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This Is
the Earth That God Made Our Price: $8.99 |
| From
the Critics From School Library Journal PreSchool-Gr 1-Reminiscent of "This Is the House That Jack Built" in form and rhythm, this poem celebrates the Creation. The images begin with the earth (with a smiling face) and continue with the rising mountains; flowing fountains; rocking sea; blowing wind; buzzing bee; willow tree; and a man on his knees as he, his wife, and children give thanks. The simple, cheerful words gently remind readers of nature's wonders and are suitable for any faith recognizing a heavenly maker. Pebbly textured, brightly colored paintings on double-page spreads with the text superimposed are equally upbeat and folksy and the rounded forms give the world an appealing coziness. Suggestions for family activities such as a bike trip, picnic, or moonlit sled ride; ideas for crafts such as a clay-pot bird feeder and a fish wind sock; and a hodgepodge of assorted facts about the natural world appear at the end. There are a number of books that present a version of the Creation for young children; here, the tone is respectful without being heavy-handed and the artwork presents an idyllic world through images familiar to young children.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.| From Publisher's Weekly - Publishers Weekly In warm, flowing "House That Jack Built"-style cumulative verse that rolls off the tongue, a child narrator describes the earth, his family's place in it and their prayerful responses. Beginning with an expansive view of mountains, sea and wind, Downey's (Sing, Henrietta! Sing!) focus gradually narrows to the particular place where the child's family communes with God. "This is my mother, my sister, and me/ beside my father, down on his knees/ in the shade of the grand old willow tree/ that holds the hive of the honeybee..." Huang's (One Hundred Is a Family) full-spread illustrations, filled with waves and curls and painted predominantly in royal shades of purple and green, present a utopian vision of the natural world. Gently rounded mountains and trees, playfully splashing ocean waves, a volcano that spews swirling doves--the benevolent, majestic images bespeak a creation that inspires awe and reverence, without fear. The narrator, his sister and parents, the only people represented, appear the image of family harmony. Although perhaps a little too sweet for some tastes, this book successfully conveys its message of gratitude, admiration and praise for the glory, bounty and benevolence of the Creator. Included at the end are suggestions for outdoor family activities and crafts. Ages 3-8. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.| |
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