The Secret World Of Hildegard [Hardcover]

Jonah Winter (Author), Johan Winter (Author), Jeanette Winter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

From the star-studded author of DIZZY (and the mother-son team that brought you DIEGO) comes a picture book on the extraordinary Hildegard von Bingen, a woman who had the courage to take on kings.

Hildegard von Bingen composed hymns and symphonies, painted glorious pictures, compiled books on medicine, and wrote religious revelations of such ethereal beauty that they inspired the respect of Popes and kings--all in the Dark Ages when most people were illiterate and women were disdained.
Now Jonah Winter teams up once again with his mother, the award-winning illustrator Jeanette Winter, to bring you Hildegard's remarkable story. The result is a lyrical biography that captures Hildegard's faith and beauty--and celebrates the courage it took for a singular woman to let her light shine.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JONAH WINTER's many picture-book biographies include Frida, illustrated by Ana Juan, winner of an Américas Honor Award, and Dizzy, illustrated by Sean Qualls, which received five starred reviews and was named a Child Best Book of 2006. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books; Library Binding edition (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439507391
• ISBN-13: 978-0439507394
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book about Hildegard von Bingen, a mystic visionary, April 16, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secret World Of Hildegard (Hardcover)

It was during the Middle Ages when everything seemed so dark gray and dreary. Little girls were not allowed to attend school and never learned to read. Little Hildegard was a very strange and unusual girl. When she was only three years old she began to predict things. This frightened her parents very much. She often claimed her head hurt and she said she saw "flames and stars."

It wasn't long after this she was sent away to a monastery. It had beautiful gardens, but her stone room was barren and unwelcoming, yet there was someone there who would help her. Jutta, a nun, taught her to read and do many things. Much later on when Hildegard grew up, she was elected "Mistress," as she was so beloved in the monastery. Eventually she dictated her visions, which she claimed came from God. She wrote music, wrote about medicine, entire languages and more. Eventually she presented a book to the Pope. She was modest and said simply, "I am just a feather on the breath of God."

This is a marvelous story, told with poetic simplicity. Hildegard von Bingen was what people called today a "mystic visionary," or prophet. The art work is beautiful . . . acrylic and pen on Arches watercolor paper. There are a brief biography and bibliography in the back of the book. Hildegard was a multi talented woman that many young people would want to acquaint themselves within the pages of this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Lush and rewarding, June 11, 2011

By 

Janice R. Dunlap "birder murder momma" (MN, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secret World Of Hildegard (Hardcover)

In this beautifully written and illustrated simple text, readers are drawn into the mysticism of Hildegard that has much to offer contemporary spirituality. While it is ideal for sharing with young children, adults as well can find room for contemplation in this lovely sharing of a gifted woman's faith experience.