Product Description

Here's a delightful way to introduce your little ones to Jesus in the Eucharist. With its captivating writing style and charming art, The Mass Book for Children not only teaches young children the parts of the Mass but also shows them why joining in the joyful gathering is an experience of love.

Entertaining and educational, The Mass Book for Children is perfect for the home or classroom. For children preschool to 9 years old.

Customer Reviews (9)

Easily explains what each part of the Catholic Mass means
I really like this book for describing what each part of the Catholic Mass means.It is not a follow along book for reciting the Mass prayers, but explains clearly what happens during the Mass and what each part means.I am giving this book to my two nephews for their First Communion next spring.

Good not perfect orthodoxy
I was excited about this book as I heard about this and others on Al Kresta's show. Overall, it was well done and I'll use it, with changes. First, page 42 says 'we bow before we receive.' Speaking of communion here. Unfortunately, most folks don't know this but standing and bowing comes from people not following the church and finally asking the Vatican for a special privledge. Even when the church started in the early centuries, they quickly switched from receiving in the hand to receiving on the tongue and on the knees after realizing the error in their ways. Receiving in the hand is really done in very few contries and is an indult. This means it's a special privledge but not at all the norm. I know the USCCB says it's the norm of the US but since this is an indult, which usually means, we will allow this for a period of time, I do not believe the USCCB should have made it a norm by anymeans. Now it has become a sacred cow. I beleive that with study on the Eucharist, anyone will come to the realization that there is no way we should be standing in front of this special gift to us left on Holy Thursday. In fact, I use to be a lay minister and will never do that again as I think only a deacon or priest should touch the Eucharist. After some study, the awe of this sacrament has overwhelmed me and I hope and pray others will search out the same truth. It truly is Jesus. Even the angels can not receive Jesus in this way. We do not take communion we receive it as a gift and I wish all would realize the specialness of this sacred and spiritual food and we all should approach on our knees, as children. All bent their knee at the sound of his name, should we not bend our knee when he is truly present in front of us.

If you take a child to church
get this book for him first!The Mass for Children so beautifully explains basic concepts of the Mass, as well as dos and don'ts to little children.The book educates and inspires children to do what they are supposed to do at Mass, and for that reason alone is worth the read.

Pretty Good
This is a really cute book that explains the mass very well.I was only a little disappointed that it wasn't more step by step through the mass.I enjoy reading it to my kids before Mass but it is not a follow along with the mass kind of book.I am still looking for a great one of those.I had one when I was a little girl and it is falling apart so I can't give it to three kids to read during church.

Not quite what I expected
The explanations were great but I would have expected a bit more of the actual mass for the children to follow along as a guideline.We hadn't looked at the book before taking it to mass so it was a little disappointing. We needed to use the missalette along with the book. ... Read more

Product Description
By gaining a greater understanding of the cultures and beliefs of people around the world, children build respect and tolerance for the differences that make each of us unique. With objectivity and accessibility, this overview looks at the histories, scriptures, places of worship, religious leaders, gods and major festivals that are the foundations of many of the world's religions. Features a glossary and an index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Please Actually Read the Book Before You Review It
We are a home schooling family with conservative values.As Amazon states this book is "designed" for third to sixth grade.Yes, the pictures are pretty.The content is dry and questionable.It specifically says in the book on Page 26 "Khalsa Sikhs promise not to cut there hair, not to have sex outside of marriage, and not to smoke drink alcohol or take drugs." (I was very careful about making sure that quote was typed accurately.)Perhaps, the author is trying to be very accurate in her presentation of the religion.The problem is do third through six graders need to hear about sex in a children's book.

I would have also liked to hear more about the traditions and celebrations of the various religions.The book primarily focuses on the orgins of the religions and not the traditions or customs.It gives two or three very long pages about how it started and then maybe three or four sentences about wedding ceremonies or funerals.The bottom line is it really misses the mark and if anything is down right boring.

A great religion overview
This book does a great job of accurately portraying most of the world's major religions and the people who practice them, without bias toward any specific religion. This book details where the religions are primarily practiced, traditional dress, different holiday practices, common foods, and major ideas and beliefs. Each religion is given several pages, full of facts and beautiful illustrations. There are also questions posed to help a young learner start thinking about the different ideas, how they are connected, and how religion influences a peoples' way of life. Because it is a starter book, it certainly does not cover every fact about every religion, but it does hit most of the most widely practiced religions. This is really a wonderful introduction to religion, and really helps kids get started thinking and learning about many different belief systems.

Excellent Info
This book was purchased for my grand children, but I read it before giving it to them.It was full of easy to understand information and the illustrations were very helpful.

Missing paganism !
This book has good explanations and nice pictures.I was disappointed though that there is no mention of pagan or earth-based religions.I expected at least a blurb about them, since evergreens and Easter eggs were included in the section on Christianity, and neither of these are religious Christian symbols - they are pagan in origin.I think the book would have been more complete with at least a page on paganism.

Very nice overview
This is an excellent book for educating children on the basics of the main world religions.Unbiased and informative.Presents a basic description of the religions, what the representative images and ideas are, and some of the holidays that are celebrated. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, proclaiming elementary rights for children world-wide. Among other provisions, the convention safeguards children's religious freedom and their freedom of thought. But because child rearing is recognised as the primary responsibility of parents, the question of what children are raised to : believe is left up to their mothers and fathers. In this controversial critique of the UN convention, humanist lnnaiah Narisetti forcefully argues that children's rights should include complete freedom from religious belief. Narisetti proposes that the choice of religious belief or non-belief should be deferred till adulthood.Just as most societies recognise that marriage and civic responsibilities such as voting are adult prerogatives that children should not be allowed to exercise, so should the choice of a belief system wait till an individual is competent to exercise mature judgement.Narisetti cites numerous examples of the ways in which early religious indoctrination leads to later negative attitudes such as intolerance, suspicion, and outright hostility directed toward those who believe differently.He also notes that religion provides a cloak for such obvious evils as sexual abuse, genital mutilation, and corporal punishment of children. While most societies are quick to condemn such abuses, Narisetti suggests that they should be willing to take the next logical step and look to the role of religion in such problems. Including the complete text of the "Convention on the Rights of the Child", this candid, unflinching critique of childhood religious education will provoke much thoughtful discussion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not the best argument.
I agree with many of the points of this book.All the major religions do promote practices that are abusive.The author points out these abuses in wonderful detail.If he had stuck with that argument, it would be a wonderful book.The problem is that the book is so narrow-minded that it ends up being dogmatic itself.We get the same stale argument that religion needs to be replaced by science.

Science has also been responsible for gross human rights abuses.It was scientists that devised the Nazi death camps, scientists that came up with all the inventions of modern warfare, be it hydrogen bombs or whatever else, scientists that tested on patients in Russia, in World War II, on mental patients, and on children. Scientists are responsible for all the chemical pollutants now wrecking havoc on planet earth. A priest didn't invent plastic. Yes, despite the passionate claims in this book, scientists also abuse the rights of children.Doctors routinely dose children with drugs for supposed mental conditions that those children do not have, and if they do have, are being subjected to diabolical chemical treatments under the guise of cures. The author seems to believe that if we all put our faith in science, the world will have utopia.I have heard some of the most unsympathetic arguments for euthanasia or not providing preventative medicine from the mouths of environmental scientists. This book is naive at best.

I think a better argument would be a truer one.Religions do not cause psychological problems and child abuse.People do these things naturally because they do not know any better.The problem that I see with religion is that it doesn't fix these problems.Instead of fixing the serious problems that people have, religion gives them a stamp of approval.Violence against women, child abuse,hierarchies, and patriarchy all exist as social problems and will continue to exist long after eradication of all the major religions if poor education persists.The book has an over reliance on brainwashing as the cause of societal ills. All religious people are not brainwashed, and all abusers are not religious. Many people are brainwashed as children into their religious faith, but still overs convert as adults. The author insists that we teach strict materialism to children as the cure for abuse. Although, I agree that children shouldn't be taught religion, I do not think that teaching them materialism is going to prevent brainwashing; it is just more brainwashing.

Another issue here is that the author seems to believe that it is the nature of religion to be abusive.That is not necessarily the case.Many people believe the major religions who do not abuse, and many don't. Nothing is black and white. He also thinks it is logical that all spiritual beliefs are abusive and some how manages to argue that even astrology abuses children. How? The major religions abuse because they were written thousands of years ago.You cannot expect that these religions are going to function adequately in the modern era, and they do not. Bottom line, strict adherence to old ideas is bad for human rights. I think that statement would have made a better argument than this.

The main point of his argument is that religion always hinders inquiry, and that religious people are always abusive.This is untrue.In order to back his arguments, he misrepresents the truth himself.He talks about Galileo's discoveries and doesn't mention that Galileo was an astrologer as well as an astronomer. Nor does the author dutifully inform his readers that the discovery of a heliocentric Milky Way did not stop Galileo from believing in astrology for the totality of his life. This fact is true of Kepler, Copernicus, Ptolemy, and the vast majority of all western scientists prior to the modern age. It is only now that science has merged with atheism that we get these false arguments. Teaching religion no more harms science than teaching math erodes English. He also provides long lists of religious abuses, but mentions nothing about religious leaders like Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr that campaigned for human rights. Different strokes for different folks.

The author basically has a complete and total disrespect for anyone that believes in any type of spirituality.He ignores scientists like Lovelock that outright reject his point of view.He argues that school should never be allowed to teach religion from the point of view of the people participating in the practices, and can only teach from the point of view of scientists that agree with him.He then declares that what is needed is absolute compulsory schooling.Compulsory schooling is known to be the single killer of children's curiosity.If he wants to find out what dumbs people down, he need have searched no further than the essays of John Taylor Gatto and others that actually teach in compulsory schools! His ultimate aim is that children never hear the views of people with religious beliefs until they are 18 years of age.Anyone who teaches from another view should have their children removed from their custody.I think that children should be taught as many views as it is time appropriate to instruct them--if it is their desire to be instructed.Children that don't like science shouldn't have to be scientist to appease this man.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Well Done!
It covered the major religions and was accurate.I looked very closely at the Christian section, because I am one, to see how close to the truth that section was and I was amazed at the accuracy of it, considering how many denominations there are.That way I could breath a little easier when I read the rest of it.As a whole it seemed unbiased and was fairly easy to read.I think it's a good book for anybody for the person who know nothing about different religions to someone how needs a refresher coarse to the vet how needs to solidify his knowledge from another source.

Great overview of the many world religions, good photos/illustrations
This is an excellent book for someone interested in world religion, historical and modern.Well illustrated with good commentary.

I came to the conclusion long ago that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them."-Mahatma Gandhi
This book is one of the few books (along with calculus and other basic professional books) that I used in college and still use today.
The three main three religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam, along with other philosophical and religious traditions are explained in a clear unbiased way.I, specifically, learned a lot about Taoism, Hinduism and Buddhism.Books of this sort help people understand each others' customs and motives and make tolerance an achievable task instead of an impossible one.

First time user & extremely satisfied!!
What a great deal!! Paid less than $10 for this hard cover, great condition, with shipping!! I will be ordering books in used condition from now on! Thank you...
Rosie from Wisconsin

Religions of the World
When I purchased this I believed it was another book that I had seen which was quite outstanding.This had some interesting information, but was not what I thought it was and didn't impart the sort of detail I was looking for. ... Read more

Product Description
The Children's Bible consists of six parts, parts one through four drawn from the Old Testament, parts five and six from the New Testament. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Very Happy Customer:)
I recieved the Bible very fast and was very happy with the condition. My daughter loves it. It was a birthday present to her. Thank you very much.. and the promptness was very much appreciated.. I recieved it in plenty of time to give to her for her birthday, Again THANK YOU!!:)

Bible stories for children
Got this for a nephew and his Mom said he loves being read to and he loves the Bible stories. He is getting the right kind of up-bringing. The book was in better shape than advertised at the vendor's store. In fact, I think it was in excellent condition. It had a speedy arrival and was packaged for gorillas in the shipping choice used, post office I believe it was. Great job all the way around!

excellent first bible for a small child
Many people seem to be complaining about this book because of the words being changed and the fact the jesus is a blonde blue eyed man.Well the words need to be changed in order to get the needed message accross to the small child reading the book.As for the platinum blonde jesus I think it is so he is easy to destinguish from all other characters in the bible.A young child is not always going to recognize what most people consider today to be jesus's standard colors for his robes.I really liked the fact that the book, chapter, and verse from an adult bible are listed at the top of the page so you can look between the bibles and check the difference or to reference for your childs information.He only thing I didn't like is that some books seem to be missing all together or they are just scattered through the book so much that I just haven't found them.All in all this is an excellent first bible.

A publication of lasting value
As pastor of a small country church, I have given each child in our church a copy of the "Golden Children's Bible for Christmas. It is now six months later, and I am still getting calls and notes from parents who tell me, that their child reads this Bible each night before bedtime. This publication is a classic. I read this Bible as a boy, and now I have the privilege to pass on to our younger generation the joy of reading God's Word.

The Golden Children's Bible
I have given this same book a number of times to children as First Communion
gifts. They were all thrilled and really read it. I would recommend it for all children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

excellent reference
I purchased this book because I wanted an overview of the main world religions.This book did not disappoint.Each of the religions is covered in a sensitive way and gives the main philosophies and beliefs behind the religion.My only complaint is now that my appetite is whetted, I feel I want more detail!The religions covered include Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism.Other religions are covered in less detail and native and ancient religions are briefly brushed upon.The version I had was an internet-tie-in, where links were given for more information (links are maintained and updated at the parent site).What this book did for me was to confirm my own belief that we all believe in the same things, but we just call them different names. Sad that we all just can't see that and live together peacefully.

One world many religions
Short but well informed. You get an idea of the different views without the mountains of texts to wade through. I like the pictures too!!

Colorful, fun, and accessible
This book is great for young people. They cover a lot of different traditions, including some Indigenous traditions and African diasporic religions. The book expresses complex concepts in a simplified form making it easy for young readers. I am using in a Middle School religion class. Additionally, the book has linked to relevant Internet sites which is a plus. So far, this is my favorite children's world religion text.

Great, Fun Resource
I bought this book so my children could learn about other religions. I recently took a college Religions of the World class and I used this book throughout my class. It simplified complex religions and made them easier for me to understand. The internet links are great. There were many wonderful sites that make it fun to learn. I will definately buy more books from this series for my children.

Great educational book!
I'm a high school social studies teacher and encountered USBorne books at a teacher workshop. They are very informative and vibrant texts. The internet-linked versions are wonderful. They include numerous links that accessed through the USBorne website, not the book. This allows for dead links to be eliminated and new links to be added (even more than are mentioned in the book). The pictures are wonderful, colorful, and some illustrations can even be downloaded for classroom use. I'm very happy with this book and use it in the classroom. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is suitable for ages 6 to 9 years. Religion is the belief in a power greater than oneself. Many people call this power God. This insightful book introduces children to the world's great religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese traditional religion, Native American Indigenous beliefs, and non-religious spirituality. It looks at the origins, special heroes and teachers, basic beliefs, sacred texts and symbols, ways of worship, special days, rituals, works of art, and places of worship associated with each religion. The book also highlights the basic principles of religions such as truth, kindness, acceptance, peace, and love. Learning similar aspects of religions, such as prayer, worship, ritual, and celebration, helps foster greater understanding and respect. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Varying Religions
Ancient Egyptians had many gods. Greeks' head god was Zeus. In Africa, the Americas and Ocean they live in primal societies where all of life is religion. The rites of pssage and rites of affliction play a major role for birth, puberty, marriage, divorce and death. Hinduism has many gods. Buddhism originated in the 6th century B.C.E.in India. Taoism teaches physical immortality. Shinto is in Japan. Janism is an ancient Indian religion. To sihks, god is single and personal. Zorastrians follow the prophet Zoroaster. The Torah is the first 5 books of the Bible in Jewish. Christians take their name from Jesus Christ. Jesus died by getting nailed to a cross and left to die. The cross later became the main symbol of Christianity. As he died he took on himself the sins of everyone for eternal life. Three days later he rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. Today it numbers 2 billion worldwide. Muslims in Islam worship Allah. Its prophet is Mohammed born 571 in Mecca. They believe in the Koran and worship at mosques.

Outstanding Children's Reference!
The whole family enjoyed the page by page layout per religion.Was a great organizer for all the other books that had come before."Well organized, good balance of pictures and text, and handy comparision fact boxes are a BONUS! The best, most concise book out there!And, a great precursor to DK's Christianity, Buddhism, etc. books!Must have for your well-rounded library!" -- We all agree. ... Read more

Product Description

No child should be without a Bible to call their own, and theESV Children's Bible is a great choice. Not only willchildren get the reliability and beauty of the ESV translation butthis Bible features a newly illustrated cover and more than 200pages of full-color illustrations that appear right where thestories occur in the text. It is now also available inpaperback.

Each Children's Bible contains aids that kids can useon how to pray and read God's Word, the plan of salvation, God'spromises, and becoming more like Jesus. In addition, aBible-reading plan just for them is included, as well as adictionary.

• Size: 5.5" x 8.5"
• Larger 10.67-point type
• 1,632 pages
• Words of Christ in red
• Full-color illustrations throughout
• Introductions to each book
• Dictionary
• Bible-reading plan for kids
• Color charts and diagrams of biblical themes

Customer Reviews (8)

Wonderful Children's Bible
This is an excellent children's Bible!Not just Bible stories . . . an actual Bible with beautiful pictures, maps and other study aids.

5 Stars for your children to learn about the Gospel of God'sGrace
I purchased two copies of this bible. One for my 7 year old great niece, and one I am saving for a friends child when he is old enough. He is only 7 months right now.
This bible has some very wonderful features throughout it that children will enjoy. Colorful illustrations that allow them to see how certain verses play out. There are places where they can take notes and write down their favorite verses, and write the date of the time they accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.Each child will be happy to make their copy of this bible their own personal study guide to the scriptures. And , if you are giving it as a gift, there is a page in the front for you to inscribe it to them.
God bless you all.

Great Resource for Kids
Everything CrossWay does in conjunction with this version of the Bible is first - especially the translation of it.Kids will love this resource and the quality of the presentation is top-notch.

Love it and its content!
I discovered the ESV Bible a couple years ago and bought one for myself to use.Our current church uses this translation from the pulpit and when I heard they were coming out with a Children's version I ordered one for each of my boys. I like the easy to read format and upon comparing it to my other translastion have never found there to be any loss in meaning.It is the perfect translastion for younger children, The books has beautifully illustrated pictures and is the perfect size for them.MY ESV is a little too big to take to church, but this one is the perfect.I priced it in town at different book stores and found Amazon to be the best price.What better thing could you buy your child then the book that will grow with them and feed their hearts and soul!This book has the words of life in it and that is what everyone needs!

Perfect for my 5 year old
My son loves this new Bible.It is colorful on every page.The text is black; the chapter and verse numbers are red; and the section headings have a peach background.And then, of course, are the numerous illustrations.They are, for the most part, tastefully done.They are realistic and engaging while not being childish.

The paper is thin compared to other children's Bible story-books, such as The Beginning Bible, but seems a little thicker than a standard adult Bible.We love it. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide makes it easier than ever to find quality children's books that focus directly on religious themes or characters. Dole offers more than 675 critical evaluations of recently published (since 1990) materials, covering everything from folktales and prose to poetry and plays. Grades PreK-8. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an examination of spirituality in children for the purpose of educating social workers to understand and provide "whole care" for children in their charge who profess a spirituality, be it religious or otherwise. The book endeavours to combine the author's own interest in the development and study of the subject with the requirements of social work practice and attention to the whole care of the whole child. The text seeks to expand, extend and deepen ideas and materials from the CCETSW training pack with particular reference to everyday practice in settings associated with social work, and to introduce a further range of materials and topics. It aims to propose ways in which religion and spirituality are of importance in social work with and on behalf of children in a range of settings including day, foster and residential care, and home-based individual and family work. Material and ideas are of relevance to practitioners in voluntary and statutory agencies and establishments and in settings concerned with medical, psychiatric, offending, educational and other specializations. A number of practitioners in a range of settings contributed experiences and ideas, for the intention at all times is to demonstrate that spirituality and religion are essentially aspects of the whole, everyday person with implications for well-being in ordinary, everyday life and practice. A further intention is to contribute to the literature of communication with children, the underlying philosophy at all times is on essential good practice - listening, attention and respect. The book also examines the possible harmful aspects of the topics. Divided into six parts, it covers ideas and information about spirituality and religious rights, religion and spirituality. In sections four and five these topics are applied to two areas of practice - abuse and neglect, and death and bereavement. The final part of the book suggests approaches to communication in the context of religion and/or spirituality which serve as models for other forms of communication and applications. Groups of questions and suggestions are included throughout the book. These may be used by individuals or in groups to help focus materials and ideas on everyday practice. ... Read more

Product Description
Religious traditions play a central role in the lives of many American children. In this collection of essays, leading scholars reveal for the first time how various religions interpret, reconstruct, and mediate their traditions to help guide children and their parents in navigating the opportunities and challenges of American life. The book examines ten religions, among other topics. Only by discussing the unique challenges faced by all religions, and their followers, can we take the first step toward a greater understanding for all of us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Children in America
Don Browning, a senior fellow at Emory University's Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR), and Bonnie Miller-McLemore, released a book about the importance of religion in America. Whether First Communion or bar mitzvah, religious traditions play a central role in the lives of many American children. In this collection of essays, leading scholars reveal for the first time how various religions interpret, reconstruct, and mediate their traditions to help guide children and their parents in navigating the opportunities and challenges of American life. The book examines ten religions, among other topics:

* How the Catholic Church confronts the tension between its teachings about children and actual practice
* The Oglala Lakota's struggle to preserve their spiritual traditions
* The impact of modernity on Hinduism

The book comes from the CSLR project "The Child in Law, Religion, and Society," sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts.Browning is also Alexander Campbell Professor of Ethics and the Social Sciences Emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

***

The Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR) at Emory University is home to world-class scholars and forums on the religious foundations of law, politics, and society. It offers first-rank expertise on how the teachings and practices of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have shaped and can continue to transform the fundamental ideas and institutions of our public and private lives. The scholarship of CSLR faculty provides the latest perspectives, while its conferences and public forums foster reasoned and robust public debate. ... Read more

Product Description
A beautifully illustrated Christmas story presented in paperback for the first time. We've all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. Humphrey has lost his blanket and schemes to acquire a new one. When the party reaches its destination, Humphrey is so drawn to the love surrounding Baby Jesus that he finds himself selflessly giving his new blanket to the Christ child. Carol Heyer's rich acrylic paintings showcase the quirkiness of the camel and add humor to the story. Here is a book that both entertains and informs without ever straying from the meaning of the holiday. Ages 4-8. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Absolutely Warms Your Soul!
I bought this book two years ago for my own children, and last year for my best friend's children. I cannot say enough about this book! It is wonderful! Has humor and a beautiful story line! It truly sends the Christmas message.

A Sweet Christmas
What an endearing children's book this one is!Both the short story and the captivating illustrations are so well done.

Humphrey, a personable and likeable camel, tells of his journey to Bethlehem where he is to deliver the "heavy" packages he carries to the new King (Jesus).Once there, Humphrey admits, "In this land, I have walked past many children, but never before have I felt the need to walk toward one.Now, I kneel before this baby shivering in a manger."In a surprising ending, Humphrey gives baby Jesus his most cherished possessions.

You don't have to be a child to enjoy this book with the amazing art work.Nor does it have to be the Christmas season to appreciate the beautiful story.It is sure to be a treasured book in any child's library.I can't help but to wish I could have read this book over and over to my own children when they were very young.

Humphrey's First Christmas
The illustrations are beautiful! The way the story is expressed lacks imagination so sometimes I just improvised. The lesson is good, but the way it is told may be confusing to younger children.The reader must be willing to interpret a lot through dramatics, asking questions and talking about what the author is trying to say. More than usual! If you simply read it, it will be mediocre.Play off the fabulous artwork! Grandma/retired English teacher

Humphrey is cute.
The story line and illustrations are nice.It was a little too long of a read for my 2 1/2 year old daughter, but I think she will enjoy it more next year.

Funny and heartwarming
I bought this book for my daughter last Christmas because she also loves her blankie.The entire family enjoyed it so much.The illustrations are beautiful and hilarious at the same time and the story is perfect for kids from age 2-98.:)Humphrey starts his journey very selfish and complaining and ends it with a generous heart.Very sweet!

... Read more

Product Description
This work focuses on the milieu of three religiously based apocalyptic movements, their radical doctrine and rejection of mainstream American culture. The movements discussed are: the "Christian Identity"; Odinism and the related "Asatru Movement"; and "B'nai Noah". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Radical Religion
Its a common thing for books to be published that demonize and exagerate the power of various political movements and religions that "hate" watchdog groups like the ADL and SPLC are dependent on because thats where their bread and butter comes from. I look at books like these as fundraising schemes for those organizations and I'd be willing to bet that the authors are more often than not covertly contracted out by ADL, SPLC, etc. I started noticing a steady stream of books like these being published back in the 90s and it goes on to this day. Oh my! Run for your life the skinheads/muslims/nazis/militias/Farrakhan, etc, etc are coming to get us, we are all going to die if you don't hurry up and send Morris Dees and Abe Foxman some money! I actually heard an author of one of these hysterical books on a radio show claiming that Al-Queda and "skinheads" were teaming up and running multi-million dollar drug dealing operations as funding for the next 9/11! Ha ha! Seriously can the B.S possibly get any thicker than that one?

All things considered for the type of book that this is it was a comparativly unbiased account of a select few "fringe" religions (namely Christian Identity, Asatru/Odinism and Children of Noah) that exist in American society. You do get some useful information for basic research and information on these groups, so its not completely useless, but like with most books, especially like these, you have to read with a discerning eye.

On the whole a good book
The only problem with this book to me is that, while providing a good overview of the Children of Noah movement, I am not sure why it is in there in the first place.It can be damaging to a group to place them alongsideother groups who are racist and violent in their ideologies.Despitepointing out that this movement is different, the image of all of thesegroups together will remain in people's minds.It's a bit like authors whoplace Wicca and other small religions in a book about Satanism.This onlyserves to increase stereotypes and hostility towards some groups.

Kaplan,however, is an excellent scholar and the book was a joy to read.Check outsome of his articles in the journal "Terrorism and PoliticalViolence".he has an exceptional one on the anti-abortion movement asa millennial movement.

A boring, vague, piece of claptrap.
This reader found this book to be confusing in terms of who the target audience was, not thorough enough in explanation, and laid out in a mannner that confused and caused a detriment to the theme of the entire book. Ingeneral, a piece of crap.

Excellent, realistic and objective view of the subject
Jeffrey Kaplan has produced one of the most responsible, non-hystericalaccounts of new and unusual religious movements I have seen.Not only doeshe describe their historical and sociological roots, but deals with theoften alarmist and unfair reactions to them.I highly recommend it.

A study of millenarian religions and their anti-cult critics
This is one of the best studies I have read on
radical religious groups, and the first serious
attempt to document the B'nai Noah and Asatru
relgions in a fair manner which shows the diversity
of opinions within those movements.A section dealing
with anti-cult groups and watchdog groups such as the
Anti-Defamation League shows how such groups make
little effort to truly understand their target
groups, instead opting for a narrow stereotyping
of such groups based on the actions of their most
extreme members.At the same time, Kaplan pulls
no punches in illustrating that there are
dangerous elements within these religions, even
though they only make up a small minority
on the fringe of these movements.Recommended for anyone
interested in the B'nai Noah, Asatru, Odinist, and
Christian Identity religions, and for anyone
wanting to understand why watchdog groups
are not particularly good sources for info on these religions. ... Read more

Product Description
This work explores the spiritual world of the people of Machu Picchu, who have lived in the area for thousands of years and practice an ancient cosmology. It covers the shamanic world of the native Andean people, whose primary goal is to live and work in harmony with "Pachamama", Mother Earth. ... Read more

Product Description
A Child s Book of Blessings and Prayers offers prayers for every day giving thanks, seeking help, and expressing care for the earth and all living things. Here are words to bless the morning, share at bedtime, honor a birthday, even give thanks for a friend next door. These graces, poems, prayers, and blessings are drawn from around the world from Hindu, Sioux, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and Unitarian Universalist traditions, to name only a few. Beautifully illustrated in full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Powerful
This wonderful collection of prayers reads like a book of divine answers.It's a little treasure.

A wonderful book for young children
A Child's Book of Blessings and Prayers

This is a wonderful book for young children. A great idea for grandparents to have at home or to give as a gift to their young grandchildren. Thoughtfully edited,beautifully illustrated. A "must have" for your child or grandchild'slibrary.

A wonderful book
This is just a beautifully-written book with lovely illustrations.Perfect reading for any child.And a joy for adults as well!

Great Interfaith Collection of Prayers for Young Children
This book was perfect for my four-year old daughter. Written by a Unitarian Universalist minister, it includes dozens of child-size blessings, poems and prayers, drawn from all the world's major religions, and many other cultural traditions. Ranging from mealtime to bedtime, birthdays, holidays and everything in between, you will find a little prayer in here to cover just about anything. It is definitely an interfaith book, the offerings are each very brief and so best for young children, and many are poems, so if that isn't what you are looking for, this might not be for you. But I found it perfectly lovely.

More like poems...not prayers or blessings
I wanted so much a book of prayers & blessings that I could say with my daughter in the evening.This is not the book.The illustrations are beautiful, but I wasn't moved by any of the prayers.Skip it and try something else.... ... Read more

Product Description
Luis D. León's compelling, innovative exploration of religion in the U.S.-Mexican borderlands issues a fundamental challenge to current scholarship in the field and recharts the landscape of Chicano faith. La Llorona's Children constructs genealogies of the major traditions spanning Mexico City, East Los Angeles, and the southwestern United States: Guadalupe devotion, curanderismo, espiritualismo, and evangelical/ Pentecostal traditions. León theorizes a religious poetics that functions as an effective and subversive survival tactic akin to crossing the U.S.-Mexican border. He claims that, when examined in terms of broad categorical religious forms and intentions, these traditions are remarkably alike and resonate religious ideas and practices developed in the ancient Mesoamerican world.
León proposes what he calls a borderlands reading of La Virgen de Guadalupe as a transgressive, border-crossing goddess in her own right, a mestiza deity who displaces Jesus and God for believers on both sides of the border. His energetic discussion of curanderismo shows how this indigenous religious practice links cognition and sensation in a fresh and powerful technology of the body--one where sensual, erotic, and sexualized ways of knowing emphasize personal and communal healing. La Llorona's Children ends with a fascinating study of the rich and complex world of Chicano/a Pentecostalism in Los Angeles, a tradition that León maintains allows Chicano men to reimagine their bodies into a unified social body through ritual performance. Throughout the narrative, the connections among sacred spaces, saints, healers, writers, ideas, and movements are woven with skill, inspiration, and insight. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Unkept promises.
Luis D. Leon's book, La Llorona's Children, is an excellent scholarly work about religion and religious history in Mexico City and East Los Angeles, as well as how religion has both shaped and been shaped by history and culture in the centuries of Post-Columbian contact. Rightfully, he focuses on the "religious poetic" where so many other accounts of history have tried to secularize the telling, or rationalize religion as merely a method of manipulation and gives attention to the present condition of Chicanos, exploring their Aztec heritage

Unfortunately, the subtitle to his book is Religion, Life, and Death in the U.S.-Mexican Borderlands. That subtitle, and what he promises to do at the book's beginning, are painfully unfulfilled, and this work's most looming failure.

For all of his book's virtues--and there are many--the damning flaw in all of it is that the author's scope is extremely narrow, even within the specialized and oft-ignored interest he claims requires addressing. His very method, as stated in the preface, makes this obvious. From the University of California, Santa Barbara he says he "drove the ninety miles to East Los Angeles several times a month", "traveled to [his] original California sites of research several times a year", and also "traveled to Mexico City six times" (ix, x). With the exception of chapter four which discussed the biographies of three curanderos (religious healers), those two cities are the entire focus of the book. Despite claiming to be a book about "the borderlands", Texas is only discussed twice, one of them for the already mentioned biography of curandero Don Pedrito Jaramillo. La Llorona is connected to bodies of water. If Leon was looking for her children, might he have thought to check the thousand miles of borderlands along the Rio Grande/Bravo? Millions of people live and travel across the Texas-Mexico border, and out of an entire book "[reflecting] on borderlands religious phenomena", part of one chapter is all the space taken for it (vii)?

And I should be quite happy with this. New Mexico (which not only has the highest percentage of Spanish speakers but also second highest of Native Americans residents of all American states) gets only a handful of passing references, none important or memorable. Worst of all is the fate of Arizona which gets literally one sentence--one sentence--and that still in reference to California. Mexican states Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas fared no better.

But Leon does so many things so well. Beyond tracing the history of religion, he sheds light into the current religious lives of many people on both sides of the border, shows the importance of spiritualism in mexicano faith in its many forms--Catholicism, Protestantism/Pentecostalism, openly syncretic religions, spiritual cleansing--as well as its cultural and religious sources. The identity of La Virgin de Guadalupe, her association with the Aztec deity Tonantzin, and her importance in Mexican nationalism, past and present, is masterfully done and explored throughout the book. Leon sheds light on many overlooked topics, but the problem is he claims to be flicking the light switch on in a darkened room when all he's doing is holding a flashlight.

If this book was titled La Virgin de Guadalupe's Children of East L.A. and Mexico City, this would be nearly flawless. But it's not, and because of this serious overstatement and the promises never kept, the book presents a reality that is just as exclusive to the Southwest as a Puritan, New England centered history of the United States.

Do Mexicans and Mexican-Americans live anywhere else but Mexico City and East L.A.? Reading this book, if they do, those people surely aren't very important. Were there no other Indians living in the Americas than the Aztecs when the Spanish arrived? Reading this book, I'd have no idea.

Of course Chicanos of California are important. Of course Aztecs contributed more than any other native group to Mexican identity. Of course L.A. and Mexico City are the two largest concentrations of mexicanos in the world. Of course. But they aren't the only places, and in his insistence of exploring the "sacred" and "poetic" borderlands, he completely missed the experiences of millions of people living on the real and physical borderlands. Leon makes more space for radical Marxist commentary ("U.S. urban space [was] designed to subjugate working populations and privilege the benefactors of neocolonization", for example) than he does for any of the specific circumstances relating to New Mexico. But New Mexico doesn't fit into the myth of Atzlan, in the real or spiritual sense, so it's excluded.

Who knows? Maybe Leon's publishers forced the title on him because they thought it would sell better. Maybe he just overlooked it. However, if La Llorona's children are still missing, it's because Leon didn't try to look very many places. ... Read more

Product Description
children's Ministry in the 21st century, the encyclopedia of practical ideas: pioneering strategies, Bible exploration experiences, and unique outreach opportunities!Authored by: Jutila, Wideman and Verbal, et al. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This is a worthy investment
I have used ideas from this book with my Sunday School classes. Some are extremely well thought out; for example OUR WIRED GENERATION. This is about using the technology of today to MEET our children on their turf.

One of the BEST!
This is one of the most practical resources I own!Each chapter is relavant to children's ministry right now.Each chapter has a list of easy to use, ministry-tested ideas that you can read and implement today.
This entire series by Group Publishing is a must have for staff/volunteers involved in church ministry in the 21st century.

Group has so many incredible resources for children's ministy...here are a few to check out!
The Humongous Book of Preschool Ideas
The Humongous Book of Bible Skits for Children's Ministry with CD (Audio)
The Humongous Book of Children's Messages
The Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry

Truly Spectacular!
This book does an amazing job at helping us to see, beyond the obvious, how kids are growing up differently, now more than ever before; and how the church needs to be prepared to meet them where they are at, or even where they will be - or risk becoming "irrelevant" in our rapidly changing world.Then, you are given fun, practical ideas of how to put these new concepts into practice.Every person who works with kids should read this book!!!

Not just another book of theory - This book delivers the goods!
Children's Ministry in the 21st Century is a refreshing approach to the basics of Children's Ministry for today. I've read a mountain of books that theorize and pontificate on the subject, but Craig Jutila's book delivers more than just theory. This book delivers the goods. He explains the latest trends in Childrens' Ministry then at the end of each chapter, he gives you good concrete suggestions for activities that you can implement to bring your church's children's ministry into the 21st century.Whether you have a small church or a mega church or you work with babies or preteens, you can find many activities and suggestions for your classroom, small group Bible Study, or church wide event in this easy to read and reference resource. ... Read more

Product Description
Illustrated with black-and-white andfull-color photographs. "Today,

most religious people in the world practice one of these seven religions

[Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and

Taoism].All have had a deep effect on the laws and customs of every country.

They have shaped art, literature, music, and education. They have given the

world magnificent stories, songs, buildings, holy objects, ceremonies, and

festivals." From the Introduction to Many Religions, One World.

Best-selling children's author Mary Pope Osborne presents an accessible and

elegantly crafted volume that introduces young readers to the world's seven

major religions. Six short readable chapters--perfectly targeted to fourth,

fifth, and sixth graders--detail the history, beliefs, and practices of

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

Handsomely designed and featuring fifty oversized color photographs and a full

complement of reference materials, including a map, time line, and

bibliography, this book provides a thorough and thoughtful presentation of the

diverse ways people worship around the world.




Amazon.com Review
It's hard enough to find a good survey of world religions foradults, let alone for children, so when I found One World, ManyReligions, I was stunned. With a sensitivity for detail and aneasy style, Mary Pope Osborne delivers a valuable introduction to allof the world's major religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam,Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The balanced yet brieftreatment; vibrant photographs depicting children around the worldengaged in worship; the glossary, map and timeline all work toprovide a concise, informative and engrossing introduction to thevariety of religions everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An excellent, balanced introduction to world religions
Mary Pope Osborne has been a favorite of my daughter's for two years. She immediately picked up this book and began reading. It is so important for our children to learn about the many faiths to which people in our world cleave. Osborne presents each of the major religions in an illuminating, fair, and systematic manner.

If someone is looking for their own faith to be held up among the rest, then they should avoid this book. Christianity is given no better position than Hinduism, which is exactly how a book like this should be. Still, I can imagine angry zealots railing away that their "one true faith" is mistreated and compared unfairly to the "lesser" faiths. There is no reasonable comeback to such criticism - walk away.

I am happy to find that there are a few books out there that will serve to educate, not indoctrinate my children about religion and its role in various societies.

Great Overview of World Religions
I bought this book for my 8 year old daughter to give her an overview of the different religions that people celebrate. It has wonderful pictures, and by reading it together I was able to answer all her questions. The chapters on the different religions were simply stated and easily understood. It is a great resource to begin the disscuss with your child about all the differences around the world...differences that should be understood, celebrated, and recognized.

Beautiful
A wonderful book to have if you want to learn about the different religions. Great to give to children to help them understand the differences. Would recommend to everyone.

A book on religions for people age 9-90+
Osborne presents a well illustrated book on worldreligions that is apparently for children but ismore than adequate for most adults. Sentences are brief. Words are not overwhelming - a glossary defines newexpressions. The book can be a starting point for satisfying curiosityabout great world religions. It is also a great help in reminding oneselfabout the basics. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume offers the first major survey of the history of Christian thought on children. Each chapter, written by an expert in the field, discusses the particular perspectives on children held by influential theologians and Christian movements throughout church history, asking what resources they can contribute to a sound contemporary view of childhood and child-rearing. Intended for all readers, this needed book will be a valuable resource for laying the foundation for a new, more meaningful Christian view of childhood today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book.
Excellent academic work, tracing the historical / theological development of the place of the child in Christianity.Especially insightful are the chapters about Jonathan Edwards and John Calvin.

A Good Base
This book will give you an overview of the Churches history on children and families.While the book presents many ideas that are antiquated and opposite of today's theologies on the the teaching of children, this book can be used as a tool to see where many bases for church's thoughts on children came from.

An important history lesson for anyone working with children! ... Read more