From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-This well-intentioned effort suffers from an uneven selection of material. A wide range of poets is represented, from Carl Sandburg to Rebecca Kai Dotlich (whose "Dragonfly," "-with wings that you/could whisper through," is quite lovely). Unfortunately, though, some of the writing doesn't work as well (in Deena Rae McClure's "Barnyard Praise," for instance, the rhythmic flow and strong language of good poetry just isn't there: "The rooster crows, the hens "Cluck! Cluck!"/It's time to go to the chicken hut"). A few poems by children are included. The overall sentiment is nondenominational, emphasizing gratitude, respect, and wonder. The sweet illustrations are done in soft colors, but do not show much genuine emotion or substance. If your library has a large market for inspirational materials, consider this title. Otherwise, stick with some of the excellent collections already available, such as Reeve Lindbergh's In Every Tiny Grain of Sand: A Child's Book of Prayers and Praise (Candlewick, 2000), which includes several verses about animals.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library,
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library,
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A thoughtful way to teach important concepts." -- Dr. Robert A. Taylor, featured on Animal Planet's
"A wonderful book...that will not only delight thereader but will also stimulate valuable conversations between parent and child." -- Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
"Bless the children who love the animals, and June Cotner who compiles writing so beautifully about them." -- Tippi Hedren, mother of Melanie Griffith and director of The Shambala Preserve for animals in the Mojave Desert
"Children and animals have a wonder-filled connection. Bless the Beasts is a lovely book with glowing words to honor that." -- Mimi Doe, author of Busy But Balanced and columnist for Beliefnet.com
"I can't think of a child--or adult--who wouldn't benefit from the simple, eloquent wisdom found in Bless the Beasts." -- Paul Irwin, President & CEO of The Humane Society of the United States
"A wonderful book...that will not only delight thereader but will also stimulate valuable conversations between parent and child." -- Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
"Bless the children who love the animals, and June Cotner who compiles writing so beautifully about them." -- Tippi Hedren, mother of Melanie Griffith and director of The Shambala Preserve for animals in the Mojave Desert
"Children and animals have a wonder-filled connection. Bless the Beasts is a lovely book with glowing words to honor that." -- Mimi Doe, author of Busy But Balanced and columnist for Beliefnet.com
"I can't think of a child--or adult--who wouldn't benefit from the simple, eloquent wisdom found in Bless the Beasts." -- Paul Irwin, President & CEO of The Humane Society of the United States
