From Publishers Weekly
Tackling complex theological issues, this illuminating book for the most part succeeds in introducing children to the concepts surrounding baptism. As Wangerin (Probity Jones and the Fear Not Angel) explains, his approach is structured on a passage from Romans 8: "The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God." Here, benevolently personified, the sun, a cloud, rain, wind, seed and water take turns describing their contributions to a child's baptism as they welcome the child into creation. Their words exemplify concepts of resurrection and growth, although Wangerin includes one somewhat discordant reference to the cleansing aspects of baptism: "I am the water they washed you in/... Clean from the devil! Clean from sin." Odd grammar ("I am the water went under the ground") and occasional cutesiness mar what is otherwise graceful, stirring verse: "I rode the wind to the edge of the skies/ And cried to the sun, 'Sun, shine on me/ For the child below, so the child can see/ A flaming raining-bow!'" Suz n (Butterfly Boy), in his friendly, candy-colored illustrations, joins Wangerin in stressing baptism as a dramatic entrance into the community of faith. It's a lot to take in, but Wangerin provides several pages of excellent resources for family Bible study, exploring the scriptural sources behind his story and making the theological concepts both accessible and engaging. All ages. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.



"Belongs in the Faith Chest of every child. It should be worn out by parents, grandparents, and godparents as they tend the child's baptismal journey."



"A lilting, bright reminder of the gifts of baptism."


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"A masterful synthesis of doctrine shared by Christians in all churches. Relates biblical teaching to the primal elements of creation in a way parents can teach and children can understand. My own faith was renewed as I read it. Every child of God should have it." (---The Rev. Canon J. Robert Wright) General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church


Book Description
The perfect gift to make a child feel special---like part of the most wonderful family in the world. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Gerardo Suzan, this is a wonderfully imagined story of God's power and love joined in the baptism event---a story that will grow richer in meaning each time the book is read. Plus, following the story are pages of illustrated thoughts and ideas to trigger family discussions about the significance of baptism, its links to God's biblical story, and to the lives of the readers.


About the Author
Walter Wangrin Jr. is an internationally known storyteller and the best-selling author of books for children and adults: The Bedtime Rhyme, In The Beginning There Was No Sky, and The Book of God. Illustrator: Gerardo Suzn is the winner of Mexico's most important graphics/illustration award, Premio Antoniorrobles, and has illustrated more than twenty books for children. He lives in Torreon, Mexico.


Excerpted from Water, Come Down! : The Day You Were Baptized by Walter Wangerin, Gerardo Suzan. Copyright © 1999. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
I am the sun. I am fire and light. I'm the first one At the end of the night Who heard of your naming day. God told me to whisper The news to my sister: A child will be named today. God created everything: light and sky and water, sun and moon and stars, vegetable life and animal life---and us. Human beings. It would have been fine. All would have been well between us and God and everything else; but sin entered in. Our sin separated us from God. It even grieved creation, as St. Paul says in Romans 8: 'The creations waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God . . . in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay.' As in sin, so in grace: all creation is bound together. When God reaches down to love us and to adopt us by Baptism, creation itself rejoices in the 'revealing of the children of God.' So I've written a story in which both God and creation delight in a particular child---in your child. And I've drawn upon the rich heritage of Scripture throughout. Each speaker of God's glad word (sun, cloud, rain, wind) also carries a sacred meaning. And the best person to reveal that meaning to your child is you. On the following pages I have identified the Bible passages you may use to tell your child the 'rest of the story.' Read the biblical texts by yourself first, then share them with the child in your own words. Talk about their meaning for both of you, children of God through Baptism. Talk about your own experience with these two Baptisms---yours and the child's. And here are ways to enhance the settings for your discussions. --Bring out memorabilia of the child's Baptism: a baptismal gown, certificate, photographs. --Light a candle---a baptismal candle, if you have one. --Go outside to see and feel the sun, the wind, the rain---or to view a rainbow. --Plant a seed and let the child tend and water it. Together watch it come to new life from its 'grave' in the soil. --Visit your church after services to study the symbols and baptismal font. --And surely, attend Baptisms at church with your child. God bless you and your child in this wonderful teaching! ---Walter Wangerin Jr.

ANNOTATION

Sun, cloud, rain, wind, water, and the whole of creation join family and friends in celebrating the baptism of a child of God.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly