Customer Reviews

Joseph's Hands

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God makes every one of us unique, giving us each special gifts and talents. In the newly released book Joseph's Hands (Bezalel Books, April 2007, paperback, 36 pages), author Kety Sabatini shares a compelling tale which aptly illustrates God's love and creativity. Beautifully illustrated by Marie Sabatini, Joseph's Hands is the story of six year old Joseph and his search for purpose and meaning in his young life.

Joseph is the youngest of four brothers. Each of his brothers seems to have a special gift for working with his hands. Sam, the eldest, is a true handyman and great with tools. Brother Tony can fix any kind of machinery and Chris is the family's accomplished baker. As loving siblings, they try to involve little Joseph in their tasks, but the end result is always a shambles - a smashed thumb, a clock with its gears in a jumble, and bread dough that refuses to rise.

Joseph is despondent, fearing he will never grow up to have the clever and gifted hands his brothers possess. His loving parents console Joseph, encouraging him that one day he too will find his hands' purpose.

"Someday your hands will be a gift also," Joseph's mother gently remarks. Along the way, his parents remind him that our God is amazing enough to be able to create a unique set of fingerprints for each and every person - surely God also has a unique design and calling for each of us as well! With his family's love and support, Joseph must learn to trust God's perfect plan.

By the end of Joseph's Hands, readers learn that God has indeed crafted the perfect plan for Joseph and that in his own unique way he touches lives just as his brothers do in their own vocations. Marie Sabatini's illustrations masterfully evoke the book's plotline with wit and expressiveness.

Joseph's Hands is the perfect book to share with children ages four through eight. With its uplifting messages and engaging characters, this book reinforces that concept that God has designed each of us for a unique and wonderful purpose. Children will learn that like Joseph, if they trust God and His plan, they will one day love and serve God and others in their own singular fashion.

This is a wonderful little book about finding your place in a family as well as discerning God's plan for your life. The author introduces the idea of finding one's calling in life. Kety Sabatini presents an interesting perspective on searching for meaning and happiness by not giving up or selling yourself short.

As a Catholic priest, I find it helpful as a tool for speaking to youngsters about the possibility of a religious vocation. It aslo serves as a tool for helping young people think about what God is offering them as they discover their many gifts and talents.

"Joseph's Hands" is beautifully written and illustrated. The simplicity of the drawings and of the story makes it attractive to young children. The message that the book presents gives adults an avenue to begin discussing the uniquness of each person with the little ones in their life. Children are often unsure of themselves and try to compare their abilities with the abilities of others. Kety and Marie Sabatini have done a wonderful job in showing each child that they can count on God to
show them how and when to use their own special talents.
Joan L. Kelly

I PERSONALLY KNOW THE AUTHOR, ARTIST AND FATHER JOE. ALL ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE AND I AM HONORED TO KNOW THEM. I REMEMBER THE DAY FATHER JOE TALKED ABOUT HIS INABILITY TO DO ANYTHING WITH HIS HANDS AND BEING THE YOUNGEST OF FOUR BROTHERS. HE HAD AN AMAZING CHILDHOOD. THIS BOOK OFFERS AND INCITE TO ONES INHABITIONS AND AN ASTOUNDING OF DEVERSITIES. ANY PARENT SHOUKD BE RESPECTED TO HAVE HAD SUCH A SON AS FATHER JOE. THIS BOOK WILL BE AN INSPIRATION TO ANY CHILD AND IT OFFERS THE CHALLANGE FOR A CHILD TO LOOK INSIDE HIMSELF AND TO TURN TO GOD FOR GUIDENCE. HIGH 5'S
FOR A WONDERFUL BOOK. I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THEM ALL AUTOGRAPH THE BOOK.

The story is gentle and encouraging for a younger child with feelings of inadequacy and teaches that some day, God will help him discover his own special talents. The story goes on to introduce the child to the idea that his special talent could be like their parish priest, and, indeed, Joseph does grow up to be a priest. While this is not at all a bad thing, it just was a surprise to me to discover this was the message in the book, and I think buyers should be aware of this. Also, $12.99 seemed pricey for a paperback.