A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 257

Picture Book: Faith

Authors: Maya Ajmera, Magda Nakassis, Cynthia Pon

Photographers: various

Summary: This book is a photographic essay with some explanatory text perfect for children and youth. It offers a panoramic view of young people engaged in religious or spiritual practices that are across our globe. All photographs are captioned with the name of the religion and the geographic location. Some offer more detailed explanation. What is celebrated here is the diversity and beauty of religious devotion and tradition throughout our world. Some religions are well known and ancient; others are more modern and obscure. This beautiful book highlights the connection humans have when demonstrating reverence and engaging in worship. Specific elements of faith are highlighted such as prayer, reading holy books, chanting, going to holy places, and building peace.

Hanna’s Comments: This would be a perfect book to read and discuss in a private school or homeschool setting where you can offer a broad context to your own religious traditions while studying others. Portions of the sale of this book support The Global Fund for Children. For more information on this organization go to www.globalfundforchildren.org. In the back, find a map locating the places where the featured children live. Also, check out the glossary and an explanation of the elements of faith in which this book is organized.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Charlesbridge, 2009

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, adoration, art, awe, baptism/cleansing/washing, beauty, Bible/scripture, choir/music/singing/songs, communion/Eucharist, community, differences, diversity, faith/faithfulness, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, heritage, holiness, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, prayer, religious differences, response to God, reverence, at table, variety, worship

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when exploring the world’s various religions as well as their commonalities with and differences from your own religious tradition.