Sasso (God's Paintbrush, 1992, etc.) gives women more presence in the Old Testament by fleshing out fragmentary references to Lilith, Serach, Meroe (later known as Bityah), and the five daughters of Zelophehad. All are seen as courageous and strong minded: When Adam decides that only he will name animals, Lilith angrily moves to another part of Eden and Eve takes her place next to Adam; only Serach has the courage to tell her grandfather Jacob that Joseph is still alive; Bityah defies her father Pharaoh to draw baby Moses from the river; when the ``Daughters of Z'' learn that only men will own farms in the promised land, they steadily petition the chain of authority until God renders a different judgement. Lively dialogue and occasionally modern phrasing—``But You, God, do not play favorites''—give these new midrashim an informal tone, lighter and much more engaging than the sketchy entries in Yona Zeldis McDonough's Eve and Her Sisters: Women of the Old Testament (1994). Andersen's painted portrait figures are done in warm tones against mixed color blue and purple backgrounds enclosed, along with several text pages, in wide, pale frames. (Picture book. 8-11)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1995
ISBN: 1-879045-43-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Jewish Lights
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1995
Petey's a grade-school charmer who so aches for a pet that he even considers, briefly, adopting the weevils that have infested his mother's cornmeal. But there isn't room in his crowded apartment for his family, let alone a real pet; and there are his sister's oft-announced allergies to consider as well. When Petey finds an earthworm in the park, his yearnings are satisfied, while his written eloquence regarding ``Miss Magic'' earns him a spot and winnings on a TV show. Dorman makes Petey's longings palpable; his fondness for Miss Magic—and all creatures—comes through in almost every breath. The adults in his life—hard-working parents and live-in Great-aunt Flora—are believably distracted by their less-than-comfortable financial circumstances; Petey must rely on himself for solutions. The ending is a bit glossy—but why shouldn't Petey find success? His concerns may be narrow, but his efforts are sincere. The same could be said of this book. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: March 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-208-02345-3
Page Count: 99
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1993
Mingling finely detailed wildlife portraits with scenes resembling the paintings of Fra Angelico and his predecessors, Malone (World of Words, 1998) creates jewel-like illustrations, some literal, others visionary, for this lapidary account of St. Francis’ life and legends. The author humanizes the saint in the opening biographical sketch by describing his profligate youth, slowly dawning vocation and bitter parting with his father. She follows with eight stories, including the “bargain” with the ferocious Wolf of Gubbio; Francis' invention of the Christmas crèche scene; his sermon to the birds and other encounters with animals. Then she closes with an extract from his “Canticle of Brother Sun,” plus a glance at the Franciscan Order he founded. Though less detailed than Tomie DePaola's Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi (1982), this makes a lovely alternative for younger readers. (Biography. 9-11)
Pub Date: April 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-316-56466-4
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2000
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