Customer Reviews

When the Sun Rose

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are few books that are truly magical and can capture the essences of childhood, friendship, and beauty such as this book has. The first time I read it to my son, I was astonished at the brilliance of the illustrations, the magic in the simplicity of the story, and when we came to the end he said, "Let's read it again." And we have, again and again. This one is a treasure, and you will keep it as an heirloom.

One of the reviewers mentioned that this was a book for girls, however I think that you would be cheating a son if you didn't read this to him too. Little boys should not be denied something lovely and fine just because they are boys.

Love at first sight is the only way that I can describe what I felt when I first opened the pages of this book. My daughter was given it for her second birthday (there is no child too young to enjoy the illustrations) and for her it was love at first sight as well. She turns the pages and says, "beautiful book, beautiful book" over and over again. This is the only book in her extensive collection that she has quite this response to. The illustrations are radiant, magical, mystical, whimsical, richly colorful and have a golden aura of childhood that immediately sweeps me back to when I was a three years old exploring my grandmothers sun splashed garden. The story is a simple one about friendship with the illustrations portraying a world where the sun rose and was a 'rose', where the little girls friend is pulled in a carriage by a golden lion, where they spend a peaceful magical day together painting rainbows and sharing with one another. As the sun sets the magical day must end and the girls part, but there is a promise of togetherness again. The story is gentle and soft and is a wonderful book to read to your child before bed. Sweet dreams are sure to follow. I love this book so much that I did a search by author for all the books by Barbara Helen Berger...and I bought them all. No kidding. I have to say that this author is a gift from heaven for every child.

Another classic tale, this time of a child who befriends a lion, arriving with a chariot each dawn. As the day goes on, the friends share dolls and blueberries and cream and paintings. And at the close of an altogether perfect time, the child asks the lion if he will come again, which he promises to do. Children soon realize that the magical lion is a metaphor for the sun. We read this book so often that it helped our children to read early. Definitely a keeper. Alyssa A. Lappen

When my husband read this book to our two year old it instantly became her favorite. She actaully wept the first few times she heard it. It is so beautifully illustrated and so magical that it has become my favorite to read. My daughter has literally memorized the entire book and I am sure will always cherish it.

My children are now 11 and 14. When tasting honeycake, they instantly returned to detail and images of this lovely book. My oldest daughter remembers that "even the shadows were long", and the beautiful rainbows. My youngest daughter instantly recalled the playmates and their dolls...and the honeycake. Oh! And the colourful illustrations. We own many BH Berger books, they are part of the "beloved don't give it away" collection.

When my daughter was 4 years old We went to the library and check out the book "When the sun rose" We loved it so much read it night after night rechecked it out several times. Then we moved out of town, searched for it in librarys but could not find it Finally our search is over. My daughter is 15yrs old When I told her I found the book she asked me to order it, I want the book just as much as her and now I have a 3yr old daughter and we want to share that book with her So we ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive

Babara Helen Berger is the greatest sort of artist. Her pictures paint themselves into the reader's imagination. Her words are few, often spare, but they say so much with so little. Combined, they make tales that cut to the soul.

The beauty of "When the Sun Rose" is heart-rending. A friend who arrives in a golden carriage drawn by a Lion that shines like the sun; this Lion of Surpassing Beauty feeds on blueberries and cream; golden roses leaving something of the friend's presence at the end of day. "When the Sun Rose" is beautiful...a wonderful hymn to imagination and all that lies within as well as beyond us.

I recommend this book. Get a copy today.

I'm 14, and I used to get this book from my library all the time when I was young. It is my favorite! I've been wanting to buy it but could never find it! I recommend it to everyone with little girls!!

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WHEN THE SUN ROSE is one of the most beautifully illustrated and lovely short stories I have ever read to my daughter. She wants me to read it to her over and over again. It is the epitome of true friendship.

One little girl receives a visit from a magical friend and they and their dolls play together all day, until it is time to say goodbye. "Will you come again?" the little girl asks as her friend steps inside her carriage "as bright as the sun." She answers, "Yes, I promise." She left but she didn't really leave. The love was still there. The little girl knew this, not because of what was left behind tangible to her eyes (which I will save for you to enjoy when you get this book) but what was left behind which was intangible--they could feel each other's hearts! Perhaps because of the promise to see one another again...perhaps not. I don't know.

But I do know this: what makes this book so special is there is an affinity to it. An AFFINITY. And true affinity never goes away, it stays. I dedicate this book to my priceless friends God has blessed me with that have stayed with me and have never left--even when I thought they did. You each know who you are and so do I.

I rate this a perfect 10/10. Thanks and God bless you always, Barbara.

TREASURE YOUR FRIENDS AND SOAR TOGETHER!

"When the Sun Rose" is like having a glowing treasure in your lap-- a must have for all little girls (and grown up ones too)! A gentle, warm, luminous, and nothing short of poetic book about friendship by Barbara Berger. Through her beautiful illustrations and heartfelt words, we are slowly taken through the magical day of a little girl and her mysterious friend that comes to visit. Barbara Berger knows time moves slowly for children and she has mastered the unique ability to slow time. Within her books, she captures those quieter, pristine moments of childhood. She sees the world through a child's eyes. None of her books do this better than "When the Sun Rose." It is a crime that it is out of print.