The Children's Book of Poems, Prayers and Meditations [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Attenborough (Author, Compiler, Editor)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

What makes this collection special are the same things that make childhood special. Drawing from well-loved and original sources including Maya Angelou, Bob Dylan, Mother Teresa, Victor Hugo and more, this glorious compilation of poems and non-denominational prayers reflects the wide spirituality of childhood. Simple and thoughtful meditations are also included adding another special dimension to a familiar and precious shared storytime. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Do I contradict myself ... I contain multitudes." Walt Whitman might have been talking about this diverse collection of poems: one of the best things about it is its multiplicity of competing voices. A Syrian Orthodox verse begins "Lord of the morning and ruler of all seasons, hear our prayer"--but John Lennon is also here, asking us to "imagine no religion." A quick sampling of other contributors includes Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, Chief Seattle, Anonymous (many different times, from many different cultures), and Jack Prelutsky. The illustrators, 10 in all, are as diverse and talented as the authors. The compiler, Liz Attenborough, promotes these selections as a basis for meditation, and each of the 10 sections ends with a special meditation piece, but this is, first of all, an excellent, thought-provoking collection of verse. (Ages 5 to 12) --Richard Farr

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-Attenborough has compiled a wide range of poems in this diverse volume. Some are simple enough for kindergarten, others are more suited in theme and length to older children. Some are familiar, some are fresh, some are funny, some are serious, and all are well chosen. The interesting variety includes selections by St. Francis of Assisi, Bob Dylan, Emily Dickinson, Jack Prelutsky, and Mother Teresa, among many others. The selections are divided into 10 sections, each with a theme such as words, emotions, friends and family, or nature, and each one is illustrated by a different artist. Bright cartoons predominate, but some of the artwork is delicately done in ink and watercolors. Some pictures are powerful, but most are humorous and exaggerated. They are all shapes and sizes, making the page layouts lively, but the colors are so blindingly bold, and there is such an abrupt change from one illustrative style to another that the overall effect is jarring. The poems themselves are the best part of the production. At the end of each section is an effusive meditation that directs readers or listeners to lie or sit in a quiet place; breathe deeply; and imagine lovely scenes of nature, explore one's emotions, send out a web of love, purify one's thoughts, and generally feel wonderful during and after this experience.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd; 1 edition (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901881857
• ISBN-13: 978-1901881851
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,209,458 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring for children and adults, December 15, 1999

By 

cdcd (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Children's Book of Poems, Prayers and Meditations (Hardcover)

This book is one of the most wonderful books I have read in awhile and I read quite a bit. I loved it so much after reading that I had to buy a couple extra copies to give to the children I love. It is something that I recommend parents to share with their children as soon as they can. The poems and prayers and other things in this book are beautiful,heartfelt,and a true blessing to read.