Green Bible stories for children

Beginning with the Genesis creation account and God's mandate to humanity to care for the earth, Lehman-Wilzig retells nine biblical stories, illuminating their prescriptions for environmental preservation and conscientious stewardship. In "Variety Is the Spice of Life," God instructs Noah in the importance of taking two of "every type of beast, bird and insect," as part of God's plan to heal creation after the flood. "Preventing Famine: Joseph Plans Ahead" retells how Joseph prepared for imminent drought. Following each story, suggested activities, which appear in white boxes against full-spread green backdrops resembling recycled paper, provide opportunities for readers to make connections between the story's ideas and their own lives; for example: "Check out Biodiversity at the Zoo" and "Create Your Own Survival Kit." Story text appears on pale washes of blue, gold, and lilac above, below, or beside Bernhard's delicate brown-hued paintings, which capture the Israelites' various habitats: desert tents and brick-hewn buildings. A final "Potpourri" section provides scriptural guidance on such related issues as caring for animals and generosity. The story makes biblical wisdom accessible and relevant. Ages 8-11. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 2-5-Eight examples of environmentalism in the Hebrew Bible are highlighted with eco-conscious retellings of the tales and follow-up activities (crafts and science experiments). Noah's Ark is seen as an example of biodiversity, Joshua uses the destructive power of noise pollution to bring down the walls of Jericho, and so on. Warm paintings in earth tones decorate the pages. While environmentalist thinking does exist in the Bible, these retellings give ancient characters coyly modern voices and unrealistic ecological awareness, as when Moses says, "God has given us this [oasis], but it's up to us to learn how to properly manage our water resources." The concise text provides little context and assumes familiarity with the original stories. Likewise, the follow-up activities often lack context, as in the biodiversity exercise that asks readers to observe whether zoo animals graze or are given only animal feed, without explaining why this matters. Craft instructions vary from precise to vague. The tone of the book is preachy and overly earnest. Science teachers in religious day schools may find this title a good source of biblical tie-ins and ecological activities, but independent readers may find it slow-going.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

An environmental theme unites nine Jewish bible stories enhanced with a variety of science and nature activities.The religiously focused narrative begins by stating that God's "perfectly planned planet" has been misused by humankind. Biblical figures such as Noah, Abraham, Joshua, Joseph and Moses demonstrate how the Bible is filled with ways to preserve and respect the earth. From Noah's Ark and the flood, illustrating the beauty of the planet's biodiversity, to Joshua's need for sunlight to successfully defend the people of Gibeon with solar power, each scene is connected to a contemporary interpretation through introductory paragraphs and child-oriented projects. For example, noise pollution is addressed through the story of how Joshua destroyed Jericho first by surrounding the city walls with silence and then by using the loud trumpet blasts to crack the ramparts reinforcing the walls. This is followed by a simple science experiment that will observe whether two identical plants will grow differently under soothing classical and loud hard rock music. Biblical scenes done in gouache against white or pastel backgrounds alternate with easy-to-achieve directives in white panels set against a background that look like green handmade paper. A final "potpourri" section deals with biblical laws and practices for a plethora of eco-friendly practices.A credible, ethical approach to teaching environmental science and responsibility under a Judaic umbrella.(Religion. 5-9)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.