This guide works better as a bestiary than as a picture book.
This Jewish yoga guide is filled with animals.
If children had to list their favorite Biblical characters, they might not mention “the snake that slithered in front of Pharaoh” or “the giant fish that swallowed Jonah” or “a thirsty camel that drank from Rebekah’s water pitcher,” but all of those animals are featured in this picture book—possibly because they match up perfectly with yoga positions. Children may find the snake appealing, because it ate up all the other snakes in the palace, but many would rather be Rebekah—who offered water to needy travelers—than the camel she fed. Each page of the book showcases a character or object from the Bible—like Noah’s Ark or David fighting Goliath—along with an illustrated lesson in yoga. The poses are acted out in the pictures by two vacant-eyed children—a black boy and a white girl—with small, blank smiles on their faces. (The skin tones of the Biblical figures range from pale khaki to pale amber.) If the choice of subjects is slightly haphazard, some of the figures are genuinely inspiring, like Sarah and Abraham, whose tent (downward dog) sheltered wanderers in the barren desert. A book that combines yoga instruction with the Bible is probably aimed at a niche audience, but even that audience may feel a little befuddled.
This guide works better as a bestiary than as a picture book. (Informational picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68115-552-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
Visually attractive but unlikely to appeal broadly.
An introduction to the life of an early saint historically revered by both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions.
The early life of Nicholas and his time as a priest and bishop are recounted, along with several miracles and stories attributed to him. Although the towns where Nicholas lived are mentioned, the corresponding countries and the time period are not specified. The tradition of European children leaving shoes outside their doors to be filled by St. Nicholas is presented, but there is no connection drawn to our modern-day Santa Claus or explanation of how the cultural transformation of traditions occurred. This book was originally published in Germany, and the text concludes with a rhyme still sung by German children on the feast day of St. Nicholas. A map and an author’s note explaining these concepts as well some of the religious terminology would have been helpful. Ferri’s appealing illustrations offer expressive characters and sweeping, panoramic views of the scenes from the life of the saint, with glowing light illuminating each painting. Demi’s The Legend of Saint Nicholas (2003) covers similar biographical territory but includes the connection between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus.
Visually attractive but unlikely to appeal broadly. (Picture book/religion. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 8, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5434-6
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Eerdmans
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
A noteworthy life to share but one more stirring in recordings than on these pages.
The legendary 20th-century gospel singer takes center stage in a too-short song of praise.
From her childhood in New Orleans to a move to Chicago as a teen, Nolan’s text tells readers that Mahalia Jackson loved one thing above all others—singing in church. She toured the South, performing in churches rather than nightclubs despite the lure of better pay, and without fail, her “joyful voice lifted people with hope.” A recording contract and radio broadcasts brought a larger audience, and eventually she appeared at Carnegie Hall and sang for world leaders. On the day of the 1963 March on Washington, she sang prior to Dr. King’s speech, although there is no mention of her momentous advice to him. Nolan’s brief text, with unsourced quotations, is more focused on Jackson’s musical drive than on the specifics of her career. The only mention of racism comes in the chronology, a misstep in a book about an African-American performer born in 1911; sadly, there is no note about gospel music. Holyfield’s full-bleed acrylic paintings are richly textured and feature a portrait of Jackson on every double-page spread, her voice raised to the heavens.
A noteworthy life to share but one more stirring in recordings than on these pages. (resources) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-087944-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Amistad/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2014
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