CM Magazine:What is God? 2nd. ed.

________________ CM . . . . Volume XVIII Number 27 . . . . April 13, 2012

cover
What is God? 2nd. ed.

Etan Boritzer. Illustrated by Robbie Marantz.
Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books, 1990/2009.
32 pp., pbk. & hc., $6.95 (pbk.), $18.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-0-920668-88-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-920668-89-4 (hc.).
Subject-Headings:
God-Juvenile literature.
Religions-Juvenile literature.

Grades 1-6 / Ages 6-11.

Review by Lisa Case.

***1/2 /4

Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy.

At some point in their lives, most people ask themselves, “How do I know that God really exists when there is no proof? If I cannot see, touch or hear God, is God real?” What about the situation in which our friends have a different idea of what God is? How do we know who is right? In the nonfiction book, What is God?, Etan Boritzer provides young people with interesting, thoughtful perspectives to these types of questions about God.

“What is God?”
You are asking a very, very big question!
Boys and girls, grown-ups and old people,
Everyone wants to know “What is God?”

What is God? is an informational book for young and old alike. Many religions – Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism – are compared. Beliefs, spiritual leaders, and holy books are all described and positively compared in a manner that illustrates the similarities in beliefs and values held by people around the world. Many spiritual questions are pondered and are presented in a way that shows that, although some beliefs are different, ultimately we all believe in the same things.

Most religions say that you should not lie,
Most religions say that you should not steal,
Most religions say that you should not hurt people.
There are many ways all religions are the same.

The book’s text expands on the question of God and discusses other aspects of religion, such as holy books, differences between religions, as well as prayer and how it helps us to be connected to the world around us. The author has devoted one - two pages, with colourful pictures and simple ideas, which illustrate basic examples of questions and thoughts people may have about God. The colourful illustrations by Robbie Marantz will quickly capture the attention of even the youngest readers.

I would recommend What is God? as a great resource for teachers to utilize when discussing spirituality with students. Inquisitive children and parents will also enjoy this book. It is a great addition to any home or school library.

Highly Recommended.

Lisa Case is an elementary/junior high school librarian from Calgary, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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