The Life of Jesus, by Sophie Piper and Angelo Ruta (2013), and The Light of the World, by Katherine Paterson and François...
First published in Germany, this theologically confusing introduction to the life of Jesus is told through disjointed episodes that don’t have any connecting narrative to help the reader.
The first few pages give short versions of key stories: Gabriel tells Mary she will have a child, the son of God, and this is followed on the next spread by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Jesus goes abruptly from the manger to the temple, conversing with the teachers there. On the next page, Jesus has begun his ministry, but his baptism, a key event in his life and in the theological structure of Christianity, is omitted. Several of the parables and miracles of Jesus are retold, but the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer are not included. The conclusion is especially confusing, jumping from an account of the Crucifixion that clearly states that Jesus is dead to the empty tomb on the final spread with the concluding words, “Jesus lives and has triumphed over death!” Striking illustrations make excellent use of glowing light and varied perspectives, and the illustrations have enough appeal to somewhat offset the drawbacks of the text.
The Life of Jesus, by Sophie Piper and Angelo Ruta (2013), and The Light of the World, by Katherine Paterson and François Roca (2008), are better introductions to the life of Jesus for a similar age group. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)Pub Date: March 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5438-4
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Eerdmans
Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
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
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
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
bookshelf