by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso ; illustrated by Annie Bowler ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 4, 2020
A well-crafted story of cooperation and sharing within the context of the biblical story of Creation.
Using the first two chapters of Genesis as a starting point, this story reimagines the Earth’s parts and inhabitants, created by God and at odds with each other.
Written in rhythmic style, reminiscent of the Old Testament chapters with their repetitive refrains, this text reads aloud well. As Levine and Sasso’s story goes, God creates Land, Rain, Plants, Sun, Birds, Earthworms, Quadrupeds, and Children in order to fashion the “very first garden,” but each “brag[s] and boast[s] and bluster[s],” thinking they must be the most important part. Land asserts, “God should love me the most. It is only fair,” and all the others follow suit, until God states “my love is big enough for every one of you.” Then, as God intended: “There was peace. / And it was very good.” An authors’ note mentions the legend is written in “the storytelling form from rabbinic literature known as midrash.” Although it focuses on Creation, it does not retell the story of Adam and Eve but pictures contemporary diverse children, their descendants. The note goes on to suggest various ideas for use (even to introduce the story of evolution), but the focus is on the story’s moral and imaginative qualities. The text uses no gender pronouns, and the layered, richly colored illustrations occasionally evoke Eric Carle’s collages.
A well-crafted story of cooperation and sharing within the context of the biblical story of Creation. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-947888-11-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Review Posted Online: May 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2020
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by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso ; illustrated by Annie Bowler
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by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso ; illustrated by Margaux Meganck
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by David Archuleta ; illustrated by Sara Ugolotti ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2021
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat.
Based on the lyrics of his song by the same name, Archuleta’s foray into picture books calls upon his musical roots as well as his faith.
The book is language-sparse, with most of the story told through Ugolotti’s illustrations. These depict a White child who dreams of playing soccer but must grapple with disappointment. When the unnamed protagonist, who presents male, is not picked to play for the soccer team, he befriends a Black child who presents female and who has also been left out of the game, due to injury. Their initial connection on the sidelines blossoms into a true friendship, proving to be a far richer outcome than the aspiring soccer star could have anticipated. Alongside the visual story runs a little prayer of gratitude thanking God for his presence, patience, and plan in the child’s life. The words are general, with no reference to either soccer or friendship: “Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your eternal presence. / I am learning to be patient and that you are really there.” Though the interracial mixed-gender friendship is cute, the overall prayer and plot are bland. This is useful to augment collections and bookshelves where Christian picture books are in high demand, but it does not stand out from the pack. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-952239-54-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
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by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Kristina Swarner ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2023
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy.
A Black child celebrates their family through prayer and affirmations.
Using repetition (“My mother is a blessing,” “My father is a blessing”), the young narrator prays for various family members, asking that they be kept “safe and well.” Each spread explains why a different member is beloved. The child’s mother “listens to my hopes and dreams” and “watches over me while I sleep.” The child’s father “teaches me to see that rainy days / are lucky days.” Their grandmother “bakes buttery lemon pound cake just for me,” while their grandfather “knows the histories of the world.” Their sister “keeps my secrets” and “helps me find my way,” and their brother “holds my hand when I’m afraid.” Complementing the loving verse, the illustrations are full of warmth and texture and play with geometrical shapes. Godparents, babysitters, and the family dog are even included, too. This book promotes an appreciation for household members as well as the family that can be created outside the home. In an author’s note, Youngblood explains that when she was growing up in Georgia, members of the Black community who weren’t related were often still considered family and that prayer was a big part of her life as a child coping with the death of her birth mother and the realization that she had siblings she’d never met. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy. (Religious picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593234693
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Convergent/Crown
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
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by Shay Youngblood ; illustrated by Lo Harris
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