Before I Go to Sleep

Presents retellings of stories from the Old and New Testaments, accompanied by poems, prayers, and songs from around the world

PreSchool-Grade 3-- A fine collection of inspirational reading. Pilling retells 21 stories from the Old and New Testaments in a clear, interesting style that will be easily understood and enjoyed by young listeners. Accompanying each selection is a carefully chosen poem, prayer, or words to a traditional song that relate to the story and help children to think beyond its obvious meaning. Most are familiar; a few will be less so. A delicate palette and effective use of washes is combined with fluid, realistic characters who are full of life and energy. The illustrations admirably reflect the mood of each piece. Noah and his wife dance exuberantly after the flood; gray shadows cover more solemn events. Unity between text and pictures is excellent, making this selection an inviting addition to any collection. It is somewhat easier to read and understand than Tomie dePaola's Book of Bible Stories (Putnam, 1990), which uses an abridged text from the New International Version. The poems are an appealing addition here, but both of these anthologies reflect the authors' faith and pleasure in sharing beloved stories. --Jane Gardner Connor, formerly at South Carolina State Library, Columbia
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this 96-page collection, 21 familiar stories from the Old and New Testaments are presented in language that is simple without being condescending--Daniel slays Goliath, the infant Moses is rescued from the river, the wise men seek the newborn Jesus. Interspersed among these graceful retellings are poems and prayers by well-known authors both religious (St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis of Assisi) and secular (William Blake, Christina Rossetti). In content and style, Denton's soft, spare watercolors are a perfect accompaniment: they manage to be suitably childlike while also conveying a sophisticated flavor that is nicely attuned to each subject. Whether bright and frolicsome for Ruth Sawyer's exuberant yuletide catalogue, "Christmas Morn" or washed with greys for Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "A Prayer for Fellow Prisoners," her paintings bring a warmth and individuality to this attractively packaged book. All ages.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.