An enigmatic parable that fails to bloom.
Co-authors Levine (New Testament and Jewish Studies/ Vanderbilt Univ.) and Sasso, a rabbi, turn their accumulated theological training to adapting a biblical parable of Jesus into a picture book.
Based on the short parable that appears in the three Synoptic Gospels, the picture book presents the story of a small seed growing into a large tree. Opening with two children preparing to plant a mustard seed in winter-brown ground, soft colored-pencil illustrations show just how small and seemingly useless a mustard seed is until it is planted. Then, away from prying eyes, the seed sends out roots, sprouts, and grows beyond the usual botanical limits of a mustard plant, into “a humongous tree.” Through most of the book, this literal depiction of a uniquely large mustard plant and how the community interacts with it and uses it is the focus, making a turn toward the familiar comparison of the mustard seed to the kingdom of God near the end feel as though it comes out of left field. Even the crowds who heard the original telling of the parable in ancient Palestine, who had more context, may well have found this teaching bemusing. Contemporary children, lacking that context, will find it even more so. While Meganck’s illustrations of a diverse community surrounding the tree are endearing, the book fails to engage as either a celebration of botany or a picture of a heavenly kingdom come to Earth.
An enigmatic parable that fails to bloom. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)Pub Date: April 26, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-664-26275-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Review Posted Online: March 4, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2018
Girls will hear the answer to the titular question.
Teaching our daughters how to love themselves is the first step toward the next generation’s owning its power.
It’s heady stuff for a picture book, but it’s never too soon for a woman—even a little woman—to know her worth. Denhollander (the first of sex offender Larry Nassar’s abuse victims to speak out) presents a poetic discourse that resonates beyond its young intended audience. Her simple rhyming couplets speak to the power of image and the messages that shape how we become who we are. The eloquence comes not from the words or phrasing as much as the message as well as the passion. Denhollander, an attorney, a mother, and a former gymnast–turned-coach for a time, delivers stanzas infused with sweet sentimentality as well as fiery fierceness. New artist Huff provides lovely, expressive illustrations depicting girls of many racial presentations in various stages of self-discovery and acceptance. The figures are smiling and cartoonlike, with oversized, round heads and sturdy bodies—though none could be called fat, none exhibits twiglike proportions. Denhollander’s book is unapologetically Christian in approach, with more than one reference to “Him” or a creation by a greater power. With sincerity helping to mitigate occasionally artless text, this is a worthwhile message for young girls who, in an age of shrinking women’s rights, need all the encouragement possible to find their voices and love themselves.
Girls will hear the answer to the titular question. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4168-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tyndale House
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2019
Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in.
Rhyming text and colorful multicultural illustrations reassure young readers of God’s omnipresence and still small voice.
“Where in the world is God’s voice found?” Perhaps in ocean waves, bird song, or mountain vistas, suggest the couplet rhymes. Even when readers might be faced with difficult emotions and distractions of all kinds, the text reassures them that God is still there and still speaking, if only one pauses to listen. His voice can be found in nature, in starlight, in the love of family and friends, in dreams, and “through His Word.” Admirably, the bright illustrations, reminiscent of mid-20th-century Disney artist Mary Blair’s stylings, depict children and families with a diverse array of skin tones and ages. There is also a refreshing mix of urban, suburban, and rural settings. Yet, despite the appealing illustrations, the rhymes and scansion are often forced (“your feelings, they matter, / even if they’re all mixed up like / pancake batter”), which detracts from the overall message. Contrived couplets notwithstanding, this title will likely find an audience among Christian households seeking reassuring bedtime reads.
Though the rhyme tumbles and at times bumbles, enticing imagery will lure readers in. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-525-65385-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: WaterBrook
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
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