At Break of Day - Hardcover

Grimes (Jazmin's Notebook) bases this striking interpretation of the Genesis creation stories on Hebrews 1:1-2: "In these last days [God] has spoken to us by a Son... through whom he also created the worlds." Her approach is simultaneously intimate and archetypal: "Once upon a time there was no time.... There was only darkness and the waters of the deep and a father and son who watched over them." The son is at the heart of the tale, performing the acts of creation; the approving father names each of the son's works. Grimes captures the essence of a father/son relationship, with its mutual love and admiration, while also conveying the unique status of this particular father/son dynamic. Her lyrical gifts are everywhere in abundance, set out with a deceptive simplicity that evokes an oral tradition; fittingly, Morin's (The Orphan Boy) mixed-media illustrations also evoke the art of oral cultures. His animals, fish and flowers look as if they are made of fabric, embroidered or woven, painted on clay; the vivid colors look dyed; the patterns and designs conjure up images of indigenous art from around the world. This story speaks to the heart of Christian theology, stirringly depicting God's passionate love for creation, a love that would consent to become sacrificial--these complex lessons are implied, and the graceful delivery of sophisticated themes and imagery will entice readers to delve for such deeper meanings. All ages.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-John's Gospel insists that God's Son was present at creation: "and without him was made nothing that is made." Nevertheless it will come as a jolt to many readers of Grimes's creation story to have Jesus lending a hand at the dawn of time. The Father gives commands and names; the Son is the maker. Both creators express feelings about their work: longing and laughing, sighing and loving. For the most part, the language is dignified, though Jesus does instruct Adam and Eve to "Enjoy." Monotheists may feel that the plural pronoun makes too prominent an appearance in the last words of the book: "they rested." The art is bold and inventive. Across textured canvas, bumpy swirls of primary color, gaudy appliqu?s, and thick impastos riot. The art is never so abstract that it departs from the text, however, and while many spreads have a deep blue background, lighter pages do provide contrast. This is illustration that might inspire a child artist.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.