by Diane Gibfried & illustrated by Meilo So ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2006
In So’s hands, watercolor, ink and gouache make for soft edges, fine detail, bright color and lively expression as Gibfried tells the story of one of St Francis’s friars, Brother Juniper. No one doubts his goodness, but the other brothers worry because Brother Juniper thinks nothing of giving away everything he has. When they go off to preach, a series of needy folk come to the chapel; Brother Juniper meets their great needs by giving away chalice and cloth, doors and windows, even his broom and at last, his robe. The brothers come home to find Juniper naked in an empty hole. They are, needless to say, rather upset, but when Juniper calls the faithful to worship (he has to shout DING DING DING because he gave the bell to a teacher to start a school), all the people he assisted and all of their families gather to thank him. Francis says, “I wish I had a forest of these Junipers.” When Juniper has given away everything, So depicts him from the back wearing only his Franciscan sandals, so children will giggle but understand his fierce generosity. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: March 13, 2006
ISBN: 0-618-54361-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2006
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by Tomie dePaola & illustrated by Tomie dePaola ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1999
A wondrous occurrence, an ancient tradition, and an elderly nun’s abiding faith are the basis of this moving Chirstmas tale from dePaola (26 Fairmount Avenue, p. 629, etc.). Sister Angie is overjoyed when her niece Lupe and her husband are selected to play Mary and Joseph—here, Maria and José—for Las Posadas, the reenactment of the journey into Bethlehem. When Sister Angie becomes ill and Lupe and Roberto become stranded in a heavy snowstorm, it seems as if the celebration will be delayed. However, a couple arrives just in time to take the place of the missing players. The whole village participates in the procession, from the singers who follow Mary and Joseph, to the “devils” who attempt to prevent the weary travelers from finding lodging. After several rebuffs, the couple arrives at the gates of the courtyard; these open and the entire assembly enters to celebrate. When Lupe and Roberto finally show up, the other couple is nowhere to be found. The story takes a supernatural twist when Sister Angie discovers that the figures in the church’s manger scene have come to life, temporarily, for the procession. The mysteries and miracles of the season are kept at bay; this simple narrative spells everything out, resulting in a primer on the tradition. Richly hued, luminescent illustrations radiate from the pages; an introduction and author’s note provide additional information. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-399-23400-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1999
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by Charlotte Herman ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999
This lovely story of tradition and family security has moments both gentle and funny, and a recipe for the main dish. Yussel loves Shabbos. On that day of peace, his parents don’t work and they all visit with friends and relatives or go to the park. Yussel’s favorite part is the meal of special round balls of gefilte fish. Every week, Papa rises early to catch the strange fish, and every week, Yussel yearns to go with him. One morning, Yussel’s wish comes true. Through a tender day at the lake with Papa, Yussel learns exactly what a gefilte fish is. His trip and his ultimate contributions to the family ritual are enhanced by Krenina’s fanciful illustrations; these evoke both the excitement of landing the fish and the warm gathering of family that night at sunset. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-45449-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
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