Kirkus Reviews

Caldecott Medalist Raschka examines the writings of the Apostle Paul, an early missionary of Christianity, with this interpretation of some selected words from his epistles. A brief first page introduces Paul and his belief in the teachings of Jesus, but that is the only mention of Jesus, and God is never mentioned in the book. The book's attractive design includes a double-page spread for each of the 14 books of the New Testament of the Christian Bible traditionally attributed to Paul. Each spread is structured as a letter, offering Paul's advice from the relevant book on how to live a good life. As these recommendations do not specifically refer to Jesus or God, it is not clear from the text that Paul was spreading the new religion of Christianity in his letters. The text consists of a few short quotes from each book, rephrased and condensed, with pertinent chapter and verse references at the bottoms of the pages. While many of the rephrased quotations are familiar passages, other widely known verses attributed to Paul are not included, such as the famous words from 1 Corinthians often read at weddings. The words of Paul are hand-lettered in pleasing arrangements, with related elements such as palm trees and columns integrated within the text and a view of Paul on each spread in the act of writing his letters. Raschka's loose watercolor illustrations show Paul as an aged man with brown skin and a white beard on the front and back covers; internal illustrations show him in different solid, pastel shades. This visually appealing introduction to Paul and his writing can serve as a useful starting point to help young readers understand a key figure in the spread of Christianity. (map) (Picture book/religion. 7-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Epistle, that fancy New Testament word, means letter, and Paul was a real human being who, -by writing letters to his friends,- the author asserts, -changed the world.- Caldecott Medalist Raschka (The Doorman-s Repose) paints Paul at his desk in bright colors, writing earnestly, the words floating around him on the page. With depth, he teases out the most important parts of the apostle-s teachings: -Dear Friends in Galatia, Only remember one thing: love others just the way you love yourselves.- Working in bold black outlines that illuminate the epistles, Raschka imagines the apostle bald, with a beard, wearing simple robes, sitting in a variety of rooms that reflect his journeys, until a subtle background shows him imprisoned in Rome. Sometimes Paul experiences consternation: -My earlier letter upset you. Good! Sometimes we need to be upset.- Sometimes he-s placid: -Be tenderhearted.- And sometimes he-s sagely funny: -Don-t be old lumps of bread. Be new lumps of bread.- Both those intimidated by and those appreciative of formal biblical prose will find Raschka-s version moving, real, and full of humanity: -I am sorry I have not come to you yet. I was feeling down.- Ages 6-up. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Sept.)

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Words and thoughts from Paul's epistles are presented in the form of friendly letters, with handwritten-looking font that uses different colors and sizes (biblical verses are cited at the end of each). Young people will get a view of Paul that is approachable and sympathetic. Fluid watercolor sketches of the man, along with other images, adorn each page, almost like an illuminated manuscript.

Starred Review ALA Booklist (Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Starred Review Writing a book about St. Paul's letters is a daunting task, especially when that book is aimed at children. But two-time Caldecott winner Raschka distills the material to its essence and brings close the messages of love and hope. In the vibrant art, with special care taken in the dynamic lettering, Paul remains in one place, at his desk, writing. He pens letters about hope, faith, and most of all, caring for others; he advises his correspondents to meditate on truth and to care for others. "Do not pick fights," he insists. Adults familiar with Paul know that his letters also reveal a man who was, at times, harsh and pompous, and to Raschka's credit, the text does hint at Paul's complicated personality, in both the quotes included and in the art. For instance, a frowning Paul writes to those in Thessalonica: "Now I hear some of you are busybodies. Please stop that." In an interesting choice, the name Jesus appears only once in the book, in a short note that talks about how Paul began to believe. Instead, Raschka chooses to focus on the eternal truths that are the backbone of Paul's letters. One important part of the book is the fact that the letters frequently name the women as well as the men who were early Christians, an often overlooked part of Christianity. A unique offering.