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CM . . . .
Volume V Number 9 . . . . January 1, 1999
excerpt: Lord, we offer thanks and praise 
In 1225, Saint Francis of Assisi wrote the "Canticle of the Sun," a hymn of
praise for all creation. Now poet Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of aviator Charles
Lindbergh and author Anne Morrow Lindbergh, has adapted his words to create the
gentle and inspiring The Circle of Days. The simple text reminds us of
all that is beautiful in the world, as well as reminding us of our own
connection to the natural world of "brothers wind and air" and "sister water."
While I am not familiar with Saint Francis' text, I will seek it out after
reading this charming book.
Cathie Felstead's brilliant paintings, rendered in watercolour, gouache and collage, provide the perfect complement to the reverent tone of the text. Her stylized work is reminiscent of that of Eric Carle and Jane Ray. By providing a banner of images along some of the pages, she depicts societies, urban or rural, from around the world. I especially liked the illustrations accompanying the lines "For all her children, fierce or mild,/ For sister, brother, parent, child" which includes everything from a fierce alligator, a polar bear, bright orange fish and ladybugs, as well as people from a multitude of cultures; in short, all creatures great and small. A young reader being read to will appreciate the colourful illustrations while older readers and adults will enjoy the timeless message. A wonderful addition to any home or school library. Highly recommended. Liz Greenaway is a part-time bookseller living in Lethbridge, Alberta.
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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - JANAURY 1, 1999.
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