Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature)
If you're looking for something short to chase away January dismals, Lindbergh has collected seventy-seven poems and prayers from many different cultures and faiths into a lovely volume entitled In Every Tiny Grain of Sand. Illustrations from four acclaimed children's artists--Bob Graham, Elisa Kleven, Christine Davenier, and Anita Jeram--capture the text's wide-ranging mood, from exuberance to wistfulness to thanksgiving. I especially liked this awestruck, anticipatory prayer from the Pawnee--"I am like a bear. /I hold up my hands/waiting for the sun to rise." 2000, Candlewick, $21.99. Ages All.

Judy Chernak (Children's Literature)
This could become a keepsake book, challenging and comforting a child throughout many years of growing and changing. Its four sections--"For the Day, For the Home, For the Earth, and For the Night"--are each illustrated by a different artist from a different country. Still, there is a beautiful blending of the styles, which is neither divisive nor jarring, but rather melodious. Lindbergh has included several of her own thoughtful poems, but the vast majority is culled from countless sources, both religious and tribal. Some are eminently familiar, such as the 23rd and other Psalms and Anne Frank's oft-quoted observations. But many are apt to be previously unencountered, such as Mayan, Tu Fu, Papago and Black Elk writings that resonate with universal human longings, just as do those we may say in our daily life. For bedtime, quiet time, question time, anytime--make room for this book in your family's heart. 2000, Candlewick, $21.95. Ages 4 up.

A. Braga (Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1))
This timely volume presents prayers of thanksgiving and praise from many different cultures. Richly illustrated by four different artists, this collection can be used in many different ways. A helpful index of first lines is also included. A great idea for a religious occasion gift. 2000, Candlewick Press, $21.99. Ages 3 to 10.

Janice M. Del Negro (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, December 2000 (Vol. 54, No. 4))
Seventy-seven prayers and inspirational verses are divided into four sections: “For the Day,” illustrated by Bob Graham; “For the Home,” illustrated by Elisa Kleven; “For the Earth,” illustrated by Christine Davenier; and “For the Night,” illustrated by Anita Jeram. The primarily celebratory selections vary in length from one line to one page, and they represent a wide range of religions and cultures. Each illustrator’s strengths are in evidence here: Graham’s watercolors are full of motion and energy, from natural forces to frolicking children; Kleven’s watercolor and collage illustrations are merrily crowded with images of loving families and welcoming homes; Davenier’s watercolors depict children awash in nature’s beauty; and Jeram’s acrylics (deviating from the child-centered focus of the previous sections) feature a night bright with stars, moon, and exotic animals. As in Bijou LeTord’s similarly themed collection, Peace on Earth (BCCB 12/92), the selections speak eloquently to the spirituality present in the common, everyday world, and both children and adults will appreciate this uncommon collection. Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2000, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2000, Candlewick, 77p, $21.99. Ages 4-12 yrs.