From Publishers Weekly
Against canvases of large, dramatic brush strokes--the first in shades of brilliant blue, the next in splashes of yellow and orange--the words "Once upon a time I was" begin this original and affecting book. In a tone of childlike innocence, the narrative voice embarks on a description of the creative urge: "I played by myself for ages . Then I started to get lonely. I wanted someone else to play with, someone who wasn't ME." Along with this desire comes the ability to transform into a multitude of different creations: "I can become all kinds of things that grow and swim and crawl and fly and run. One day I became YOU." Above these words appear snapshot-size paintings of a tree, a school of fish, insects, birds and mammals, respectively, followed by a full-page dawn-colored image of an unborn child surrounded as if by halos. "In time you forget all about me," the narrative continues, while the illustration shows a solitary figure turned away from a glowing tree, but "Every so often, you wonder who you are." Gilvan-Cartwright's striking abstract paintings evoke the power and simplicity of children's art, while at the same time barring any coyness in the storytelling by dint of their sophistication. The visual rhythms created by the skillful book design further accentuate the impact of the text. Gentle yet thought-provoking, this will offer readers another way to contemplate the nature of the divine. Ages 4-up. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-The supernal power in this simplistically written, dynamically illustrated portrayal of a difficult concept is an amalgamation of God as the great "I am" and God as the spirit infusing all of creation. In the beginning, God is alone and lonely and squeezes all things out of his very essence: plants, fish, insects, birds, animals, and finally a human fetus. Once born, the child soon forgets that he is part of God, although later in life, the author reminds readers, he may suddenly have a revelation that he is part of God, as is everything else, even war. All this is pictured in agitated artwork in a style reminiscent of abstract expressionistic techniques. Hot, swirling oranges, yellows, and greens are cooled by purple, midnight blue, and black in a startling palette, with simplified, solid figures in full- and double-page spreads and occasional vignettes. Although the language is easy to read, the underlying theme of the divine interconnection is complicated. Adult guidance is a must for interpreta- tion.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
