*** column title ***
*** Have A Little Faith ***
by
Kate Marley
Throughout the ages, books have been used to encourage faith. The power
of the written word is undeniable; why else would oppressors forbid
certain books to the downtrodden? America, where we have both freedom
of religion and of the press, is truly blessed in this regard. Books of
all faiths are available without fear of punishment.
More subtly, books can also tell stories that promote certain values or
virtues. Particularly for little kids, these can be obvious, such as
the series about the Berenstain Bears, Li’l Bill, or Chicken Soup for
Little Souls. In December, when nearly all are surrounded by the nearly
overpowering material aspects of Christmas, Hanukkah, and other
religious observances, this might be a good time to reflect,
demonstrate and pass on to our children the essence of our own faiths.
PICTURE BOOKS
One Earth, One Spirit
compiled by Tessa Strickland. c 1997, Sierra Club
This is a marvelous collection of prayers and photos from different
faiths and cultures, with an emphasis on the spiritual connection
between people, their faith and the earth. Muslim prayers are omitted
out of respect for their tradition of not using visual images. Notes at
the end give a thumbnail sketch on each prayer and its purpose. It’s a
poignant reminder of how much so many religions have in common, and
another small reminder for tolerance.
Book About God
by Florence Mary Fitch. c 1953. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.
Newly illustrated with wonderful artwork by Henri Sorensen, this
simple, non-denominational book talks about God using comparisons with
the grandeur and depth of the natural world. An oldie, but a goodie,
particularly with the beautiful pictures.
Chanukah in Chelm
by David Adler. c 1997, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.
Chelm stories have been popular in Jewish literature for a very long
time, and while they might seem irreverent to some, those of us who
know God has a sense of humor can appreciate them. Mendel is given a
simple task by the rabbi - to find a table so the lights from the
menorah can be seen from the synagogue window - but of course it
becomes anything but simple. Hilarious illustrations are by Baltimore’s
own Kevin O’Malley.
To Every Thing There Is a Season
by Leo & Diane Dillon. c 1998, Blue
Sky Press.
Another visual delight! The famous, timeless words from Ecclesiates are
illustrated by the Dillons in various art styles from around the world,
such as Siamese shadow plays, Irish illumination, and Egyptian murals.
At the end of the book, there are a couple of pages explaining the
background of each art form, and how it illustrates each verse. A
beautiful, powerful book.
Night of Las Posadas
by Tomie DePaola. c 1999, Putnam.
Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter so long ago is recreated in many
Spanish speaking places (such as Santa Fe in this story) in a
celebration known as Las Posadas. This story of one such night and the
little miracle that happened there is another heartwarming addition to
the holiday book lineup. Illustrations are, of course, by the author.
Trees of the Dancing Goats
by Patricia Polacco. c 1996, Simon &
Schuster.
Inspired by the author/illustrator’s memories of one winter in the
Midwest, this is a story of young Trisha’s special and unusual
Hanukkah. Everyone is getting ready, anticipating the holidays, when an
epidemic strikes, and just about everyone is forced to keep quarantine.
Realizing that her Christian friends and neighbors will miss the
trappings of Christmas, Trisha and her family bring little decorated
trees, their Hanukkah presents and food to the shut-ins, and making a
little miracle for both faiths.
TRANSITIONAL BOOKS
Special Gifts
by Cynthia Rylant. c 1999, Simon and Schuster.
Three cousins are staying with a beloved aunt while their parents are
away for the winter holidays, and this charming little chapter books
tells of their generous, cozy times together. Appealing illustrations
are by Wendy Anderson Halperin.
Kingfisher Book of Religions
by Trevor Barnes. c 1999, Kingfisher.
This excellent book is a good introduction to all the major religions,
and then some. Listed in chronological order from when they began, each
section lists the history, major philosophies and important rituals and
holidays. Famous religious quotes scattered throughout highlight the
universal truths that connect everyone. Illustrated with beautiful
color photographs from around the world, with children predominating,
it’s a great source made even more useful by a glossary and index.
FOR OLDER READERS
Book of Miracles
by Lawrence Kushner. 10th Anniversary Edition, 1997,
Jewish Lights Publishing.
For years, this has been "a young person’s guide to Jewish spiritual
awareness" and has gained a reputation as an excellent bar/bat mitzvah
present. These essays talk about seeing, hearing, doing, and the
person, using the Talmud, midrash, mystical and Biblical stories to
encourage finding the connections between God and one’s day to day
life. Illustrations are by the author.
Preacher’s Boy
by Katherine Paterson. c 1999, Clarion.
Near the end of the century in a small town in Vermont, eleven year old
Robbie struggles with many issues - but being a preacher’s child he finds
particularly irksome. He admires his parents, and loves his retarded
brother, but feels lots of the rules are too confining for his
adventuresome, lively spirit. So Robbie decides to be an atheist, but
an alcoholic tramp and his daughter become a catalyst for his renewal
of faith.
Revelation of Saint Bruce
by Tres Seymour. c 1998, Orchard Books.
Even among his small circle, Bruce sometimes feels like an outsider.
His strict moral code has earned him the sarcastic nickname of Saint
Bruce, but it isn’t until his senior year that he’s forced to choose
between his values and acceptance. Knowing that his friends drank in
school one day, and asked point blank by a respected teacher for the
truth, Bruce does the right thing. The fallout is predictable; his
friends are expelled and won’t be able to graduate; one suffers even
worse from his abusive father. Bruce is shunned by the other students.
The author resists an unrealistic happy ending, and readers will be
left with many questions - which will make for some great discussions
about ethics and consequences.
For Adults
Voice for the Child
edited by Sandra Joseph. c 1999, HarperCollins.
Long unknown outside his native Poland, some of the inspirational words
and works of Janusz Korczak are set forth here in this tiny, powerful
smorgasbord of a book. First a doctor, then an educator and a writer,
Janusz Korczak wrote compellingly about the rights and feelings of
children; some of his works have been translated. He founded two
orphanages, one Jewish and one Catholic, and dedicated his life to
helping thousands of abandoned children. Even when the Nazis came to
power, he stayed with his children, up until the end when he marched
with 200 orphans onto the train that led to Treblinka. Today, he is
remembered not only for this, but for his passion and dedication to the
rights of children. The right to be a child, and not a possession, the
right be cared for, to enjoy life on their own terms, to be
respected...to be loved.
A hundred children - a hundred people
Who are not ‘maybe sometime’,
Not ‘not now’, not ‘tomorrow’
But are here and now, today
People who already exist.
All contents © 1999, Kate Marley. All rights reserved.
