From Publishers Weekly
If ever a book seemed designed to appeal to grandparents, this is it, from the fancy jacket with its solemn inset illustration of David to the octogenarian celebrity author. Happily, kids should like it, too. Douglas proves himself a much better storyteller here than in his previous children's work, The Broken Mirror, perhaps because this time he is working from a scriptAaccounts from the Bible and Midrash of the childhood deeds of Abraham, Rebecca, Joseph, Miriam and David. Douglas keeps the characters appealingly lifelike even as he drives home their extraordinary contributions and virtues. He treats the biblical setting to contemporary embellishments that make the stories more accessible. For example, when Abraham poses skeptical questions about idols, his teacher tells him, "Keep quiet, or you will have to stay after school." (Similarly, Abraham's father, the owner of the biggest idol shop in Ur, has a sign reading, "We have a god for every occasion"). The book does have flaws. Douglas sometimes plays a little too obviously to the audience ("The kids in the Bible were cool. They did great things and without any help from adults either"). There are also a few insipid moments (e.g., the author gives the origins of the name God as "the word 'good' with an o left out"). But on balance the writing is sturdy, and the generalized Judeo-Christian delivery will keep the audience wide. Ages 8-up. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Five stories that cover a wide span of Old Testament history. The book begins with Abram, who "lived four thousand years ago," and continues through this family line with Rebecca, and then Joseph. The other two stories are about Miriam and David, who are said to be descendants of Judah-as are all people. Douglas identifies these tales as being his favorites because in them, "it's a little kid or a very young person who does something spectacular." In a casual, conversational manner, he introduces each selection by drawing parallels to his own life and includes his personal beliefs. The reteller tries hard to spark readers' interest, but he tries too hard. His version of the story of Joseph is called "A Spoiled Brat Who Grew Up to Be a Hero." Much unneccesary information is presented, which may distract readers who are trying to understand the Bible, not the actor's life or opinions. He strays off on tangents attempting to explain certain concepts, many of which do not need explanation, and interrupts the story line too frequently. Occasional pencil illustrations support the text. Eric Kimmel's Be Not Far from Me: The Oldest Love Story (S & S, 1998) is an unbiased retelling that will stimulate discussion.
Elizabeth Maggio, Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
