This collection of quotes from Pope John Paul II is a testimonial to his love and respect for the children of the world. Each page offers a stirring, inspirational message that speaks to important Catholic themes in childhood, such as "Family," "School," "Prayer," "Suffering," "Peace," and "My First Communion." Alongside each quote there is an exquisite color photograph of a child or group of children that embodies the theme.

Under the opening heading "Greeting," Pope John Paul offered these words in an address to a crowd of 10,000 children at Vatican City: "The Pope wishes well to everyone, but he has a preference for the youngest, because they had a special place in the heart of Christ, who wished to remain with the children and to talk with the young. He addressed his call to the young especially, and John, the youngest apostle, was his favorite." What child would not feel honored and captivated by such a respectful invitation? This is an excellent gift book for Catholic children, who will certainly beam with pride, prayer, and purpose upon reading this loving tribute. --Gail Hudson


From Publishers Weekly
This beautifully produced, thoughtfully conceived book seems an ideal ceremonial gift for a Catholic child. Excerpts from pope John Paul II's letters and speeches to children serve as text, and his words embody both comfort and challenge. Speaking about world issues (poverty, "groups who do violence," illiteracy) and about such concepts as love, hope and prayer, the pontiff addresses children as full participants in the Christian faith. "The Pope counts very much on your prayers," he writes. "We must pray together and pray hard, that humanity, made up of billions of human beings, may become more and more the family of God and able to live in peace." Glowing color photos of the Pope and of cherubic children who make up his international audience strike a reverent yet tender tone. Offering communion, visiting a classroom, embracing or being embraced by children, the pope projects affection, while the children themselves, many dressed in national costumes, are the very picture of innocence and piety. From the padded cover to the ornate black-and-white capitals to the tiny reproductions of paintings of angels and saints above the page numbers, the production values are uniformly high. Several purely Catholic references, e.g., to God's call "to live in marriage or to be priests," and the pope's delivery itself indicate the original Catholic audience for his remarks; accordingly, this book will be of interest primarily to Catholic families. A Spanish-language edition, Para los ni?os ($16.95 -14718-2) will be released simultaneously. Ages 7-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-6-Fourteen inspirational selections from the writings, prayers, and speeches of Pope John Paul II. Most are short, generally between 5 to 10 lines, and are accompanied by a full-color photograph, often of the Pope with children. Themes are school, home, family, faith, prayer, etc. Each piece includes the place (but not the date) of its issuance (e.g., "Speech to children in Drogheda, Ireland"). Useful for libraries with requests for the Pope's words or his messages to young people.Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Excerpts from letters and speeches by Pope John Paul II are juxtaposed with full-color photographs from his many visits with children around the world, from Ecuador to South Korea. Each excerpt and photo falls under a general heading, such as "Hope," "Faith," and "School," but the pope has words on violence and suffering as well. Also included are black-and-white photographs of the young Karol Wojtyla, as an 11-year-old altar boy and on the day of his First Communion in 1929. This book, of course, will appeal to many Catholics, but the pope's faith in children transcends one religion. A beautifully made, well-thought-out volume with a message of respect for children and welcome spiritual advice for being strong in today's world. Kathy Broderick


Card catalog description
A collection of addresses by His Holiness John Paul II, in which he provides words of inspiration particular to young people to guide them in making life choices.

ANNOTATION

A collection of addresses by His Holiness John Paul II, in which he provides words of inspiration particular to young people to guide them in making life choices.

SYNOPSIS

Over the years, His Holiness John Paul has asked the children of the world to do what they can to promote love and peace. Now, for the first time, families can share -- and children can easily read -- what the Pontiff has to say to guide them in making life choices. A devotional keepsake album -- with a special padded cover -- FOR THE CHILDREN features carefully selected quotations from the Pope's prolific writings and speeches and offers messages of inspiration and spiritual guidance. Throughout, the Pontiff's words are poignantly reflected in radiant full-color photographs of His Holiness with children.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This beautifully produced, thoughtfully conceived book seems an ideal ceremonial gift for a Catholic child. Excerpts from pope John Paul II's letters and speeches to children serve as text, and his words embody both comfort and challenge. Speaking about world issues (poverty, "groups who do violence," illiteracy) and about such concepts as love, hope and prayer, the pontiff addresses children as full participants in the Christian faith. "The Pope counts very much on your prayers," he writes. "We must pray together and pray hard, that humanity, made up of billions of human beings, may become more and more the family of God and able to live in peace." Glowing color photos of the Pope and of cherubic children who make up his international audience strike a reverent yet tender tone. Offering communion, visiting a classroom, embracing or being embraced by children, the pope projects affection, while the children themselves, many dressed in national costumes, are the very picture of innocence and piety. From the padded cover to the ornate black-and-white capitals to the tiny reproductions of paintings of angels and saints above the page numbers, the production values are uniformly high. Several purely Catholic references, e.g., to God's call "to live in marriage or to be priests," and the pope's delivery itself indicate the original Catholic audience for his remarks; accordingly, this book will be of interest primarily to Catholic families. A Spanish-language edition, Para los ni os ($16.95 -14718-2) will be released simultaneously. Ages 7-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

One of the rules of writing is "Don't preach." Many novice children's authors are strongly motivated and want to convey the truths they've learned through experience, but the fastest way to turn off readers is to lecture them. There are rare exceptions, however. For The Children: Words of Love and Inspiration from His Holiness Pope John Paul II is wise in both content and construction. The book's producers have gathered the Pope's collected writings and speeches into this handsome offering. Colorful photographs show the Pope's love and respect in his relationships with children. Clarity, sincerity, and spirituality shine from its pages. 2000, Scholastic, Ages 6 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde

Parent Council Reviews

Pope John Paul II is renowned for his writings which are read and admired by people of all faiths all over the world. This is a gorgeous volume of selected texts by His Holiness directed to children, around the world. Illustrated with stunning photographs, each page focuses on a theme: family, school, holidays, prayer, suffering, etc. A wonderful gift for any child on a religious occasion or birthday. 2000, Scholastic, Inc., $16.95. Ages 5 to 12. Reviewer: A. Braga SOURCE: Parent Council Volume 8

School Library Journal