The Little Soul and the Sun

March 2, 1998
Though his Conversations with God, Book 1 may be a bestseller, Walsch's attempts to scale down part of that book into a work for children may well leave young readers, and their parents, scratching their heads. In this utterly confusing parable, a little soul discusses at length with God how he can learn to experience who he really is and which "part of special" he wants to be. The little soul decides he wants to be forgiving; thus another little soul soon obliges by offering to do something "not-so-nice," so that the first little soul can experience forgiveness. Amid the cryptic phrasing and the often cumbersome sentence structures, some strong imagery and positive Christian attitudes do come through. Such messages as "everybody is special, each in their own way" and "it is special to be kind; it is special to be creative" are important for all children to hear, regardless of their faith. Unfortunately, some readers may not stick with this story long enough to glean such lessons. Riccio's scene of child-angels in monk-like frocks walking on what appear to be clouds will surely inspire further questions about perceptions of Heaven. Ages 6-10.

July 1, 1998
This confusing parable about a "Little Soul"--an angel--who embarks on a quest to gain knowledge of himself as a being of light by purposefully seeking darkness strains to be original and significant. Rendered in the heavenly colors of skies and sunsets, the greeting-card-quality art suits a story full of spiritual platitudes.

(Copyright 1998 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)