by Grace Maccarone & illustrated by Sam Williams ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2001
A sweet ode of gratitude for the simple pleasures in a child’s life. Maccarone’s (A Child Was Born, not reviewed, etc.) rhyming verses, containing just a twinkling of humor, enumerate the many things for which little ones can be grateful. The eclectic list begins in a haphazard fashion; each four-line stanza is organized more according to rhyme than category, with the blessings heaped on the night sky and toy cars with equal fervor. Yet, despite this unorthodox coupling, Maccarone gets at the core of a child’s universe, the favorite and familiar: the toys, furniture, and all the minutiae adults so easily pass over but are so vital to and loved by children. By the conclusion, the narrators have expanded beyond the limits of their own sphere to include a heartfelt blessing of the wide world. “Bless the water, / earth, and air / Bless the children / everywhere.” Williams’s (Sleepy Me, p. 590, etc.) softly drawn illustrations reflect the spirit of the poem. Full-bleed paintings in a symphony of sleepy-time hues set the tone for slumber. From mischievous tots whimsically perched atop the moon and stars to a child cuddling with stuffed animals, Williams deftly combines fantastical landscapes with cozy, comforting real-world images. A gentle reminder for youngsters (and adults, too) to be grateful for the small things. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-439-23505-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2001
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More by Lucia Panzieri
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by Lucia Panzieri ; illustrated by Samantha Enria translated by Grace Maccarone
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by Grace Maccarone ; illustrated by Célia Chauffrey
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by Nicoletta Costa ; illustrated by Nicoletta Costa ; translated by Grace Maccarone
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.
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
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by Linda Hill Griffith & illustrated by Linda Hill Griffith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2002
This lovely volume delivers a gathering of poems and prayers praising God and seeking blessings. Each two-page spread offers a poetic selection that is always short enough to keep a child’s attention and is faced by a delightful illustration. Griffith has selected each item from various authors and they range in topic from a piece by Dorothy Frances Gurney honoring the close relationship between God and gardens to the well-known bedtime prayer, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” There are blessings for home, such as the familiar food blessing before eating, and nature, such as “All Things Bright and Beautiful” or “I See the Moon.” Featuring adorable and expressive teddy bears, each scene is painted with an exacting yet whimsical brush, ornate in detail and lush oils. Merrily situated, the stuffed bears are always accompanied by other friendly animals, such as squirrels, cats, and dogs, pictured picnicking in a cool mountain valley, cuddling in a tunnel of love, or reading under a tree. This effort is an especially pleasing way to introduce prayer to children, and Griffith’s fine artwork, which has decorated classic stories and greeting cards alike, will appeal to collectors. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-06-623689-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2002
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More by Alice Schertle
BOOK REVIEW
by Alice Schertle & illustrated by Linda Hill Griffith
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