In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World

Virginia-hamilton

ISBN 10: 1435203704 ISBN 13: 9781435203709

Publisher: Paw Prints 2007-06-28, 2007

Synopsis

A thought-provoking collection of twenty-five stories that reflect the wonder and glory of the origins of the world and humankind. With commentary by the author. A must for mythology shelves. --Booklist

About this title

About the Author:

BARRY MOSER is the prize-winning illustrator of many beautiful books for children and adults, including Harcourt’s Telling Time with Big Mama Cat and Sit, Truman!, both co-illustrated by his daughter Cara Moser and written by Dan Harper. He has won the American Book Award and earned accolades from the American Library Association and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Mr. Moser lives in western Massachusetts.

Review:

According to PW , "Moser's watercolors gleam like jewels amid the setting of the text. His people and creatures gaze out at readers, as if to challenge their imaginations to comprehend the chaos before creation." Ages 12-up.

Grade 6 Up Twenty-five creation myths from such diverse cultures as China, Tahiti, Micronesia, and Australia. Illustrated with 42 dramatic , full-color paintings, this is a handsome representative collection. Hamilton's introduction briefly defines creation myths and places them within the formal cultural structure that gives them authority. Her commitment to stay true to the simplicity of style of many creation myths results in some brilliant retellings, complete with the clarity of vision and fluidity of language synonymous with her work. While most of these retold myths are highly successful, others lack the precision of the ``perfect word'' associated with Hamilton. (One example is the jarring use of the modern word ``aide,'' as in aides to a god in a Zambian creation myth.) Although the placement of the explanatory notes at the end of each myth is less effective than if they were placed at the beginning, the book is handsomely designed. Each myth opens with a striking full-page painting, each of which is truly evocative and powerful in design and content. Text and illustrations together result in a strong, effective piece of work. Janice M. Del Negro, Chicago Public Lib . (School Library Journal )

About this edition

• Publisher: Paw Prints 2007-06-28
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1435203704
• ISBN 13: 9781435203709
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Barry Moser