For Every Little Thing

September 15, 2021
From morning to night, poems celebrate the everyday joys and wonders to be found in life. The rising sun, doggy kisses, a parent's hug, fireflies, butterflies, friends and family, and nighttime dreams are a few of the things given thanks for and highlighted in the poems and blessings collected in this anthology, which combines poems old and new and from several religions and cultures. While God is not addressed or spoken of in every poem, most do show some appreciation of God and/or God's creation, ask for God's help or blessings, or acknowledge God's gifts to humankind. Several have overt social messages (the power of goodness, seeing God in those you meet), some use striking imagery (rain "parachuting from the sky," snow as "confetti from an angel's party"), and many use pleasing rhymes and rhythms that will resonate with child readers ("Tuck your covers / snug and tight. / Tuck the good / into the night"). Artwork sets the tone for each poem, sometimes suggesting a theme or setting and other times illustrating the verse itself, whether as a whole or a small piece: Two poems, one mentioning "sandals on my feet," the other "head to foot" are bookended by eight pairs of feet of diverse skin tones and shod in various sandal styles. A spread with poems talking about being kind and hurting no living thing is filled with realistic-looking life-size bugs of all types. Thoughtfully selected and prettily illustrated verses for religious households. (index of poets) (Picture book/poetry/religion. 4-10)

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December 17, 2021

K-Gr 4-An anthology of monolithic poems, prayers, and blessings from classic and modern authors. The collection opens on "Morning" and attempts to follow a child throughout the day with moderate success, ending with "Nightfall" and then "Dreams." However, as with many things in life, "Family" isn't necessarily an activity or event in the day that can be ordered. Despite this organizational flaw, the poems by editor Tupper Ling and selections by Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro, Fanny M. Levin, and Christina Rossetti sing. The collection is a studied piece of mindfulness and gratitude, and families will especially enjoy sharing this work. Cann's spectacular art, a mixture of watercolor, collage, and pencil, is captivating in its vibrancy and diversity. Her inclusive lens creates a singular piece of work that speaks to many and challenges bias, such as in her piece on "My Family's Home" which is a trailer instead of a house. VERDICT An excellent first choice for public libraries; schools that select religious materials as part of their collection.-Rachel Zuffa, Case H.S., Racine, WI

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