God's Dream [Hardcover]

Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Author), Douglas Carlton Abrams (Author), LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

With warmth and humor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu distills his philosophy of unity and forgiveness into a picture book for the very young.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a vision of God's dream, which he shares here with the youngest of listeners. It involves people who reach out and hold each other's hands, but sometimes get angry and hurt each other — and say they're sorry and forgive. It's a wish that everyone will see they are brothers and sisters, no matter their way of speaking to God, no matter the size of their nose or the shade of their skin. Aided by vibrant artwork evoking such images as a rainbow and a sharing circle, Tutu offers the essence of his ubuntu philosophy, a wisdom so clear and crystalline that even the smallest child can understand.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—Tutu teaches a message of peace and hope in this gentle picture book, echoing the theological ideology of his memoir, God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time (Doubleday, 2004). "Dear Child of God," the narrator begins, "what do you dream about?" While children may dream about "flying high" or "being treated like a full person," God dreams about a world in which all of his children join hands in peace, reconciliation and unity. In simple, eloquent language, Tutu conveys the message that although we come from different lands, have different eyes and skin, and talk to God in different ways, we are still brothers and sisters. By "sharing, loving, caring" and "knowing we are family" we can "make God's dream come true." The incandescent graphite, watercolor, and ink illustrations of captivating multicultural youngsters engaged in the carefree pastimes reinforce the overarching themes of love and inclusiveness. The angelic, trusting faces reflect the hope that Archbishop Tutu holds for all the world's children of God. They hold hands and share welcoming smiles, creating a circle of love and acceptance. Parents may want to pair this inspirational book with Karen Lynn Williams's Circles of Hope (Eerdmans, 2005) or Alice McGinty's Thank You, World (Dial, 2007), two more stories exploring the importance of love, faith, and hope.—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Coauthors of the adult book God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time (2004), South African Nobel Peace Prize–winner Tutu and writer Abrams team up once again, this time with illustrator Pham, to create a  picture book about a subject dear to them all. In a series of energetic scenes, a multicultural cast of toddlers follow God’s dreams about people caring, sharing (the picture shows kids inviting a shy boy to join their circle), and playing together. Adding a touch of drama is the elemental scene in which two kids get in a fight: a girl chases a boy and grabs his ball. He cries, and she feels sad; God cries with them. The large, digitally enhanced pictures, alive with color and pattern, make clear the hurt, anger, and regret. Finally, the two fighters make up, and they join a big circle of laughing kids, finding brothers and sisters from everywhere. Praying together are Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Christians, and more. A book to talk about at preschool and at home, especially after disagreements flare. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Hazel Rochman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763633887
• ISBN-13: 978-0763633882
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.4 x 11.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Desmond Mpilo Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and was only the second black person ever to receive it. In 1986 he was elected archbishop of Cape Town, the highest position in the Anglican Church in South Africa. In 1994, after the end of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela, Tutu was appointed as chair of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate apartheid-era crimes. His policy of forgiveness and reconciliation has become an international example of conflict resolution, and a trusted method of postconflict reconstruction. He is currently the chair of The Elders, where he gives vocal defense of human rights and campaigns for the oppressed.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars esloan, October 23, 2009

By 

E. Sloan - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: God's Dream (Hardcover)

The story and illustrations in this book are appropriate for early elementary-aged children. The authors convey to the readers a solid, nondenominational message of friendship and acceptance without being overly pragmatic or preachy. I would recommend this book for purchase by parents or teachers looking for a story of morality and values with a religious spin, but in a format that is attainable by a younger audience.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, May 14, 2010

By 

Shaila Abdullah - See all my reviews

This review is from: God's Dream (Hardcover)

I am a Muslim mom and I loved reading this book to my 6 year old. The message of unity, not division is so powerful and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. These are the kinds of life affirming lessons our children need to hear in the world today. Diversity is strength and our success is dependent on us coming together as one people. That is and will always be God's Dream. Highly, highly recommended.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, June 27, 2009

By 

Savant "east coast entusiast" (new jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God's Dream (Hardcover)

What a great man Bishop Tutu is, It is unfortuate that we only like to celebrate celebrities for whom most have not done very much for the human family. This book contains some of the greatest words of liberation and ascendancy. Not to mention some of the best of,prolific prose, quotes, and profoundity of all times. This is a must have for "all people" and "all times"! Yes, for kids!