This review is part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series.
Visit her site to see the other books recommended.
Visit her site to see the other books recommended.
Title: God Bless the Gargoyles
Author and illustrator:
Dav Pilkey - http://www.pilkey.com/
Publication date: July 26, 1999
Publisher: Voyager Books; 1st Ed edition
Suitable for ages: 5 and up
Themes: Character and Values
Opening Sentences:
In a long-ago time, when long-ago peoples
were building cathedrals and raising up steeples,
they crafted stone creatures and set them on perches
to guard and protect and watch over churches.
A sneak peak inside God Bless the Gargoyles
Why I like this book:
I like the way Dav Pilkey tells the story of the Gargoyles. He explains why they were made as protectors and how they were misjudged. When he introduces the angels as rescuers it becomes uplifting to read. Also, my kids and I enjoyed the rhyming and richly painted illustrations.
Synopsis:
Taken directly from David Pilkey’s website-
“In a story that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt lonely or neglected, the gargoyles--the grotesque stone guardians of Gothic architecture--feel misunderstood by the world, until gentle angels come to console them. A moving, rhyming tale about gargoyles and the angels who bring solace to them and to all creatures who are rejected and unloved.”
I found a review from a customer (anonymous) on Amazon.com I thought I should share-
"I have read this book regularly to groups of emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children for two years. These are children hardened by lifetimes of physical and sexual abuse and chaotic environments. This is the only one of the many stories I read for them that truly touches more than a few of them. Most applaud. A few cry. Some have been able to use the story to build an understanding of their own feelings of abandonment and need for belonging…”
Resources
If you wish to read the entire story it is at this website:
Go directly to Pilkey’s website for fun facts, puzzles and quizzes on God Bless the Gargoyles http://www.pilkey.com/bookview.php?id=12
Make your own gargoyles and stained glass churches like the one below.
Supplies Needed
Black construction paper
White paper
Tissue Paper
Glue
Scissors
Thanks for your visit today!
This sounds like a wonderful book, Jen - thanks so much for sharing. It's far from Dav Pilkey's usual MO, so I'm very interested to read it. I think that amazon review is amazing - pretty strong recommendation for a book! thanks for this great addition to our list! (And hopefully your link is up now - sorry for the delay - crazy day over here!)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's not like the other very popular titles he's written/illustrated. YOu won't be disappointed with one though. Thanks for stopping by Susanna
DeleteThis book sounds so interesting and different. I love the "make your gargoyle" activity.
ReplyDeleteThank you Penny!
DeleteWow! Never realized that a story about gargoyles could take on such a profound meaning to abused children. But, it makes sense. Great review and pictures. Will have to look this one up. Thanks Jennifer. And congratulations on becoming a new author!
ReplyDeleteMe neither Patricia. I wasn't surprise though after reading this book. It's a keeper for sure. Thanks for the kind words! I'm so excited about the publication today. Still on cloud nine :)
DeleteIt has been many years since I have read this book. I am so glad you featured it. I am a big fan of Dav Pilkey. I think many people think of him only as the author of Captain Underpants. However, he has so many other great picture books.
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on MeeGenius! It is sooo awesome!
Eric, I thought YOU had suggested it in the 12 x12 last week (I guess someone else did) so anyway I picked it up from the library. It actually was on display there AND the librarian was all gushy gushy over it saying it was new favorite book. Anyway, thanks for stopping by and thanks for the congrats on my book. So excited!!!
DeleteWhat an intriguingly thoughtful book! Wonderful that it means so much to abused kids.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for bringing it to our attention!
You're welcome Beth! I can see how it helps those kids in need after reading the whole book. Thanks for stopping by today.
DeleteWhat an interesting book. I love books in which I learn something, and I had no idea about the history of gargoyles. Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteOh good kirsten, so glad you learned something new! Thanks for your visit :)
DeleteHi Jen, what a lovely review of this book - it does seem like the paintings are breath taking. And I loved the pictures of the gargoyles too - I am deeply fascinated by them as well. Great recommended activities too. Many thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Myra and you're welcome, so glad you stopped by.
DeleteWhat a cool book! The illustrations look awesome :) A very different type of book than the Captain Underpants books I've read by Mr. Pilkey! I really never thought about the history behind gargoyles! This is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Erik! I'm glad you found the review interesting. It's definitely different than some of his other stuff.
DeleteThanks for your visit :)
Sounds like a really great book. I haven't read this one. I will have to put it on my checkout list. Thanks for sharing. Congrats again -Let's put our hands together for the new published author
ReplyDeleteJENNIFER YOUNG.
You're welcome Cheryl. :-) This one is flows right off you tongue. I love the story and the way it rhymes.
DeleteThank you so much!!! I love this writing community, everyone is so supportive here. I'm still on cloud nine with the news. Happy dancing over here.
How wonderful, this has to be my favorite this week. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh is it, that's fantastic! I still need to visit everyones. Busy weekend here. Thanks so much for stopping by Catherine :)
DeleteJennifer...5 gold stars to you for this book selection!!!
ReplyDeleteAny book that helps kids, who have had life's worst dumped on them, is a winner in my book. :)
Your resources are great also...thank you so much! This is one I want for myself. :)
Oh thanks for my stars Vivian!!! I'm glad you found the resourse helpful. :)
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