Mother Teresa [Hardcover]

Demi (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2005

It is not how much we do

but how much love

we put in the doing

that makes our offering

something beautiful for God.

-- MOTHER TERESA

Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910, Mother Teresa was called to a religious life at a young age and began her novitiate in 1928. She took the name "Teresa" after Saint Teresa of Lisieux, the patroness of missionaries, and dedicated her entire life to helping the poorest of the poor in India and, later, throughout the world.

Founder of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, she came to be known as Mother Teresa and oversaw thousands of nuns as they ministered to the poor, the starving, and the dying.

Mother Teresa was the recipient of many of the world's most prestigious humanitarian awards, including the United States Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize. She died in Calcutta, India, in 1997 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 19, 2003. In his homily the pope said, "Let us praise the Lord for this diminutive woman in love with God, a humble Gospel messenger and a tireless benefactor of humanity. In her we honor one of the most important figures of our time. Let us welcome her message and follow her example."

Blessed by Pope John Paul II himself, Demi's Mother Teresa is a glorious biography of one of the most beloved women of our time -- a woman whose actions and words will inspire us all.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5 - This informative and eloquent biography highlights the key moments in the life of the diminutive but determined nun and the ongoing quest to have her canonized. In clear, readable prose and richly colored paint-and-ink illustrations adorned with decorative gold-leaf borders, Demi conveys Mother Teresa's innate goodness and religious devotion while recounting the story of her inspiring accomplishments on behalf of the "poorest of the poor." The narrative focuses on Mother Teresa's experiences coming to the aid of countless unfortunate, diseased, orphaned, and forgotten citizens around the world; describes the far-reaching work of her order, the Missionaries of Charity; and concludes with the many humanitarian honors and awards bestowed upon her. Every element of this lovely book reflects Mother Teresa's simple message of service, including the endpapers, which feature her words of wisdom enclosed in frames of kneeling Missionaries of Charity in their trademark white-and-blue saris. An elegantly executed title. - Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. Demi has done several picture-book biographies of religious figures, but this one seems to have a special fervor. Perhaps it's because of the reverence Demi feels for her subject. Or maybe it's the Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II reproduced on the back cover. In any case, Demi artistically captures the nun's mission, especially in her use of Christian and Indian decorative motifs to enhance the gritty reality of India and its poor. However, Demi seems so enamored of her subject that she piles on the facts, leading to a text that is slowed by its weight. There are dramatic moments, as when young Agnes hears the call to religious life or awakens to the disease and misery around her. But gospel quotes aren't always well integrated, and there's too much about financial donations and what they bought. The square, framed pictures, with touches of illumination, demand several looks to appreciate the tragedies and glories that are displayed. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (January 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689864078
• ISBN-13: 978-0689864070
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #927,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now lives in Yarrow Point, Washington. Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred children's books, including picture-book biographies. Her work has received numerous awards and accolades.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Channeling Peace, Beauty and Spirit, January 24, 2006

By 

Shanshad "shanachie_shadowfax" (Discworld) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mother Teresa (Hardcover)

It's not often the words "work of art" and "biography" go together in the same description. In fact I'd have to say that up until recently I was of the general opinion that children's biographies tended to be dull and uninteresting-mostly written for the purpose of providing children with the pedestrian facts they require on research assignments. Authors/ illustrators like Demi have served to change that opinion drastically. And her latest title, Mother Teresa, is a picture book biography that is also a true work of art.

Those readers who already know Demi will immediately recognize her stylistic and vividly colored illustrations in this book. Rich gold ink and brilliant scarlet make the pages come to life with a dramatically Eastern flair. Each illustrated page is a marvelous picture in its own right. Its no wonder Demi is an award-winner illustrator. She's illustrated more than 130 books for children, and her artwork appears not only in books and galleries, but also in the dome of St. Peter and Paul's church in Wilmington. I can only say that she truly brings the biography to life. This picture book account provides young and older audiences alike with the story of Mother Teresa, her mission to help the poor and her influence around the world. While the actual text is fairly brief, due to the format, it provides dates and events highlighting the turning points and important themes of Mother Teresa's life. Added to the text are prayer quotes, biblical quotes and quotes from Mother Teresa herself. These help to break up the life events, and add perspective and beauty to the book.

At the very end of the book, Demi includes a listing of what is necessary for Mother Teresa to be declared a saint as well as a list of awards and honors that she was given in her lifetime. While, as I have said, the format prevents this from being an exhaustive account, it is an excellent introduction to Mother Teresa and the life she lived. The religious and spiritual aspects of the biography are handled with grace and respect without the book becoming preachy or judgmental about how that faith is expressed. And Demi's masterful art pulls the text together to create a wonderful tribute to a woman who had such a profound influence on the world.

This book will probably be a bit complex for younger readers, unless a parent chooses to read it to them. The site recommends this book for ages 4-8, but I would amend that to closer to ages 6-12 with the added suggestion that this is a book that adults can appreciate as well. For more thorough exploration of the subject, readers may want to look for other books, but this is a good starting point. Those of you who enjoy this biography may want to look for Demi's other biographies that include such figures as Gandhi, Muhammad, and Buddha. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book!, April 18, 2005

By 

Mom of Nine (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mother Teresa (Hardcover)

Demi has written a beautiful book about this saintly woman. It is well written and beautifully illustrated, especially with the use of Indian prints. It is a fine tribute to a woman who will some day be canonized a saint.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book celebrating life!, August 8, 2005

By 

Mari (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mother Teresa (Hardcover)

This was such a wonderful book to read and share, her story is beautifully told and prayers are inspirational. The artwork takes you to a place that brings the emotions of her story to life.