Review by Booklist Review
Ages 5^-8. Based on the New English Bible and legends about the mother of Jesus, this picture book tells the story of Mary's life in words and full-color artwork. Although the text has a biblical tone, the words are simple and clear. A feeling of joyful reverence pervades the book. The illustrations, some full-page and others in smaller horizontal panels, offer young children a visual experience similar to that of stained glass windows, which spoke to medieval nonreaders: the art suggests the story through a series of beautiful tableaux. And as in stained glass windows, some of the objects shown have symbolic meanings that enrich the viewer who recognizes them, though knowledge of the symbolism is not necessary for enjoyment of the art. Defined by strong lines and enriched by subtle shades and overlays of color, the simple, yet majestic illustrations have an underlying rhythm of forms that unifies their composition. In the larger paintings, the main figure or figures are framed by arches, architectural arches as well as similar shapes formed by clothing and trees. Graceful and full of grace, this picture book is unified in subject, words, and art. --Carolyn PhelanPutting Religion in Your Library Have you checked your 200 shelves lately? If yours are like most libraries, there is the usual roundup of Bible stories, with a few series titles about comparative religions thrown in. Religion, an issue that people have argued over and died for throughout human history, is often the safest shelf in the children's department. It's not surprising. Religion is a topic that can inflame, and libraries must walk a tightrope, providing books that serve the community, while not stepping on anyone's toes. The safest thing to do is to purchase yet another version of Noah's Ark (and by last count, there were more than 60 listed in Books in Print) or overviews of the world's great religions. Nothing to get excited about. Even if libraries wanted to buy material with more depth, there hasn't been a great deal to choose from. That, however, is beginning to change. Religion is the fastest growing segment of the publishing industry; much of this growth is due to the emergence of Evangelical Christian publishers, but mainstream trade publishers are also jumping on what is a profitable bandwagon. In response to subscriber requests, the Books for Youth section is making a concerted effort to review more Christian fiction for children; however, many of these books still do not meet the requirements of our "recommended only" policy--not because of their message, but because of the uneven quality of the writing and editing. This bibliography highlights some of the best of recent religion books, along with some not-to-be-missed earlier titles. You will also find reviews of other religion titles throughout this special section. Also, check the June 1994 issue of Booklist for the bibliography "Growing Up Religious." While preparing this list, I was pleased to learn of a bibliography prepared in conjunction with an ABA/CBC joint committee panel discussion, "S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your Vision: In the Spirit of the Child." For more information about this excellent bibliography, contact Wendy Birkemeier at the Northshire Bookstore, P.O. Box 2200, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4Biblical references to the mother of Jesus are actually quite scanty, and dePaola has woven some appropriate legends concerning her childhood, her betrothal to Joseph, and her dormition with a graceful, simple rendition of the pertinent scriptural passages (based upon The New English Bible) to round out the story. The writing style is restrained, elegant, and expressive. Handsome, framed, full-page paintings; harmonizing, rectangular spot illustrations on the pages of text; and a clear, attractive typeface give a balanced, dignified appearance to the book. The colors are subdued, yet rich, and the figures have a still, eternal quality particularly appropriate to the timelessness of the subject. Mary continues dePaola's tradition of outstanding presentations of stories of the Bible and saints without proselytizing or bias.Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
(Picture Book) In a loving, uncomplicated introduction to the saint's life for young readers, dePaola draws on "scripture, legend, and tradition" for his retelling of her story through fifteen pivotal events, including Mary's betrothal to Joseph, the Nativity, the flight into Egypt, and the marriage at Cana. References to specific sources are noted on the verso of the title page. The illustrations are like frescoes, designed as a continuous narration based on a central theme. The stylized clothing falling in linear folds suggests, without copying, a period predating the Renaissance; the faces convey a sense of a Mediterranean culture - a much more vibrant portrayal than that of northern painters. A beautifully designed, thoughtfully conceived, and aesthetically pleasing addition to the series of books by dePaola celebrating saints, including Christopher: The Holy Giant and Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi (both Holiday). m.m.b. Jean Fritz You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? (Intermediate) Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. As Jean Fritz demonstrates in her inimitable style, Lizzie Stanton not only wanted women to vote but, in her passion to secure that right, helped to change history as well as make it. Like Harriet Beecher Stowe, the subject of an earlier biography by Fritz, Elizabeth Cady realized early in life that "girls didn't count for much." Unable to wring praise from her father, despite her efforts to be as capable as any boy, she challenged the establishment again and again during her long life until, finally, at eighty-five, she was hailed as the "Grand Old Woman of America." But her triumph was not easy, as Fritz's telling selection of details shows. She eloped with the romantic abolitionist Henry Stanton but altered the wedding ceremony to eliminate the phrase "to obey"; she was one of the prime movers in the famous Seneca Falls convention of 1848 but also made it a point to publicly celebrate the births of her children; shy at first about public speaking, she soon became a dynamic presence on any platform. Despite opposition from her husband as well as society, she attempted to realize her full potential as a person. With remarkable clarity, sensitivity, and momentum, Fritz has captured - but never imprisoned - her spirit in an accessible, fascinating portrait. With notes and a selective bibliography. m.m.b. JamesÿCross Giblin When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS (Older) Illustrated with woodcuts by David Frampton. Using the Plague of Athens as a lead-in, Giblin offers insight into history and our own times by examining the causes and consequences of - as well as social attitudes toward and medical responses to - plagues that threaten to overwhelm large segments of the population. His approach is scholarly but never dull; he never presumes extensive knowledge, yet he avoids talking down to his audience. The result is a carefully designed discussion of the causes of disease, how infectious diseases are spread, and the differing definitions of an epidemic, a pandemic, and a plague. The introduction of these concepts sets the stage for the three principal succeeding segments - "The Black Death," "Smallpox," and "AIDS" - each of which contains information which may not be widely known. For example, the Black Death, or bubonic plague, was responsible for 118 deaths in San Francisco between 1900 and 1904; a deadlier form appeared as an epidemic in India in September 1994. Having built a solid foundation in the first two sections, Giblin then traces the plague which is paramount in our own times: AIDS. He introduces political considerations which affect research, such as the cutback of federal support during the Reagan presidency as well as obstacles created by the lack of sympathy for those most likely to be afflicted with the disease: gay men and intravenous drug users. Appropriately titled "Frustration and Fears," the chapter in which he traces the evolution of the crisis and public response to increased media attention serves as a prelude to the paths explored in research and to profiles of movie star Rock Hudson and teenage hemophiliac Ryan White. He also presents arguments for and against such preventative programs as needle exchanges for drug users and distribution of condoms to sexually active teens. The final chapter examines the implications of overusing antibiotics in the development of treatment-resistant forms of infection, to round out an informative and thought-provoking study. Despite the grim subject matter, Giblin nevertheless reaffirms our common humanity and interdependence, for "no new disease can remain a problem for only one group, nation, or even continent." Includes source notes, bibliography, and index. m.m.b. Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan The American Eye: Eleven Artists of the Twentieth Century (Intermediate, Older) Illustrated with reproductions in color. As in their two previous books, the authors examine contemporary American art with clarity and insight. But this time, instead of concentrating on one medium, they have chosen to write about the lives and work of eleven artists. Presented chronologically, they are Arthur Dove, Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton, Stuart Davis, Romare Bearden, Isamu Noguchi, David Smith, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Eva Hesse. The first chapter describes the strengthening American art scene in the early part of the century, when admiration of European art gave way to an appreciation of American identity and uniqueness. The focus is placed on understanding the artist as a person in order to begin to understand each artist's frame of reference for his or her work. As the authors say in the first chapter, "Touched by joy and sorrow, each portrayed his or her own experience of America. Edward Hopper . . . said, 'The man's the work. Something doesn't come out of nothing.' The stories of these artists chronicle the story of American art as it unfolded in the twentieth century." The rest of the book introduces an artist in each chapter, telling of his or her childhood, parents' reaction to the desire to be an artist, first jobs, and the development of an artistic style. The photographs, in most cases, include shots of the artist as a child and as an adult at work. Four to six color reproductions of the artist's work show the progression of his or her style, often beginning with representational work and becoming more abstract as the artist matures. The back matter includes a listing of museums and collections where each artist's work can be found. Bibliography and index. lolly robinson SylviaÿA. Johnson Raptor Rescue: An Eagle Flies Free (Younger, Intermediate) Illustrated with photographs in color by Ron Winch. Impressive photographs of a bald eagle undergoing surgery highlight the animal rescue work of the Gabbert Raptor Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, in this fine photo essay. Sylvia Johnson's introduction to raptors, or birds of prey, focuses on the process of preparing injured birds for return to life in the wild. Her smoothly developed account begins with the handling of the eagle during surgery, moves to a concise introduction to the varied members of the raptor family, and then cuts back to the stages of care the eagle receives during the months before its release. Ron Winch provides beautifully focused pictures in a variety of sizes, complementing the text and adding new information. There is only one full-page photograph, but the pictures are no less compelling for their smaller size. Portraits of various birds, the harpy eagle's feet "as big as a man's hand," and the tethered practice flights of the recovering bald eagle are among the many arresting photographs. The book closes with a discussion of the need for the conservation of raptors and their habitats, as well as suggestions for ways readers can become personally involved. m.a.b. WilliamÿLoren Katz Black Women of the Old West Lillian Schlissel Black Frontiers: A History of African American Heroes in the Old West (Intermediate) Illustrated with black-and-white reproductions. These handsome histories, so similar in layout and organization, both fit rather handily under the span of Schlissel's subtitle, though neither book is devoted strictly to heroic individuals. Both authors write of the black men and women who "shared the work of settling America's western frontiers" in considerable numbers, though conventional histories have most often ignored their presence. Schlissel points to a key element that is illustrated in both books: "The black presence in the West is sometimes most powerfully expressed in old photographs." Each horizontally rectangular volume joins double-columned text in brief chapters with absorbing photographs of diverse individuals and families from many walks of life. Homesteaders, cowboys, miners and their mail-order brides, professional people, and adventurers are all introduced. Both writers tell of African Americans who took refuge among Native Americans, of others who developed black communities, and of many who lived and worked side by side with white frontier settlers. Schlissel has more thematic entries, while Katz has a more geographical focus. Schlissel, who has written adult books about the western frontier, hasn't yet established a firm voice in addressing young people; her prose is sometimes wooden and choppy. Katz follows his pattern from many previous books, providing well-organized explanations of many aspects of black history. However, his rather truncated vignettes of some individuals may leave readers unsatisfied. The two books cover an impressively diverse array of factual information and fascinating people. American history assumes new depth through Schlissel's and Katz's presentations of these previously underrecognized pioneers. m.a.b. Geraldine McCaughrean, Reteller The Random House Book of Stories from the Ballet (Intermediate) Illustrated by Angela Barrett. Ballet is essentially visual, depending on mime and movement to convey meaning. Summaries suggest little of the emotions engendered by the performance. In her prose versions of ten favorites from the standard repertory, McCaughrean bridges this gap through descriptive passages and appropriate dialogue, as in the opening sequence of Swan Lake, in which the crowds speculate on the Crown Prince's choice of a bride as his twenty-first birthday approaches. This interpretive technique not only adds color to the narratives but also provides the opportunity for a better understanding of the ballets. In addition to Swan Lake, the collection includes Coppelia, Giselle, Cinderella, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, The Firebird, Petrouchka, and The Sleeping Beauty. Angela Barrett's lushly romantic illustrations, which suggest the lyrical mood of pieces such as Swan Lake and Giselle, are suitably modified for the earthier quality of Coppelia, to cite just three examples. The initial illustration for some of the tales suggests a stage setting, a concept reinforced by vignettes of dancing feet interspersed throughout the text. A handsome, appealing introduction, perhaps as close as one can come to an appreciation of this art form in lieu of an actual performance. m.m.b. H Shelley Rotner, Author-Photographer Wheels Around (Picture Book) A neatly crafted, spectacularly graphic study of wheels and the vehicles they support will enthrall the motor-mad youngsters who roar into libraries looking for more machines. The text is minimal, but the clean book design and effective use of primary color to outline the bright, glossy photographs make this a superb photo-essay. The particular subjects are carefully chosen to provide a variety of vehicle types - big rigs, cars, limos, taxis, tractors, dump trucks, cement mixers, graders, cherry pickers, and backhoes - there's even a dinosaur-emblazoned U-haul truck. Start your engines; this book is ready to roll. e.s.w. RobertÿD. SanÿSouci Kate Shelley: Bound for Legend (Younger) Illustrated by Max Ginsburg. Growing up in rural Iowa near the turn of the twentieth century, Kate Shelley seemed an ordinary teenager who willingly shouldered the responsibility of caring for her siblings when her mother's health failed. Her avid interest in the railroad that ran behind her house was, perhaps, a bit unusual for a girl in that period, but nothing in her life predicted her future heroism. Her moment of fame came when a terrible storm took out the railroad bridge near her home and she courageously walked miles in the deluge and darkness - at one point crawling on hands and knees across a seven-hundred-foot-long cross-tie bridge - to warn the railroad company. The paintings that illustrate the eventful night are dark with the fury of the storm, but the artist uses appropriate areas of light to make the details clear. Tension and fear are clearly evident in all the characters' postures and facial expressions and build until the moment of relief when Kate finally arrives at the station. Kate's life after the incident is sketched at the end of the book, and an author's note provides source information. The book is easily accessible to the primary reader and will be a welcome addition to both school and public library collections. e.s.w. ChiefÿJake Swamp Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Picture Book) Illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr. Swamp, from the Mohawk Nation, adapts an ancient message that expresses appreciation for Mother Earth and the many aspects of the natural world that his people consider her gifts. These include the water that quenches people's thirst, the food that removes hunger, the Four Winds that bring clean air, and the Grandfather Thunder Beings who bring the rain that helps living things grow. The Iroquois, or Six Nations - composed of the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples - still recite this message at ceremonial and governmental gatherings; traditionally, children recited it at the start of each day. The book's last page provides the message in the Mohawk language. Although a pronunciation guide would remove the guesswork from the decoding process, readers will immediately notice that the Thanksgiving Address, titled "We Give Thanks," possesses the haunting internal repetition and rhythm that mark many of the world's most affecting prayers. Printup, a Cayuga-Tuscarora painter working in acrylics, uses highly saturated colors and geometric forms to illustrate Mother Earth's bounties. His stylized paintings, which include images of an abundant harvest, sparkling water, and glowing monarch butterflies, make clear how much there is for which we can show thanks. ellen fader Alexandra Wallner, Author-Illustrator Beatrix Potter (Picture Book) A clear, matter-of-fact text describes Beatrix Potter's lonely Victorian childhood, her early fascination with animals and painting, her struggle for independence, and her eventual success as the author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Warne) and other beloved stories. While necessarily simplified, the text is accurate and leaves out nothing of importance, including her tragic engagement to Norman Warne and her eventually satisfying life as a farmer, wife, sheep breeder, and landlord in the Lake District. Wallner's paintings show orderly and idyllic settings cleanly designed and full of thoughtful detail. The overall style resembles folk art, with flat colors and simple curved lines. The plain, warm-colored backgrounds set off the smaller objects within each painting in a way that invites close perusal without tiring the eye. The faces and postures of both people and animals are full of character despite the simplicity of line and shading. lolly robinson Jeanette Winter, Author-Illustrator Cowboy Charlie: The Story of Charles M. Russell (Picture Book) This picture-book biography tells the engaging story of Charles Marion Russell, a renowned artist of the Old West, who as a child growing up in St. Louis dreamed of a life in the West and becoming a cowboy. Finally, when he was fifteen, he headed for Montana, where he eventually achieved his dream. Jeanette Winter follows Russell's frontier odyssey in panoramic views painted in a naive style reminiscent of folk art, though far more sophisticated in picture design. Her muted acrylic palette is dominated by mauve, rust, purple, and varied greens. Among the many scenes of wildlife, cattle, and cowboys is a fold-out page in the center of the book showing the majestic western terrain. The simple, bold rendering of Charlie's adventures in a romanticized and energetic West effectively distills this interesting life, and Winter's pictures provide a nice contrast to the rich documentary paintings of the prolific Russell. The simple telling works well as an adventure story, a brief view of frontier life, and an introduction to the artist. m.a.b. Bernie Zubrowski Shadow Play: Making Pictures with Light and Lenses 112 pp. Beech Tree/Morrow 5/95 (Intermediate) Illustrated by Roy Doty. A Boston Children's Museum Activity Book. Playing with shadows reveals many interesting properties of light and leads to experiments with that most interesting manipulation: light rays into photographic images. Zubrowski sets a shining example in organizing his lucid explanations of how reflected images are created and affected by altering the direction and source of light rays. Readers are led through a progression of experiments with natural and artificial light and assorted frames and lenses. Measuring shadows in the back yard is followed by projecting light in a darkened room, creating images in shadow boxes, and constructing an elementary box camera. Each unit includes discussion of the science of light with questions for observation, clear directions for experiments, and follow-up analysis of results. Most materials are to be found at home or in a hardware store, and safety instructions are stated clearly. Most of the experiments, illustrated with simple line drawings, are best accomplished by pairs or small groups. Zubrowski knows his audience: these are exactly the activities children will enjoy doing and demonstrating to family, friends, and classmates; they will satisfy hobby and recreation interests as well as classroom needs. Final suggestions prompt readers to further experience with properties of light through experimentation with cameras and lenses. m.a.b. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A strongly religious book featuring 15 scenes from the life of Mary. Each is introduced by an antiphon from the Benedictine Breviary and a simplified, but accurate, retelling of the biblical account. Inspired by Giotto's frescoes in Padua, Italy, dePaola (The Legend of the Poinsettia, 1994, etc.) approaches his material with reverence and something akin to a child's awe for the Bible's mysteries. The illustrations, with their warm colors and thick paint, have a Mediterranean feel. They feature simple, classical- looking buildings and clothes, and faces the color of terra-cotta and travertine. The round-faced, dark-haired figures, with beatific expressions on their faces, are grouped in center-heavy, solemn arrangements. One large scene appears on the righthand pages, with a smaller scene appearing either directly beneath it, or on the lefthand page. The interesting conceit behind these illustrationsto take children's book figures and place them in formal icon-like posesworks well. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
