Children's Book Reviews
Page Two of FourHuman Body (Eyewitness Books) by Steve Parker
DK Publishing, Oct., 1999.Hardcover, 64 pages
Ages 9 - 12
ISBN: 0789448831.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This entry in the popular Eyewitness Books
series vividly illustrates the human body. Beginning
with the history of the study of the human body,
the text progresses logically from the body's
framework: bones, joints and muscles to the
circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Each system is described in detail, with information
about how medicine has evolved over time in
various cultures. But what makes this book
so valuable are the outstanding, graphic
illustrations of each of the body's major
systems and organs. With color and black and
white photographs and striking 3-D models,
this is an incredibly informative and fascinating text.
The reading level is listed as 9 - 12, but actually this
book is perfect for adults as well. An invaluable
family reference.
The Legend of the Christmas Rose by William H. Hooks, Paintings by Richard A. Williams
HarperCollins, Oct., 1999.Picture Book, 32 pages
Ages 5-9
ISBN: 0060271027.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The plant Helleborus niger, also known
as the Christmas Rose, blooms in the winter,
and has been used for centuries to cure heart
ailments and other disorders. One of the legends surrounding the
plant is the one related in this charming book by
William Hooks which is illustrated by the popular
portrait painter, Richard Williams. The book tells
the story of Dorothy, whose name means
"Gift from God". Dorothy is the youngest
child of a family full of brothers. When the Christ
child is born, her brothers all rush off to
honor the newborn Savior and to bring him gifts.
Little Dorothy follows behind, but outside the city
she sits down to cry, for she doesn't even have
enough money to buy a pomegranate much less
a gift fit for a king. But an angel appears to
Dorothy. "Suddenly, she heard a rush of
wings beating in the night sky. She gazed
upward and saw, in a burst of light, an angel
waving a flower of purest white." The
ground was then magically covered with the beautiful
white flowers. Dorothy gathers up the flowers
and lays them at the baby Jesus' feet. Jesus
turns away from the gifts of gold and gems,
and touches the flowers, turning them pale pink.
Richard Williams paintings are full of shadows and light, and heartfelt emotion. His style mixes realism and wonder, with enchanting results. This picture book is sure to be a family favorite at Christmastime, year after year.
Return to the January 2000 issue of The IWJ.
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