Starred Review ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Using crisp color photographs and short sentences, the authors describe what comprises faith. As the book informs readers, "In our world, there are many faiths," and the celebration of faith occurs through prayer, singing, the reading of holy books, cleansing rituals, and performing good deeds. Explanations appear primarily in the captions of photos of children from around the world at worship. Set against the pure colors of the double-page spreads, these photos often show the children in traditional attire as they perform religious rites and obligations. For the most part, this photo-essay does a good job of depicting children across the spectrum of individual religions. For instance, there are Jewish boys with side curls and a father and son dressed casually as they light a Hanukkah menorah. Supporting the text is strong back matter that explains the elements of faith in more detail and a glossary that defines religious words. A solid addition to the 200 shelves.

Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Engaging photographs and simple text work together to introduce religious beliefs and practices to readers. Children are shown praying, reading holy books, attending religious schools, celebrating, eating special foods, and wearing traditional clothes. The universal concepts of caring for others, helping those in need, and making peace are highlighted. A world map is included. Glos.

Kirkus Reviews

This impeccably designed introduction to spiritual practices around the world provides a superb way to show children that there are many means of expressing religious faith. The authors concentrate on what people of disparate faiths have in common by focusing on the mutual "elements of faith" that most religions share, such as praying, reading holy books, participating in cleansing rituals, visiting holy places and helping others. The exceptionally thoughtful design uses just a few sentences of text set in large type against backgrounds of deep, saturated color. Each spread shows multiple photographs of children from many different cultures engaging in their own religious activities, with simple captions identifying the activity and the particular country and/or faith. Noteworthy care was taken in the choice of engaging, nonstereotypical and inclusive photographs, and the quality of the photography and reproduction is stellar. The concluding pages include an amplified text describing the elements of faith in more detail, a world map showing all the countries noted in the photo captions and a glossary of religious terms. This introduction to world religions deserves a wide audience. (Picture book/religion. 3-10)

School Library Journal (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

K-Gr 4- Faith explores through full-color photographs the many ways in which the world celebrates and practices religious belief, highlighting the common threadspraying and meditating, chants and songs, holy books, cleansing, holy places, holidays and festivals, important events, dress, food and drink, and helping others. Spare text accompanies the pictures of children and identifies the specific religion and practices. Concluding notes for adults to share with youngsters provide more information on each one. The excellent photographs are clear and colorful and invite careful observation. A world map showing the various homes of the children depicted is included. As stated in the book, "Faith highlights the common threads that bring people together in reverence and joy." Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA