With limitations, a valuable asset to any caregiver or library collection interested in expanding the horizons of the very...
An exploration of religion and Buddhism for the youngest seekers, one of six major religions introduced in this British educational publisher’s new Your Faith series.
Like its companions on Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, the book opens with a clear and simple definition of the concept of religion. Boldface words throughout are defined in the text as well as in a glossary at the back. Each of the 10 double-page spreads deals with a single concept—“What is Buddhism?”; “The Buddha”; “The Three Jewels”; etc.—in three or four sentences that provide simple explanations of places of worship and core ideas and texts. The last spread features five facts about Buddhism. The illustrations are mostly photographs of Buddhist people and objects; monks and statues of the Buddha figure prominently. Some photos have captions or callouts with simple related facts. With its simple approach, this volume does not try to mention the many vastly different sects of Buddhism, but nearly all that is said relates to all of them. It also mentions being reborn but does not tackle the important core idea of reincarnation.
With limitations, a valuable asset to any caregiver or library collection interested in expanding the horizons of the very young. (glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-78637-034-1
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Booklife/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: Jan. 31, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Girls will hear the answer to the titular question.
Teaching our daughters how to love themselves is the first step toward the next generation’s owning its power.
It’s heady stuff for a picture book, but it’s never too soon for a woman—even a little woman—to know her worth. Denhollander (the first of sex offender Larry Nassar’s abuse victims to speak out) presents a poetic discourse that resonates beyond its young intended audience. Her simple rhyming couplets speak to the power of image and the messages that shape how we become who we are. The eloquence comes not from the words or phrasing as much as the message as well as the passion. Denhollander, an attorney, a mother, and a former gymnast–turned-coach for a time, delivers stanzas infused with sweet sentimentality as well as fiery fierceness. New artist Huff provides lovely, expressive illustrations depicting girls of many racial presentations in various stages of self-discovery and acceptance. The figures are smiling and cartoonlike, with oversized, round heads and sturdy bodies—though none could be called fat, none exhibits twiglike proportions. Denhollander’s book is unapologetically Christian in approach, with more than one reference to “Him” or a creation by a greater power. With sincerity helping to mitigate occasionally artless text, this is a worthwhile message for young girls who, in an age of shrinking women’s rights, need all the encouragement possible to find their voices and love themselves.
Girls will hear the answer to the titular question. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4168-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tyndale House
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2019
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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