Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions [Hardcover]

Marilyn McFarlane (Author), Design Studio Selby (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1996 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Sacred Myths retells the best-loved stories of seven world religions: Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism. Also Native American and Earth-based traditions. Introduces the basic tenets of each religion; approved by religious authorities. Elaborate illustrations full of texture, depth and mystery, conveying the richness of spiritual heritages. Beautiful spread of The Golden Rule expressed in each religion. Glossary, Further Reading, Pronunciation Key.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Your children (and you) will fall into this book. Even before the stories begin, the illustrations envelop you in their lush, exotic worlds, where enchanted lakes yield treasure, virgins give birth, and elephants hold up the world. Marilyn McFarlane retells five classic stories in each of seven major religious traditions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native American and a miscellaneous category of Greek and other pagan myths she calls Sacred Earth. Many you'll recognize -- David and Goliath, the Loaves and the Fishes, the Buddha and the Bodhi Tree -- and others will be as fresh and captivating to you as they are to your children. Appends useful Pronunciation Guide, Glossary and list of Further Reading.

From Publishers Weekly

At least one way of fostering tolerance and understanding is to introduce children to the grand diversity of the world's religious traditions and narratives. McFarlane has selected some of the best-known stories from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Native American religions and has rendered them in accessible prose with full-color, almost holographic, illustrations. McFarlane retells the myths of the founders of each of these religions, as well as the myths which narrate specific events such as the creation of the world. Thus, the author captures the beauty of the prophetic dream, telling her that her newborn son will become a great spiritual leader, that Siddhartha's mother allegedly had just before the birth of her son. She also narrates the myths surrounding the Hindu elephant-headed god, Ganesh, and his adventures. Since the tales McFarlane has chosen to include are key texts in the world's religions, the collection represents a very good introduction to these traditions. In addition to the 35 stories collected here, McFarlane has included a glossary, a pronunciation key, introductions to each section and a list of books to encourage further reading. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 101 pages
• Publisher: Sibyl Publications (December 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963832778
• ISBN-13: 978-0963832771
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,007,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual breadth - engaging text and luscious illustration, September 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions (Hardcover)

A book every parent and child can share and enjoy fully. Although written as a "child's book", Marilyn McFarlane has brought together the widest range of spiritual experience and made it beautifully accessible and meaningful to every age. The engaging text and rich illustration make this a hard book to put down and a treasure for every home.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine introductory book for children on sacred myths, September 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions (Hardcover)

I purchased Marilyn McFarlane's book for my three grandchildren, ages 8, 10, and 12. We have been reading the book aloud and then discussing the colorful illustrations. The sacred myths have spawned many questions from the children that we can research further. It's a wonderful introduction to the sacred myths and religions of the world.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful--compelling stories and stunning illustrations, September 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions (Hardcover)

This is a book that belongs on every child's bookshelf! Not only are the stories themselves informative and entertaining, but the variety of stories under one cover representing so many different beliefs is in itself an illustration of the world's diversity. The stories are compelling, and the illustrations throughout are stunning. A wonderful gift for a child or adult.