In The Beginning

PreS-Gr 2--The author cites the Talmud, which says that we are all "partners in creation," as the source for her theme in this adaptation of the Biblical creation story. Adam awakens, surveys his universe, and finds that it is "good." There are some inconsistencies in this book. The boy wakes up alone, contentedly cleans his room, and observes the world outside his window. Despite a lack of pictorial or textual evidence, the author states that "Adam was still lonely" as he heads for his parents' room. The short narrative and colorful watercolor illustrations do not always hang together. The text talks about perches in the cage of a pet bird, but the cage pictured is one-dimensional and empty. Although Levin does convey the joy of creation, this is a mediocre offering.

Amy Kellman, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

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