A Bucketful Dreams: Contemporary Parables for All Ages
by Christopher Buice
A charming cast of characters brings values such as diversity, justice, faith and empowerment to life in 18 original parables. Playful cartoon illustrations by the author. All ages.
Aisha's Moonlit Walk
by Anika Stafford
Readers of all ages will delight in following the fictional Aisha and her modern-day family as they celebrate the eight pagan holidays over the course of a year. Told in Aisha's own words, these charming stories bring to life the beliefs, values and traditions of the pagan holidays. Includes a brief introduction to each holiday and activities suited for adults and children.
All Families Are Special
by Norma Simon, Teresa Flavin
When Mrs. Mack says she will soon be a grandmother, her students realize that teachers have families just like they do! Suddenly everyone in the class wants to share information about his or her own unique family. Sarah tells of flying to China with her parents where they adopted her sister, Rachel. Christopher tells about his parents' divorce. They are still a family, but now he and his brother spend a few days every week at their dad's apartment. Nick lives with his parents, five siblings, and his grandparents--they need to order three large pizzas for dinner! And Hannah tells how she loves to garden with her two mommies.
All the Colors We Are: The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color
by Katie Kissinger, Wernher Krutein
Help young children sort through the often confusing information and myths they receive about human skin color. With All The Colors We Are: The Story Of How We Get Our Skin Color by Katie Kissinger, children learn about melanin, the coloring chemical in our skin. The key concepts about the function of melanin, as a protector of our skin from damage by the sun, the correlation between environment and skin color, and the hereditary aspects of skin color are all beautifully explained in All The Colors We Are. Parents and teachers can use this simple explanation as an entree to an often awkward discussion.
Selected by the Parent Council for its photographs and engaging language, All the Colors We Are helps children understand the truths about skin color and that it is one way we are special and different.
Being Your Best: Character Building for Kids 7-10
by Barbara A. Lewis, Marjorie Lisovskis
Gr. 4-6.This title defines 10 positive character traits, and offers children practical ways to develop and strengthen them. Each trait is first illustrated by a true story featuring a child hero and is then defined in child-friendly terms, followed by simple activities, mnemonics, open-ended "what if?" questions, and bibliographies of fiction and nonfiction books on the theme. Open, honest communication is stressed throughout, and youngsters are urged to approach caring adults with problems. The intent is admirable, but the book's audience is unclear. The younger range of kids, aged 7-10, the readership targeted in the title, would find some of the material too difficult; most of the books mentioned in the chapter reading lists, which do include some well-considered choices, are for older readers, with comparatively few second-or third-grade titles cited. Character education is a growing trend in schools today, however, and practical, kid-centered books like this are needed. With its many activities, discussion springboards, and literature tie-ins, this offering will be especially useful to teachers or adult moderators.
Black Elk: Native American Man Of Spirit
by Maura D. Shaw, Stephen Marchesi
Gr. 4-6. Black Elk, a member of the Lakota Sioux, had a dream as a boy that showed the world as a sacred hoop, sheltering all living things. The dream also revealed his purpose in life: to protect his people and to spread the message that people should share love and respect with all living things. This compact book chronicles Black Elk's life, which was filled with both peace and war, including fighting with Crazy Horse at Little Bighorn. There is also much about John Neihardt, the author who sought out Black Elk and gathered his stories in Black Elk Speaks. There is probably more here about the relationship between Neihardt and Black Elk than there is clarification of Black Elk's philosophy, but this is a credible overview and an interesting addition to the Spiritual Biographies series. Several activities are included.
black is brown is tan
by Arnold Adoff, Emily Arnold McCully
Originally published in 1973, Black Is Brown Is Tan was the first children's book to feature an interracial family. In this 21st-century version, with new, sunlight-drenched watercolors, Mom is still "a tasty tan and coffee pumpkin pie / with dark brown eyes and almond ears," and Daddy is "light with pinks and tiny tans / dark hair growing on my arms / that darken in the summer sun / brown eyes / big yellow ears." The happy, normal family goes about their day, drinking milk, barbecuing, spending time with grandmas and aunts and uncles, and reading stories. Throughout, they celebrate "all the colors of the race". This warm and loving story is just as meaningful today as it was decades ago. Readers from multicultural families, especially, will appreciate this tribute to the diversity of the American family from renowned poet Arnold Adoff (Touch the Poem) and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, Emily Arnold McCully (Mirette on the High Wire). (Ages 4 to 8)
Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain
by Trevor Romain, Elizabeth Verdick
Grade 3-7. A deceptively simple approach to dealing with a difficult issue faced by millions of children every day. The advice throughout is clear, unequivocal, and helpful: "Tell your friends if you're being bullied. A bully is less likely to approach you if you're surrounded by your buddies." The advice for dealing with life-threatening situations is brief: "Run!" Fictional books abound on the topic, one of the most well-known being Mary Stolz's The Bully of Barkham Street (HarperCollins, 1985). Eda LeShan's nonfiction title When Kids Drive Kids Crazy (Dial, 1990; o.p.) deals extensively with the subject and provides excellent coping skills both for the victims of intimidation and abuse and for parents trying to help. However, bullied children are much more likely to pick up Romain's book on their initial foray into self-help, due to the attractive format with cartoon characters and lots of white space on the page. Resources for additional help include books, organizations, and Web sites. This useful, slim volume will have heavy usage.
Different Just Like Me
by Lori Mitchell
April is excited to visit her grandmother, but she has to wait a whole week. So she and her mom keep busy by shopping at the farmers' market, visiting April's dad at work, and eating at the local diner. Over the course of the week, April observes the many differences between herself and the people she encounters. The anticipated weekend with her grandmother finally arrives, and April comes to realize that differences can be beautiful.
An appealing blend of colorful acrylic figures and black-and-white pencil backgrounds highlights the underlying message of the story-visual differences between people are striking, but by looking beyond these differences, we see how similar we really are.
Awards:
-Selected as Outstanding by The Parent Council, Fall 1999
-1999 American Booksellers Association Kids Pick of the Lists
-1999 Read America! Collection
-1999 San Diego Book Awards Best Children's Fiction
-2000 Early Childhood News Directors' Choice Award
-Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People for 2000
Dreamland (Music CD)
Various Artists
Putumayo World Music
If these truly gorgeous lullabies and songs from all over the world don't soothe the savage beast within your child, nothing will. This hypnotic collection of soft and slow melodies--some ancient, some new--is perfect for lulling a child to sleep or for any evening when you want to escape into a warm bath with candles. Carlos Santana accompanies African singer Angelique Kidjo on the sweet opener, "Naima." Claudia Martinez sings "Arriba Del Cielo (Above the Sky)," a lilting traditional lullaby with roots in the Mexican state of Guerrero. The Letterstick Band, from the small An-Barra clan of Australian Aborigines, performs the moving "Yi-Rrana (Sunset)." One favorite is "Lá Vai Alguém (There Goes Someone)," a hot-summer-night-sounding lullaby sung in velvety tones by Virginia Rosa. Another lovely addition is Kanji Yano of the Sanshin Café Orchestra playing a generations-old lullaby on a traditional stringed instrument from Okinawa called the sanshin. The liner notes, written in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, provide kid-friendly facts about the countries of origin. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Putumayo Cross-Cultural Initiative, a non-profit organization that uses the power of world music and the arts to inspire children to connect with diverse cultures. Vive Dreamland! --Karin Snelson
Everyone a Butterfly: Forty Sermons for Children
by Randy Hammer
Everyone a Butterfly offers 40 original sermon stories for children, for use in worship services and at home year-round. These stories are based on biblical and classical literature, everyday observations and anecdotes from history. Hammer's primary source of inspiration is nature—one of our greatest teachers and a wonderful learning tool for children. Each sermon is accompanied by suggestions for presentation, objects for sharing and follow-up activities. Based on his many years of pastoral experience, Hammer provides an insightful introduction on what makes a quality sermon for children. Annotated resources are also included.
From Long Ago and Many Lands: Stories for Children Told Anew
by Sophia Blanche Lyon Fahs, Patricia Hoertdoerfer, Cyrus Leroy Baldridge, Sophia Lyon Fahs
Classic fables from many eras and civilizations illuminate themes key to a child's religious development. For parents and teachers, contemporary lesson plans, discussion questions and age-appropriate activities are included.
Gandhi: India's Great Soul
by Maura D. Shaw, Stephen Marchesi
Gr. 3-6. From the Spiritual Biographies for Young Readers series, this well-designed book introduces Mahatma Gandhi with simplicity and dignity. While the discussion provides information about his life, beliefs, and achievements, it also challenges children to reflect on aspects of his philosophy and activism in a more personal way. Shaw asks them to consider how Gandhi's beliefs can be applied to their own lives, such as helping others by giving away what an individual can no longer use. The illustrations include colorful paintings and drawings as well as many photographs. A detailed time line and a glossary are appended. There is no index, but this rather brief book is not primarily a resource for research. It serves well, though, as a gateway for beginning to understand who Gandhi was, what he accomplished, and how his beliefs might relate to children's lives today.
God Lives in Glass : Reflections of God through the Eyes of Children
by Robert J., Phd Landy, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
In the wake of 9/11, so many people have attempted to understand the nature of terrorism. One way to understand these acts is from a religious point of view where some see their God as better than that of others. This book, though written before 9/11/01, offers a corrective. As we look at images of God created by children from all around the world, we realize there are many ways of seeing God, all of which are valid. As we listen to the voices and look at the drawings of children from diverse cultures, we affirm our common humanity. This book offers an alternative to violence as a way to make meaning. It offers hope.
I'm Like You, You're Like Me: A Child's Book About Understanding and Celebrating Each Other
by Cindy Gainer
Kindergarten-Grade 3A didactic book that deals with differences and similarities among all people. The message is important, but the text is somewhat repetitive and tedious. The bold, bright-bordered illustrations feature cartoonlike children of various ethnic backgrounds. Each attribute, depicted in pen and marker on posterboard, covers a two-page spread. Fleeting references are made to common concepts such as acceptance of differences, the importance of understanding through listening, thinking about the feelings of others, and accomplishing tasks through cooperation. This book could be of potential use for units on social skills.
If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People
by David J. Smith, Shelagh Armstrong
Grade 2-6-More than six billion people inhabit the Earth. With interesting results, Smith compresses this impressively large number down to a more understandable figure, 100 persons, and in 9 spreads offers data on such topics as nationalities, languages, ages, religions, and education as represented in a condensed global village. For instance, in this community, 22 inhabitants speak Chinese, 9 speak English, and 7, Spanish. Ten are under the age of 5 and only 1 is over 79. Other tidbits: 76 people have electricity, but most use it to light their houses at night only, and 24 do not have access to it. Although the book focuses on humans, some animal statistics are included. In the village, there are 189 chickens and 15 pigs. Armstrong's acrylic illustrations are colorful and, of course, multicultural. Human faces are stylized. But the statistics are the true audience draw here. Two appended spreads delve into the village in the past as well as future trends. Source notes are taken from material aimed at adults. These days, the world seems to be getting smaller. This timely, unique book enhances that sentiment. It is useful for a current understanding of the world's population.
It's So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families
by Robie H. Harris, Michael Emberley, Robie Harris
Kindergarten-Grade 4-Another barrier-breaking contribution by Harris and Emberley that seamlessly bridges It's Perfectly Normal (1994) and Happy Birth Day! (1996, both Candlewick). This oversized, attractive guide on reproduction and birth answers common questions such as "Exactly what is sex?" and "Where does the baby actually come out?" The familiar enthusiastic bird and reluctant bee narrate the comic cartoon panels, eventually deciding that the miracles of birth, families, and love are just "so amazing." Readers will appreciate the life-size illustration of a full-term fetus, and adults will be grateful for the many different ways Emberley portrays situations not always easy to explain to children. People are represented with a variety of body shapes and ethnicity, and Harris discusses sexual preferences and alternative family situations. While the illustrations are engaging and often hilarious, factual information is effectively presented in a clear, nonjudgmental tone that will inform and assure readers. Topics covered include basic anatomy, conception, fetal development, birth, genetics, adoption, and love. Sexual abuse and HIV are sensitively mentioned in short, informative chapters. An essential guide that will delight and inform and appeal to young readers as well as adults.
Just Because I Am: A Child's Book of Affirmation
by Lauren Murphy Payne, Claudia Rohling
The children's book Just Because I Am is an excellent introduction to self-esteem. Easy to understand statements and enchanting full-color illustrations invite young readers ages 3-8 to love and accept themselves. They learn to respect their bodies and acknowledge their needs. They name their feelings, discover that everyone makes mistakes and hear that it's okay to say "yes" and "no". Just Because I Am is recommended for all libraries, day-care centers, and homes where children depend on adults for guidance and affirmation.
The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
by Naomi Drew
Grade 6-10–Drew presents effective tools for improving conflict-resolution skills. Survey responses from more than 1000 middle school students provide the basis for her analyses of conflict issues. Scenarios are presented with tips on how to keep calm and become a problem solver. The author encourages readers to identify personal-conflict triggers and practice anger-management techniques that will result in the reduction of stress and a growth in confidence. Common problems, such as misunderstandings and teasing, are addressed, as are the more serious issues of bullying and sexual harassment. Tools such as visualization, relaxation, exercise, and repeating empowering statements build a framework for improving self-control. Boxed facts from cited works and quotes from the survey support the text. An annotated list of print and Web resources, a reproducible "Conflict Solver's Action Plan," and a comprehensive index are helpful features. Cartoon sketches appear throughout. This book would be useful for libraries and for peer-mediation programs.
Old Turtle
by Douglas Wood, Cheng-Khee Chee
When all of creation--trees, stones, ants, the sky, fish—-begins arguing over who or what God is, quiet Old Turtle is the only one who has the wisdom and ability to see beyond herself to capture the essence. The debate escalates until Old Turtle finally speaks: "STOP!" She accepts and incorporates the beliefs of all the creatures: "God is indeed deep," she says to the fish in the sea, "and much higher than high," she tells the mountains. "God is gentle and powerful. Above all things and within all things... God IS." Old Turtle, after silencing the crowds with her understanding, makes a prediction about the appearance of a new "family of beings" in the world. These beings, human beings, do appear, and soon are fighting among themselves over the nature of God. It is only when people start listening to the mountains and winds and stones and stars that they actually begin to hear--and to heal the earth. A graceful fable, with elegant, dreamlike watercolors by illustrator Cheng-Khee Chee, Douglas Wood's modern-day classic makes a hushed but strong environmental statement, as well as a plea for universal acceptance. (Ages 5 and older)
Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story
by Lisa Westberg Peters, Lauren Stringer
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Evolution is a ticklish topic. It is controversial to some for religious reasons; for others, it is a challenging concept to present to a young audience without losing scientific veracity. For one thing, young children have little concept of time-a million years might be the span between birthdays. For another, the idea of slow, evolutionary change still seems somehow equal to a magician's trick. So, accomplishing a reasonable explanation of a scientific concept and its progress through millennia is worthy of note. Peters's simple text uses the "we/us" format to place Homo sapiens in the "family" of life at its very beginnings. "All of us," she states in the first sentence of the book, "are part of an old, old family," going back to Earth's beginnings. "We've changed a lot since then." Through a simple progression, amply bolstered by Stringer's striking, large acrylics, she traces "our" family tree from unicellular organisms through amphibians, therapsids, and early mammals to early primates, hominids, and our distinct "humanness" today. Enriched by two pages of additional data and a colorful time line, the whole is rounded out by carefully written author and illustrator notes.
The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories
by Mark Water, Diana Shimon
The great stories of the Bible retold using a fresh approach that roots the stories and illustrations in the historical context of their times. Based on the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, these stories feature gender-inclusive language for God and humanity. A "Read-the Story-for-Yourself" section on each page highlights corresponding Bible references to the overall text. Grades K through 5.
Putumayo Kids: Sing Along With Putumayo (Music CD)
Various Artists
Putumayo World Music
Here's a likable roundup for anyone who failed to connect with the family music bandwagon when it first rolled into homes five years ago. Some of the coolest players in the crop contribute to Putumayo Kids: Dan Zanes and Friends' "Bushel and a Peck," Rosie Flores' spirits-to-the-sky "Red Red Robin," and Taj Mahal's gruff "Don't You Push Me Down," all sound out for the world that sweetness and simplicity, paired with the right lyrics add up to perfection. The title suggests singing along, but that's strictly optional. Unlike other samplers that collect catchy songs under that banner, listening along with Putumayo is a lot of fun too, especially given that you're provided with liner notes that list lyrics as well as song meanings in English, French, and Spanish. It should not be overlooked that gazing at this package is satisfying in itself. The Putumayo people consistently captivate with their earthy, whimsical covers, and Sing Along is no exception.
Ten Amazing People: And How They Changed the World
by Maura D. Shaw, Stephen Marchesi
Shaw (Celebrating the Great Mother) profiles Desmond Tutu, Black Elk, Mother Teresa and Janusz Korczak, among other 20th-century leaders, in this informative volume. Each figure receives two spreads, on which are a full-page, collage-like painting, several columns of biographical text, a quote, definitions of salient terms, a chronology and a "fascinating fact." In introducing Mahatma Gandhi, for example, Shaw emphasizes that satyagraha is best understood as "peaceful-not passive-resistance"; defines the terms "caste system" and "British empire"; and offers the fact that upon Gandhi's death his only possessions were sandals, a watch, glasses, bowls and spoons, and a book of songs. The subjects are not all equally famous: one entry discusses the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who was exiled from his homeland in 1964 for his leadership in the peace movement. Shaw admirably distills complex ideas into age-appropriate presentations; the design, however, tends to bombard readers with competing presentations, to some extent undoing Shaw's accomplishment in streamlining the material. Despite the use of different colors to distinguish the text blocks, the somber quality of the illustrations and the fact-box-heavy pages give the volume an institutional appearance. Ages 6-10.
The Everything Seed: A Story of Beginning
by Carol Martignacco, Joy Troyer
PreS-Gr. 2. The facts of science and the wonder of myth combine in this unusual creation story that finds the universe in an acorn. In spare text that is both lyrical and friendly, the story moves from a plant's origins in a seed (something "so small, so still, so quiet") to how the universe began, also from a seed, "cradled and nourished in the rich soil of space." There's no definitive supreme being here: "No one knows where that first seed came from." But when the Everything Seed unfurls and grows into our stars and planets, the text makes poetry of science. The universe continues to expand; new seeds grow and new people are born, "waiting like the Everything Seed to shine in ways that are yet to be known." Troyer's explosive batik illustrations are poorly reproduced, blurry and off-register, but the images still capture the subject's mystery and timelessness in wild swirls of color against deep black, as the words offer a unique, cosmic view that celebrates the divine without rejecting science.
Naptime Book
by Cynthia MacGregor
The stories, songs, games and activities in the book will help small children go willingly to bed or nap. The activities are soothing and engaging. Many may also be used to help with transitions.
The Three Questions
by Jon J. Muth, Leo Tolstoy
Nikolai is a boy who believes that if he can find the answers to his three questions, he will always know how to be a good person. His friends--a heron, a monkey, and a dog--try to help, but to no avail, so he asks Leo, the wise old turtle. "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" Leo doesn't answer directly, but by the end of Nikolai's visit, the boy has discovered the answers himself. Award-winning illustrator Jon J Muth's lovely watercolors are the most appealing aspect of this book about compassion and living in the moment. The simple Zen-based profundity of the boy's philosophical exploration may escape young readers, but they will enjoy the tale of a child who, in doing good deeds (for a panda and her baby, no less!), finds inner peace. Muth based his story on a short story of the same title by Leo Tolstoy. (Ages 5 to 9)
Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action
by Maura D. Shaw, Stephen Marchesi
Gr. 4-6. This book from the Spiritual Biographies for Young Readers series begins at a disadvantage. Kids won't be familiar with the Buddhist monk, nor will most know much about the philosophy that motivates him. The gentle tone of the text does reflect the subject, but Shaw's introduction is rather soft-edged: Thich Nhat Hanh's work to end the war in Vietnam is treated lightly, and the tenets of Buddhism are never really explained. The strongest part of the book suggests peaceful ways for children to have more power in their lives. Following a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh, Shaw quickly chronicles his life, including his move to France, where he now lives in a commune, gardening, writing, and teaching. She then briefly but effectively explains how to lead a mindful life, let go of anger, and grow the seeds of peace and love in one's heart. The clean design and the many color photos enhance the sense of tranquility.
Too Old for This, Too Young for That!: Your Survival Guide for the Middle-School Years
by Harriet Mosatche PhD, Karen M. Unger
Grade 5-8-A guide for youngsters in their "tween" years. Written in a lively manner, the book addresses changing bodies, health, emotions, privacy, family issues, dating, school, peer pressure, and time management. There are examples of different types of situations or problems that might arise and numerous ideas and suggestions to try. Sidebars recommend hot lines, Web sites, and books (including a number published by Free Spirit). An orderly table of contents and complete index allow students to browse through portions of particular interest. Humorous, black-and-white cartoon illustrations and diagrams are scattered throughout. There are a few blank charts and questionnaires with the recommendation that readers photocopy them before filling them out. All in all, an informative, helpful resource.
What Does God Look Like?
by Lawrence Kushner, Karen Kushner, Dawn Majewski
A simple way for young children to explore the ways that we "see" God. Abridged from Because Nothing Looks Like God and adapted to board book format. Ages 0-4.
What If Nobody Forgave and Other Stories
by Colleen McDonald
"From Buddha to Jesus to the Sufi masters of Hinduism, spiritual teachers from various religious traditions have used stories to convey basic messages about truth and right living. In this day and age of high technology, people of all ages still respond to a good story." — Colleen M. McDonald
- Nineteen stories that focus on justice and other virtues.
- Each story is followed by discussion questions, activity suggestions and a reading list.
These stories bring to life for young listeners the virtues of compassion, idealism, justice, responsibility and respect. Resources include advice on storytelling techniques--including introducing the story, tips on relating your own experiences, harnessing audience participation, using props, and more. Ideal for a variety of occasions, including family story time, worship, home schooling, camp programs and more.
What Is God's Name?
by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Every child develops an image of God by age 5, say spiritual experts. This simple, beautiful book will help you and your child explore spirituality together for the first time.
For people of all faiths, all backgrounds. Based on the award-winning picture book In God's Name.
Much has been written about the importance of reading simple, beautiful books to babies and preschoolers to stimulate brain development. But perhaps even more important, what you read begins to shape your child's world, and creates the images that will remain with him or her throughout life.
We read books to our children about letters, numbers, shapes, colors and safety, but do we give their minds the early food they need to think about life's bigger questions? As spiritual development experts now tell us, each child develops an image of God by age 5, with or without religious instruction. What is God's Name? takes you and your child on an imaginative journey designed to help you open not only your child's mind, but your child's heart and soul as well.
What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?
by Trevor Romain, Elizabeth Verdick
Simple, insightful, and straight from the heart, this book is for any child who has lost a loved one or other special person. Treats what death means, how to cope, answers common questions, and offers comfort and reassurance. Ages 5-10.
What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids
by James J. Crist
Grade 5-8–An easy-to-follow, self-help tool that will be invaluable for kids who struggle with fears or worries. Part one deals with normal anxiety, offering detailed steps for developing 10 coping mechanisms. Expert help is needed to deal with the more serious problems discussed in Part two (e.g., phobias, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder). Throughout, the author provides information, case histories, and coping skills in a manner that is both reassuring and encouraging. The physiological, psychological, and social aspects of fears and anxiety are clearly explained. Tools, such as journaling, are thoroughly described so that readers may immediately put into practice the ideas offered in the book. Youngsters are encouraged to share the volume with a trusted grown-up. A descriptive chapter on counseling is included, as is a section directed toward involved adults. Authoritative print resources and associations to contact are suggested. The content is well organized and the index is adequate. Illustrations lighten the tone of the subject matter. This title will empower children and help them to understand, confront, and master troubling emotions.
What You Will See Inside a Mosque
by Aisha Karen Khan, Aaron Pepis
Grade 3-6--Khan makes it clear that her statements represent those of a devout Muslim: "We call our faith Islam"; "As Muslims we believe in Allah, the Arabic name for God"; and so forth. Thus, her book manages the marvelous balancing act of being strictly doctrinaire without being exclusionary, offensive, or proselytizing. Her focus is on what happens inside a mosque, but, in describing the parts of this structure and the behavior of Muslims within it, she must necessarily explain the beliefs that dictate the building's forms and its manner of use. This excellent introduction includes basic information on the Qur'an, the qibla (the niche indicating the direction in which Mecca lies), and the Five Pillars of Islam. It also details features such as the "bathrooms" in which adherents perform wudu (washing certain body parts prior to worship), the requirements of and the reasoning behind "modest" dress, and the importance of education. Full-page photographs are supplemented by smaller photos with informative captions.
What You Will See Inside: A Synagogue
by Lawrence A., Rabbi Hoffman, Ron, Dr. Wolfson, Bill Aron, Ron Wolfson
Visual and informative, What You Will See Inside a Synagogue features full-page pictures and concise descriptions of what is happening, the objects used, the spiritual leaders and laypeople who have specific roles, and the spiritual intent of the believers. Ideal for children as well as teachers, parents, librarians, clergy, and lay leaders who want to demystify the celebrations and ceremonies of Judaism throughout the year, as well as encourage understanding and tolerance among different faith traditions.
Where Is God?
by Lawrence Kushner, Karen Kushner, Dawn Majewski
To young children the world is full of things to see and touch. And by using those very examples, this enchanting book gently invites children to become aware of God’s presence all around us. Abridged from Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence and Karen Kushner, Where Is God? has been specially adapted to board book format to delight and inspire younger readers.
World Playground (Music CD)
Various
Putumayo World Music
This anthology of children-related tracks originates from the globally conscious Putamayo Records catalog. Artists from Africa (Senegal's Touré Kunda, Congo's Ricardo Lemvo), Europe (France's Manu Chao), the Caribbean (Jamaica's Cedella Marley Booker), North America (Buckwheat Zydeco and Eric Bibb from the U.S.; Canada's Teresa Doyle), South America (Brazil's Nazaré Pereira), and Australia (Trevor Adamson) offer tracks, and while the styles and moods vary, the album gels excellently. Even if the multicontinent angle strikes you as too catholic, it bears reiterating that this is a "playground" session, a collection that begins with a Senegalese in-line dance and continues through "Mardi Gras Mambo," a bongo-playing French monkey, and much more. And while the songs are playful, there's nothing in the way of tossed-off music. It's all first-rate, with the artists at the top of their games.
- Click here to read about Spiritual Education for Children, Teens and Young Adults
- Click here to see Inspirational Books for "Tweens", Teenagers and their Parents