Warren, author of the mega-bestseller The Purpose Driven Life (2002), and Watson join forces for a thoughtful and visually appealing introduction to the Protestant version of the Lord’s Prayer (with forgiveness for debts, not trespasses). Each line of the prayer serves as the text for a double-page spread with an illustration of a child (or several children) relating to that phrase in some imaginative way. For “give us this day our daily bread,” a little boy feeds a flock of birds in a readily obvious choice of illustration, but for “as it is in heaven,” a line of joyous children and animals (including a lion and a lamb) skip along in a procession into a mysterious swath of swirling stars and streaks of sunshine. The illustration for “lead us not into temptation” is inspired, showing the image of a solemn-faced boy in a mirror against a dark background lit by a single candle. The final pages include smaller reproductions of each page with short commentary by Warren to help explain the meaning of each phrase of the prayer. Watson’s light-filled, expressive paintings bring the famous prayer into focus for younger children with greater accessibility than any other currently available edition. Both highly useful and beautiful—an unusual and welcome combination. (author’s note, illustrator’s note) (Picture book/religion. 3-8)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-310-71086-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2011
A thought-provoking and satisfying pourquoi tale plumbing an element of Jewish life many children may not have considered.
An old story of compromise helps a little girl understand the reasoning behind the slanted placement of a doorpost mezuzah.
Annie knows it’s important in Jewish homes to have a mezuzah in the doorway, with the words of the Shema prayer (the affirmation of Judaism) enclosed on special paper. When she asks why the mezuzah is hung in a leaning position rather than vertically or horizontally, her grandmother recounts the story of a village. Half the people think it right to post their mezuzah standing up, since the prayer is said when awakening, and the other half think it correct to post it lying down, to recognize its recitation at bedtime. A shouting match ensues, with one side stating “Standing up!” against the other’s “Lying down!” Double-page spreads in deep hues created by acrylic, marker and crayon depict the fray. Equally alienated groups in increasingly agitated positions and with ever-wider mouths are shown above a progressively larger font, effectively evoking the conflict. The wise rabbi introduces a compromise by suggesting a slanted or leaning position. Grandmother reinforces the importance of conciliation, extending the principle of the Shema beyond this conflict: “We stop arguing. We stop yelling at each other. We listen. We are one.
A thought-provoking and satisfying pourquoi tale plumbing an element of Jewish life many children may not have considered. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-58023-506-8
Page Count: 34
Publisher: Jewish Lights
Review Posted Online: Dec. 1, 2012
Unlikely to have wide appeal and far too sophisticated for actual babies and toddlers, this offering will be appreciated by...
A young boy offers a cheery vision of heaven with an evangelical aim.
Three-year-old Colton Burpo came out of an emergency appendectomy with quite a tale to tell, reporting to his parents that he had been to heaven and describing all the wonders he saw there. Colton’s father, a pastor, co-authored a popular nonfiction book for adults about Colton’s experience, which has spawned a franchise of books, DVDs and other merchandise. This board-book version of Colton’s story represents heaven as a beautiful place with rainbows, bright lights and golden streets, where “everyone who knows and loves Jesus gets to go.” In heaven, no one gets scared or sick, and children are told that Jesus will take them there one day if they believe in him. Colton’s voice comes through clearly, reminding readers that they are getting a child’s perspective. For example, when describing the wounds on Jesus’ hands, he says: “Jesus has markers on His hands. A long time ago, He had to die on the cross. But now Jesus is alive!” The illustrations feature a bearded, white Jesus with a crown, purple sash and sandals, surrounded by winged angels of all ages and ethnicities.
Unlikely to have wide appeal and far too sophisticated for actual babies and toddlers, this offering will be appreciated by Christian parents seeking titles that affirm their religious convictions, especially those already familiar with Colton’s story. (Board book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 8, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4003-2227-5
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Review Posted Online: May 15, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
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