God's Paintbrush (Hardcover)

by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Author), Annette Compton (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Books for children that deal with spirituality are often a dicey proposition. Here Sasso, the second woman to be ordained as a rabbi, undertakes an ambitious project to help readers define for themselves the nature of God and their own connection to God. Using a variety of images--some from the natural world, some from everyday life, all of them well within a child's frame of reference--the author presents a series of simple scenarios (a friend moving away; the ticklish quality of fizz on an ice cream soda) and then poses related questions ("How can you be God's friend?" "What do you think would make God cry or laugh?"). Commendably, Sasso doesn't presume to answer the questions but instead allows readers to ponder and formulate their own answers. However, the (somewhat lengthy) text presents an anthropomorphic view of God that may not fit in with some readers' beliefs. Compton's watercolors, though vigorous and multicultural, are somewhat amateurish. Overall, some will find this well-meaning book and its joyous spirit helpful, while others might consider it inappropriate. Ages 4-9.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-- A first-person narration supplies observations about God and personal feelings about life in one- or two-page vignettes; questions appear in italics, asking readers how they feel about these observations, and about their experiences with God. Soft, detailed watercolor pictures realistically portray the situation described, mirroring the concept of God's paintbrush. They show people of various ethnic backgrounds and ages in a variety of situations, from a best friend moving away to the wind blowing through one's hair. Many of the pictures appear as double-page spreads, integrating two different experiences. The ideas and emotions presented are not organized in any apparent way, but are more stream-of-consciousness. The book is overwhelming in the sheer number of situations described, feelings explored, and questions posed. It is hard to imagine reading it in its entirety to a child or to a group in one sitting, though perhaps it would be useful in religious classes. The queries are interesting, and in some cases, unusual; the concepts relate to God more as a spiritual being than a religious one, and attempt to personalize children's ideas of Him. --Susan Kaminow, Arlington County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing; 1st edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879045222
• ISBN-13: 978-1879045224
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #345,487 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for those exploring the meaning of God, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

Broaching the subject of "God" and answering children's questions about God is not easy. "God's Paintbrush" is a wonderful springboard for exploring and discussing the question of God and is written in a way that will stimulate thinking about God and our relationship to God by both children and adults.

The book uses non-sectarian and non-sexist language which many readers will probably appreciate, since so many books refer to God as a "He."

Rather than defining God, the author helps children explore God and their relationship to God through moments in their own lives. "I wonder if God has a big lap to curl up in just like Mom's and strong arms like Dad's to lift me up and catch me when I fall."

When a child looses a tooth in order to make room for a new one, he wonders if the trees mind losing their leaves in the fall or if the snow minds melting to make room for spring..."I think God paints the leaves bright colors in the fall and makes the sun warm in spring because God likes changes. God likes the world to grow."

The book is interactive as each page ends with questions directly related to the text that help children explore God and their relationship to God.

The illustrations are colorful and comforting, showing people from different races.

I highly recommend "God's Paintbrush," especially for those who are looking to explore the meaning of God with their children. It will engage and stimulate the religious imagination of children and help them to think of God as a special friend.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touches the Mind and the Heart, January 25, 2005

By	Debra Williams "Children's Ministry" (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book engages children of all ages as well as the adults who may be reading to them. Both my 7 year old daughter and my soon-to-be 11 year old son were drawn in by the relevance of the stories as well as the simple yet captivating images - which delighted even my 2 year old. The questions posed stimulated their imaginations and at the same time made God accessible. They were free to wonder about a God who now seemed more like a friend. A great work is one that touches not only our minds but our hearts. This book does just that.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Tool, March 28, 2007

By	Rita A. Colotti (Chandler, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: God's Paintbrush (Hardcover)

I am a Preschool teacher in a Christian school. We have many children of different faith backgrounds that attend our school.
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso has taken the topic of faith and made it possible to discuss with any person of any denomination, religion or culture.
The book is very thought provoking and allows children of all ages to think about God in a personal way; to realize that He has a unique relationship with each one of us.
Each time I read one of her books to my class, the children respond to the messages from the heart.
I recommend this book to any teacher, parent or caregiver.
Rita Colotti