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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