For the Children: Words of Love and Inspiration from His Holiness Pope John II (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This collection of quotes from Pope John Paul II is a testimonial to his love and respect for the children of the world. Each page offers a stirring, inspirational message that speaks to important Catholic themes in childhood, such as "Family," "School," "Prayer," "Suffering," "Peace," and "My First Communion." Alongside each quote there is an exquisite color photograph of a child or group of children that embodies the theme.

Under the opening heading "Greeting," Pope John Paul offered these words in an address to a crowd of 10,000 children at Vatican City: "The Pope wishes well to everyone, but he has a preference for the youngest, because they had a special place in the heart of Christ, who wished to remain with the children and to talk with the young. He addressed his call to the young especially, and John, the youngest apostle, was his favorite." What child would not feel honored and captivated by such a respectful invitation? This is an excellent gift book for Catholic children, who will certainly beam with pride, prayer, and purpose upon reading this loving tribute. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

This beautifully produced, thoughtfully conceived book seems an ideal ceremonial gift for a Catholic child. Excerpts from pope John Paul II's letters and speeches to children serve as text, and his words embody both comfort and challenge. Speaking about world issues (poverty, "groups who do violence," illiteracy) and about such concepts as love, hope and prayer, the pontiff addresses children as full participants in the Christian faith. "The Pope counts very much on your prayers," he writes. "We must pray together and pray hard, that humanity, made up of billions of human beings, may become more and more the family of God and able to live in peace." Glowing color photos of the Pope and of cherubic children who make up his international audience strike a reverent yet tender tone. Offering communion, visiting a classroom, embracing or being embraced by children, the pope projects affection, while the children themselves, many dressed in national costumes, are the very picture of innocence and piety. From the padded cover to the ornate black-and-white capitals to the tiny reproductions of paintings of angels and saints above the page numbers, the production values are uniformly high. Several purely Catholic references, e.g., to God's call "to live in marriage or to be priests," and the pope's delivery itself indicate the original Catholic audience for his remarks; accordingly, this book will be of interest primarily to Catholic families. A Spanish-language edition, Para los ni?os ($16.95 -14718-2) will be released simultaneously. Ages 7-up. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439149029
• ISBN-13: 978-0439149020
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #292,190 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Children: Words of Love and Inspiration from His Hol, April 2, 2000

By	Joany Zielinski (USA) - See all my reviews

Wonderful book! The pictures are beautiful; they include children from all over the world with the Pope. As for the text, the title says it all... page after page of loving messages from The Pope Who Loves Children. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my two boys (it will be an Easter gift.) It will be a very special keepsake! The special padded, hardcover binding makes it extra-nice; it is a perfect gift for any child, from newborn on up.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book!, May 8, 2000

By A Customer

As a second grade religion teacher, this book is one of the most inspiring gifts you can give to your child! It is an ideal gift for a First Comminion, or to children preparing for First Communion next year. It's also a great gift for anyone working with chilren preparing for the sacraments. While first and second graders will need some help with the bigger words, this is a book to be read and shared with your child. The Pope's words speak volumes for both children and adults. I also purchased a copy for the pastor at my church, who used portions of the book in his homily at my parish's First Communion Mass. My favorite section is the Pope's recollection of his own Holy Communion day.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Message of Hope and Peace for Our Youth, October 17, 2001

By	"bunnygirl-12" (Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This book is one of hope and inspiration for all children of the world. It consists of passages taken directly from speeches given by Pope John Paul the II to children and youth groups around the world. The book is geared toward elementary school children of the Catholic faith, but the words will speak to any heart. Each page has a heading, such as "Peace," "Love," "Family," "Faith," and an excerpt from one of the Pope's speeches. There is also an accompanying photo of young children (often depicted with the Pope himself or in the midst of typical religious activities). This is a book that is meant to be read aloud to your child and shared together, as you talk about the meaning of the words within. I find "For the Children" to be especially apt today, in light of the unfortunate tragedies that have befallen our nation and world. One of my favorite passages states: "I say to you, with all the love I have for you,...do not listen to voices which speak the language of hatred, revenge, retaliation....Love life, respect life in yourself and others...do not think that courage and strength are proved by killing and destruction...true courage lies in working for peace." The book also talks about the unconditional love that God has for everyone, about hope for the future, and about praying for peace and harmony in our world. Pope John Paul II is a very wise man, one of the biggest peacemakers of our time. I have a lot of respect for him as a person.I would encourage any parent to buy this book to share with their family and share the message of love and peace found therein.