In a foreword to this life-affirming anthology, Lindbergh (Circle of Days) explains that the 77 selections here, gathered from spiritual traditions the world over, "were written in appreciation of nature, to to praise God, or to celebrate good things in our lives" or "when the writer needed strength, comfort or courage." As this personal interpretation of "prayers and praise" would suggest, the entries transcend denomination. Hildegard of Bingen, Albert Schweitzer, Walt Whitman and Lao-Tzu speak; extracts from the Vedas, the Talmud and the Bible share space with Baha'i prayers, Native American poems, Buddhist blessings and Japanese haiku. The range is so broad that some may wish the sources had been amplifiedÄattributions like "Santal," "Dinka" and "Kyorai" will raise questions with most readers. The poems are grouped into four sections (Day, Home, Earth and Night), each illustrated by a different artist. It's an effective approach: the variety of illustrative styles underlines the diversity of the entries, and these four artists complement one another exceptionally well. Graham, assigned the Day section, offers fluid watercolor cartoons in a simple style that sets off his use of color; Davenier, given Earth, invigorates her watercolors with motion. In the Home section, Kleven's trademark collages are typically detailed yet harmonious, as inviting as her best work. Perhaps the biggest delight comes from Jeram, who renders Night in a style wholly unlike her Guess How Much I Love You. Her jewel-toned acrylics of animals in nocturnal landscapes have a depth and intensity that close the volume with rare drama. Ages 4-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 1-5-A diverse collection of 77 poems and prayers, illustrated by four different artists. There are excerpts from Native American, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, African, and Baha'i prayers and meditations as well as offerings from individual poets. The selections are divided by theme into four sections. Bob Graham has illustrated the first part, "For the Day," with bright watercolor-and-ink cartoons that show youngsters enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. In "For the Home," Elisa Kleven's more detailed watercolor-and-collage paintings use lush colors to depict scenes of family life, providing glimpses of many different cultures. Christine Davenier's watercolors in pale shades create a contemplative mood for the selections presented in "For the Earth." In "For the Night," Anita Jeram uses vivid jewel tones to evoke a sense of quiet mystery in her textured acrylic paintings. Unlike some books of prayer that have an aura of holiness that might distance readers, this volume balances text and artwork to create an inviting and intimate atmosphere by touching on the everyday lives of children. This collection widens the concept of prayer; rather than asking personal favors from a higher being, prayer is seen to be all kinds of connections and celebrations within ourselves, with one another, with the world, and with the mysterious unknown.-Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

For the Day	p. 8
For the Home	p. 26
For the Earth	p. 42
For the Night	p. 58
Index of first lines	p. 74
Acknowledgments	p. 76

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