As Spadaro writes, Pope Francis understands that “One must not complicate God, especially if this complication distances God...
The People’s Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children.
Left-hand pages show 30 actual letters and hand-drawn pictures from children around the world, culled from 259 submitted, along with snapshots of the children, their names, ages, and countries, and the typed English texts of their letters. Right-hand pages, on paper meant to look like Vatican stationery, bear the pope’s answers, given in an interview with editor Father Antonio Spadaro, many talking about the pictures the children have drawn. The questions (“these are tough...!”) are all over the map in terms of both theology and intimacy. An 8-year-old girl from Kenya wants to know how Jesus walked on water, a 10-year-old girl from the Philippines wants to know why parents argue, and Prajla, 6, from Albania wants to know if Francis enjoyed dancing in his youth. Answering in terms children can understand, Pope Francis addresses both their questions and the fears and hopes that lie beneath them. While these questions were likely chosen to present the pope’s vision and stances on many matters of Roman Catholic faith—dealing with the poor, the afterlife, prayer, evangelization, mercy (oddly, none address the environment)— that doesn’t mean that his answers to these youngest of his flock are anything other than important or relevant.
As Spadaro writes, Pope Francis understands that “One must not complicate God, especially if this complication distances God from the people.” People’s Pope indeed. (Religion. 4-12)Pub Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-8294-4433-9
Page Count: 76
Publisher: Loyola Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2016
IN THE NEWS
A straightforward rhyming explanation of the Gospel for the very young.
A grandparent answers their grandchild’s questions by telling the story of Jesus in this picture book.
“Granfoo, Granfoo who made the sky? / And who made me, Granfoo, and why?” asks Zoe. The light-brown–skinned girl, who wears a bright purple dress, wants answers to some of life’s big questions. And Granfoo, who has pale skin and wears jeans and a blouse, is happy to answer them. She ushers Zoe to a comfy spot on the porch and brings out a Bible. In simple, rhyming text, Granfoo describes how God created everything in the world and tells the story of Jesus. After a preschool-appropriate description of sin—“the bad things we do”—Granfoo shares the more challenging story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Smith’s vocabulary is simple and accessible, and the rhymes scan well throughout. Yongco’s cartoon illustrations show the clearly loving relationship between grandparent and child (who appear to be part of a multiracial family), set against a lush green yard and large, rural-feeling porch. While some churches may hesitate to fully embrace the statement of original sin Granfoo espouses, Sunday school teachers and parents looking for a rudimentary explanation of the Christian story of sin, death, and rebirth may find Smith’s picture book a good place to start.
A straightforward rhyming explanation of the Gospel for the very young.Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-66420-250-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 4, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A well-told Bible story of a strong, determined, persistent woman that will resonate with modern young readers.
An orphaned Jewish girl becomes the renowned Queen Esther.
Esther is living a quiet life in the care of her cousin Mordecai when the king orders “all pretty young women” to report to the palace to be considered as a new queen. For three years she manages to avoid submitting to the edict. Eventually forced to comply, and with a warning from Mordecai to keep her religion a secret, she finds herself among a crowd of women vying to be the king’s choice. She remains true to herself, surreptitiously keeping Shabbat and wearing her old clothes. The king chooses her, perhaps in part for her strength of character, which she continues to display as queen. The king’s adviser, Haman, the villain of the story, intends to attack all the Jews, and it is Esther’s courageous plan that saves her people. Of course a celebration follows, still enjoyed today as Purim. Esther narrates her own tale, speaking directly to readers in a conversational tone, vividly describing her emotions and reactions as events unfold. Throughout her tale she alludes to similarities with “Cinderella,” but she emphasizes that her story “is not a fairy tale.” Belloni’s brightly hued, highly detailed animation-inflected illustrations creatively depict biblical-era Middle Eastern setting and dress. All characters are appropriately light-brown–skinned with dark hair.
A well-told Bible story of a strong, determined, persistent woman that will resonate with modern young readers. (author’s note) (Picture book/religion. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-68115-561-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
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