From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Cutout collages illustrate this somewhat uneven hodgepodge of angel-themed poetry. The picture elements were clipped from Victorian-style greeting cards, various pictures of angel statues or stamps, and color drawings of and by children. Beads, star stickers, and dried flowers are added for interest. The flatness of the roughly trimmed pictures contrasts with the low relief of the realia. Although the illustrations adequately reflect the meaning of the individual poems, the elements don't always mesh and the style becomes repetitive. Most of the poems are light, amateur verse, although Emily Dickinson does make a solo appearance with her "Angel Bouquets." Old chestnuts ("Now I lay me down to sleep," "Angel of God/ my guardian dear") are thrown in, as are a few Christmas selections. A lot of the writing strains for structural rhythm and stretches for rhyme and the search for the desired effect sometimes reaches beyond poetic license. Some children may enjoy these simple structures filled with optimism and a sincere belief in angels, but this collection is average at best.
Peg Solonika, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Peg Solonika, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
This picture-book collection of poetry emphasizes the idea of angels as protectors coming to the aid of people rather than as biblical figures serving as God's messengers. Many of the poems--among them, editor Carney's "Recital" --depict angels as being constantly nearby: "How can I sleep / when so close by / angels dance / the minuet?" Several of the poems also serve as prayers. The poetry is pleasant if not transcendent, written mostly by contemporary children's poets, including Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Eileen Spinelli, with one poem each by Emily Dickinson and Valerie Worth. The mixed-media illustrations combine old-fashioned angel cutouts, gold stars, snowflakes, pearls, and many other objects with paintings by Viqui for a charming, whimsical, three-dimensional effect. Susan Dove Lempke
