Papa Giovanni XXIII (1881–1963)

I received a copy of this book from Eerdmans via the Early Reviewers program. It is a beautifully illustrated book. The paintings are dreamlike and evocative. Upon reading it myself I thought "This is a picture book for adults, it only looks like a children's book". I appreciate the message of wisdom, which as another reviewer has pointed out, is universal enough to appeal to non-Catholics or even non-Christians, and combined with the gorgeous Mediterranean illustrations, it was a reading show more experience I could enjoy again and again. I then snagged a passing five-year-old to test the not-a-children's-book hypothesis. (Full disclosure: said five-year-old liked having Robert McCloskey's "Time of Wonder" read to her, and may have a penchant for evocative paintings and peaceful text.) She liked the book a great deal, although most of her comments and questions seemed to deal with the small blue deer that the child in the book carries around with him on every page -- there is enough visual interest in each illustration to keep a child captivated through multiple readings. It was a good enough book that I am considering preserving it for future reading by hand-binding the sheaf of loose pages that Eerdmans mails out for their ER books. show less

I am always on the lookout for good Catholic books for my school library. This book definitely fits the bill. Beautifully illustrated, this book brings Saint John XXIII's philosophy to life. This great man, had a wonderful, attainable philosophy, which still is useful to today's busy life. Every page provided a different gem and word of wisdom from the beloved pontiff.

The illustrations are a true gem here. Everywhere I look there are symbols and hidden things to explore and ponder the show more meaning about. What is their symbolism? Is it the illustrator's signature or are they symbolic to Catholicism or Saint John XXIII? The applications with students are endless. While stylistically Bimba Landmann's illustrations are not my favorite (mainly due to the yellow pallor of the subjects), there is so much to look at that I can't help but be intrigued by the narrative the illustrator has created. Landmann created almost a mythical world - a mix between the middle Eastern roots of Catholicism with the Italian world of Rome. I'm not quite sure what this world is, but I know I like it. show less

I received this lovely small unbound book via the early review program. The opening page states that when Angelo Roncalli, later Saint John XXIII, received his first communion, he noted "I want always to be good to everyone." Throughout his life he continued to hold steadfast to his original thought/feeling.

This book is a wonderfully illustrated book of his life-long intentions. The illustrations are quite lovely.
The text is eloquently written and serves as a reminder to life simply, love show more often and enjoy each precious day.

The papers were not bound, thus it was difficult to follow the pattern of the writing. This very much took away from the joy of the book. However, I liked the illustrations enough to follow more of the unique artistry. show less

This is an excellent example of a picture book for the whole family! It consists of ten resolutions, repetitively introduced "Just for today, I will..." and beautifully illustrated by Bimba Landmann. I have enjoyed Landmann's work since first finding "Clare and Francis." Her depictions of the ten daily goals reflect a modern take on a highly stylized approach heavily influenced by medieval art and illumination, including a touch of whimsy and suggesting a Mediterranean setting. Though penned show more by St. John XXIII, the Pope associated with Vatican II, these brief reflections are general enough to hold interest for non-Catholic and even non-Christian families, and the enchanting pictoral settings offer extensive re-reading and reflection opportunities. show less