This book is the result of my deep love of the variety of goddesses from all across the globe. I wanted something that would introduce my children to this variety, but could find nothing. As Toni Morrison said, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." So I did.
A beautifully illustrated book with a rhyming verse depicting 26 different Goddesses, arranged alphabetically, from multiple pantheons and cultures from around the world. An excellent introduction for the very young to the wide range of historic and current belief systems.
Professional Reviews
The ABC Book of Goddesses is a fantastic children's book featuring various Goddesses from around the world
From Aphrodite to Zoe, The ABC Book of Goddesses is a fantastic children's book featuring various Goddesses from around the world. Each line in playful rhyme from page to page and each Goddess is elegantly and accurately represented in each illustration too. I suggest for further study, you learn more about each individual Goddesses listed in the book.
A Great Way to Spark Interest in Goddess
The ABC Book of Goddesses includes twenty-six Goddesses from at least fifteen different pantheons, depending upon one’s historical perspective. Written in rhyming prose, a single sentence is used to describe each of the deities as they are perceived by mortals throughout time. Some, like Aphrodite and Gaia, are well-known names from stories you already love. Others, like Quades and Xilonen, may be names you’ve never heard before, from pantheons about which you’re not familiar. I suspect the author would be thrilled to learn readers were inspired to do a little research upon sharing the book with their children in order to teach them more about these Goddesses, and many others which have been recognized by various peoples and cultures throughout history all over the world.
Ann Tendler has obviously done her research well, representing each of the Goddesses with colorful illustrations which subtly highlight many of the aspects for which each of the deities is known. Using fine art and digital techniques, she captures the essence of each of the Goddesses, telling a bit of their stories in the background of many of the vibrant illustrations.
This read-aloud book is an excellent tool to use in introducing many of the Goddesses to children and to spark their interest in learning more about the world around them, as well as a starting point for a life-long companionship with all those whom we call Goddess.
teaching girls about body image? and appreciating differences?
There is so much to say about this book! I have a daughter who is 9 years old and she is just now beginning to take an interest to modern main stream media, models and fashion. She is exploring her identity. I really appreciate finding a book that has depicted so many diverse aspects of female nature, from maiden to crone, as well as females from cultures other than the standard pop culture that my daughter is now being exposed to. I just wish there were more books like this! I think it's important for young girls to recognize the many facets of being female.
Pengey Penguin takes us on a memorable journey where an unlikely character, twists of fate, and minor miracles help him and his rag-tag Army of little fury animals save Christmas.325 page read to me 4-8 - 9 up reads very quickly.
