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Small Rain: Verses from the Bible
1971 HARDCOVER, clean and unmarked pages. Vibrant pages. Last few pages creased at corners. NO ugly remainder mark. No Dust Jacket. Shelf wear. Bumped corners.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1943
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 24, 2018
I gave this 1 stars because there is no story. Jessie takes passages from the bible and puts a picture with them. How does one get a writing or author credit when all Jessie did was pick out bible verses. The illustrated Elizabeth Orton Jones did all the work. Sounds like a married couple where the husband took credit for all the work. Another thing I didn't like was that none of the passages were cited on the page. I did see at the end that there was a list of citations for each page, but really, but can't cite it on the page.
The art work was decent, but it is not really a marriage of story and art. It is illustrating verses in a way to sort of tell a story. How did this win the Caldecott. All the children seemed white too - of course. This was back in the 1940s.
The kids read it.
The art work was decent, but it is not really a marriage of story and art. It is illustrating verses in a way to sort of tell a story. How did this win the Caldecott. All the children seemed white too - of course. This was back in the 1940s.
The kids read it.
November 12, 2019
Verses from the King James Bible are paired with adorable 1940s artwork in this beautiful picture-book from 1943, which was chosen as one of five Caldecott Honor Books in 1944. From Psalms - including the beloved twenty-third psalm - to Deuteronomy, Matthew to Ephesians, the textual selections here are taken from both the Old and New Testaments, while the artwork by Elizabeth Orton Jones depicts (then) contemporary children enjoying God's creation. A brief list of sources is included at the rear, for the reader unable to identify the texts used.
Having practically learned to read with the 1944 What Miranda Knew , which was also illustrated by Elizabeth Orton Jones, reading this book felt like coming home. Done in the same style as those in the Adshead book, these paintings are lovely - sweet and appealing and old-fashioned. Old-fashioned in style, that is, rather than content, for the cast of children depicted is surprisingly diverse for a book published in the 1940s. A young African-American boy, an Asian girl, and what could be (it's hard to tell) a Latino boy, are included in the group of children, playing together with all of their peers, and enjoying the world around them (as they should be!). I don't know that this is a book with strong appeal for a general audience, but for those looking for quality books with Christian content - Sunday Schools, perhaps? - this title is surely a winner.
Having practically learned to read with the 1944 What Miranda Knew , which was also illustrated by Elizabeth Orton Jones, reading this book felt like coming home. Done in the same style as those in the Adshead book, these paintings are lovely - sweet and appealing and old-fashioned. Old-fashioned in style, that is, rather than content, for the cast of children depicted is surprisingly diverse for a book published in the 1940s. A young African-American boy, an Asian girl, and what could be (it's hard to tell) a Latino boy, are included in the group of children, playing together with all of their peers, and enjoying the world around them (as they should be!). I don't know that this is a book with strong appeal for a general audience, but for those looking for quality books with Christian content - Sunday Schools, perhaps? - this title is surely a winner.
June 15, 2019
A Goodreads friend mentioned this book in reference to the diverse selection of children portrayed within. While it might not be that diverse by today's standards, it's not completely white, either, which was probably quite unusual for the time it was published... in the 1940s! There are a number of children of colour portrayed alongside their white friends, and all of the kids are... well, just being kids.
The strength of this book is its artwork, and I can see why it got the Caldecott Honor in 1944. The children are adorable, and even though the pictures are limited in their colour palette, they're engaging and sweet. The text, on the other hand, is where the book kind of falls apart. Some of these verses are going to be difficult for even Christian kids to swallow. The stilted language of the King James version of the Bible is used, with all its thees and thous, making for a bit of a slog and quite a few places that will trip up the tongue. The Golden Rule is there, though you could be forgiven for not noticing; I kind of doubt that most of the audience for this book is going to be able to understand:
I mean, the accompanying illustration is adorable, but I'm barely able to make sense of that collection of words as an adult! Grammar has changed since the early 1600s; if you want children to understand the Bible, you probably shouldn't use the King James text!
I wouldn't mind seeing if this author illustrated anything else, because her drawings of children are very cute. But I'm afraid the text in this one just doesn't do it for me. I'm not going to critique the Bible here, but I just don't feel like these verses (and the language they're written in) are suitable for a children's picture book. This would probably be a hard sell even for today's Christian kids.
Quotable moment:
The strength of this book is its artwork, and I can see why it got the Caldecott Honor in 1944. The children are adorable, and even though the pictures are limited in their colour palette, they're engaging and sweet. The text, on the other hand, is where the book kind of falls apart. Some of these verses are going to be difficult for even Christian kids to swallow. The stilted language of the King James version of the Bible is used, with all its thees and thous, making for a bit of a slog and quite a few places that will trip up the tongue. The Golden Rule is there, though you could be forgiven for not noticing; I kind of doubt that most of the audience for this book is going to be able to understand:
Be ye kind one to another,
Tenderhearted, forgiving one another.
All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
Do ye even so to them.
I mean, the accompanying illustration is adorable, but I'm barely able to make sense of that collection of words as an adult! Grammar has changed since the early 1600s; if you want children to understand the Bible, you probably shouldn't use the King James text!
I wouldn't mind seeing if this author illustrated anything else, because her drawings of children are very cute. But I'm afraid the text in this one just doesn't do it for me. I'm not going to critique the Bible here, but I just don't feel like these verses (and the language they're written in) are suitable for a children's picture book. This would probably be a hard sell even for today's Christian kids.
Quotable moment:
January 25, 2013
Nice pairing of illustrations of children in all kinds of activities (reading, singing and making music, taking in the stars, enjoying the outdoors, being together) with selected verses from the Bible. Although the illustrations have a 1940s cuteness that might not be sophisticated to stand up today (think Precious Moments crossed with Hummels), there is also a freshness and ingenuity to them, and the little details are often amusing. It might need translating for children now, but could be a nice doorway for 60-year-olds to rekindle memories and connect with the Bible through those memories.
March 28, 2012
Caldecott Honor--1944
I love Orton Jones' sweet, detailed illustrations. This was an excellent example of "pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept," as stated in the Caldecott criteria. I believe that she has made those Bible verses come alive for small children, enhancing the text.
I love Orton Jones' sweet, detailed illustrations. This was an excellent example of "pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept," as stated in the Caldecott criteria. I believe that she has made those Bible verses come alive for small children, enhancing the text.
December 17, 2013
Normally I hate it when books like this and songbooks win the Caldecott, because there is usually not any skill involved, you are just selecting parts of other people’s work. Cases in point, anything selected by Marjorie Torrey and illustrated by Opal Wheeler. This book won a 1944 Caldecott Honor. However, like “Animals of the Bible, A Picture Book” illustrated by Dorothy P. Lanthrop, which won the very first Caldecott Medal in 1938, this had charming little illustrations done by Elizabeth Orton Jones. It’s not that I have anything against kids reading Bible verses (I read a toddler Bible to my son occasionally), but I feel that by selecting text from a pre-established source you’re taking away an award from somebody who actually came up with a real story from scratch. Rant over. Recommended for ages 2-7, 3 stars.
October 5, 2017
Every page of this book made me squeal or gasp or “aww” with delight. I’m absolutely in love with the sweet children in the illustrations. Their sense of innocence just tugs at my heartstrings, and the detail in their faces, clothes, and toys is just lovely. The illustrator’s style reminds me somewhat of Eloise Wilkin, whose books were among my childhood favorites. I love the way the book makes Biblical passages relevant to kids by using scenes from everyday life. There are so many wonderful images in this book, it would be impossible to name one favorite, but I think the one that sticks with me the most is the one where all the kids sit on the step of the schoolhouse making joyful noises unto the Lord. I want to own a copy of this book now!
October 19, 2016
Bible Bible Bible.
It's just a bunch of verses from the Bible, with some kind of maudlin, Precious Moments-style illustrations. I mean, they're cute, but sappy.
The Bible verses are all clean and not scary, of course. They're all about things like “children are good” and “be nice to other people” and The Lord's Prayer and stuff like that. Some stuff from Psalms. “Share.” “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” That kind of thing.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's just a bunch of verses from the Bible, with some kind of maudlin, Precious Moments-style illustrations. I mean, they're cute, but sappy.
The Bible verses are all clean and not scary, of course. They're all about things like “children are good” and “be nice to other people” and The Lord's Prayer and stuff like that. Some stuff from Psalms. “Share.” “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” That kind of thing.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
January 10, 2012
I enjoyed the illustrations to this book. I enjoy some of the older picture books that show a slice of what everyday life looked like in the 1930's and 40's. Interesting how scenes of children playing haven't changed that much, even if the clothing they wear has. Lot's of scenes of cute kids without being too sickly sweet.
May 29, 2012
I quite liked the charming illustrations; they reminded me of Robert McCloskey. The bible verses were not "dumbed down" at all for easier understanding, but the illustrations helped make the meanings clearer. One African American child was depicted in several of the drawings. Just one; always the same boy. But at least he was there, and not depicted in just a supporting role.
June 29, 2012
Well known Bible verses paired with sweet illustrations of children. Illustrations appear in full page layouts and vignettes. They are sepia-toned for the most part, but some are highlighted with yellow. The verses chosen and the pleasant way in which each verse is visually presented makes for an all together satisfying read. Must read/see!
May 4, 2015
This is a book for all ages. Beautiful illustrations and timeless Bible verses. I can't remember when I first came across it, but it was on the bookshelf during my children's growing up years. It is sad that some think it cannot be understood by children today, a reflection of our dumbed down culture and the opprobrium cast on anything of a religious nature.
January 14, 2012
This is a collection of bible verses for children with "contemporary" illustrations.
Interesting that in the illustrations that have a large group of kids (about 3), one is Asian and one is Black. It makes me wonder if that was seen as progressive - especially since 2 are clearly school scenes.
Interesting that in the illustrations that have a large group of kids (about 3), one is Asian and one is Black. It makes me wonder if that was seen as progressive - especially since 2 are clearly school scenes.
August 28, 2012
I immediately thought of Rachel Field's Prayer for a Child when I saw this. No wonder. The illustrator is the same. She creates very sweet/romanticized pictures to go with well known and often loved verses from the Bible.
December 23, 2015
This is a collection of Bible verses with illustrations to compliment them. I thought the illustrations were beautiful and it was nice to see some attempt at diversity in such an early picture book as there are token images of an African American boy and an Asian girl.
May 19, 2011
Sweet drawings of little children to accompany Bible verses.
Caldecott honor.
Caldecott honor.
January 19, 2012
I loved the illustrations in this one....almost enough for me to give it a 3...almost. I had to "translate" the text for my kiddos to understand it.
April 15, 2012
The text is dated and religious in nature so it won't appeal to many, anymore. The artwork, however is beautiful.
May 24, 2013
1944 Caldecott Honor
Beautiful illustrations!
Beautiful illustrations!
July 5, 2016
Beautiful illustrations
June 17, 2019
I read this on loan from the Internet Archive.
I really loved this book. I wish the citations had been on the pages themselves instead of in the back, but this was a lovely collection of verses. The illustrations are not as noteworthy artistically as some more recent Caldecotts, but they were of excellent quality nonetheless, and they did an amazing job of subtly interpreting the Scripture and showing its application in children's lives.
I really loved this book. I wish the citations had been on the pages themselves instead of in the back, but this was a lovely collection of verses. The illustrations are not as noteworthy artistically as some more recent Caldecotts, but they were of excellent quality nonetheless, and they did an amazing job of subtly interpreting the Scripture and showing its application in children's lives.
July 10, 2019
Love the juxtaposition of the verses and the illustrations, they connect with each other so well, the illustrations are simple and lovely.
August 4, 2019
The bible verses were fine and fit the topic, but the yellow coloring and insipid pictures were off-putting. As were the only two token POC.
May 10, 2022
What a beautiful little book! And I was surprised to see a multiracial representation of children -- unusual for a book from 1944.
July 22, 2024
Why doesn’t Goodreads have a photo of this Caldecott Honor Book? Vintage looking illustrations reflecting children’s application of biblical verses which constitute the text. I applaud the use of scripture and the cute, albeit simple, illustrations.
January 7, 2012
1944 Caldecott Honor
Favorite Illustration: p.11 Where the kids are resting by a river.
Kid-appeal--lovely, lovely illustrations. The appeal of the text will depend on the child and their familiarity with bible verses.
Favorite Illustration: p.11 Where the kids are resting by a river.
Kid-appeal--lovely, lovely illustrations. The appeal of the text will depend on the child and their familiarity with bible verses.
April 6, 2020
Although there is no story at all here (only Bible verses), the pictures are sweet, although very dated.
October 7, 2023
Various Bible verses are taken from the King James Version and paired with illustrations of children doing assorted activities. I enjoyed the passages and the pictures.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews