Just For Today - Hardcover

John XXIII, Saint

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802854613 ISBN 13: 9780802854612

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2015

Synopsis

Known fondly as "The Good Pope," John XXIII was recently canonized as a saint, and his daily Decalogue continues to be a source of inspiration for people the world over. In this picture book, graceful illustrations connect the text to everyday life, showing how the statements apply to school, family, and friendships.

The pairing of Saint John XXIII's cherished words and Bimba Landmann's symbolic artwork instills readers of all ages with a sense of peace while they savor each page. This lovely book provides the perfect reminder of how to make the most of every day.

About this title

About the Authors

Saint John XXIII served as pope from 1958 until his death in 1963. During his lifetime, he helped save the lives of thousands of Jews fleeing the Holocaust, made a significant effort to resolve the Cuban missile crisis, and founded the Second Vatican Coun

Bimba Landmann has illustrated over a dozen children'sbooks, including Clare and Francis, InSearch of the Little Prince, and I Am MarcChagall (all Eerdmans). Bimba was born in Milan, Italy,where she currently lives with her husband and son.

Reviews

K-Gr 2—Based on the Daily Decalogues of Pope John XXIII, who was known as the Good Pope and who was recently canonized, this picture book is attractive, though of limited use to most readers. These 10 commandments offer suggestions for living a peaceful and purposeful life: dress simply, be polite and kind to others, refrain from criticism, be happy and know that God loves you, do a good deed without bragging, and perform an unpleasant task without complaining. Oddly, although the original states that reading for 10 minutes a day is as necessary to the soul as food is for the body, this version instead encourages communing with God. Chagall-esque watercolor illustrations in muted tones of blues, yellows, and greens make for a dreamlike accompaniment to the text. VERDICT A potential read-aloud option for younger children in schools and libraries serving a religion-based curriculum.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802854613
• ISBN 13: 9780802854612
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Landmann Bimba
• Number of pages: 34