The coverage is more broad than deep, as one might expect in an overview, but there is still good information here. The book begins with a chapter of questions and answers. What is religion? Is there a God? Can I talk to God? Does everyone believe in God? among others. The material then divides by location: religions from the Middle East, from East Asia, from other areas around the globe. The amount of information on the individual religions varies, with material on Christianity leading at eight pages. Photographs mingle with stilted watercolors. Sometimes the captions are more confusing than helpful. Early on, for example, there's a painting simply labeled Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. This gets a slightly longer explanation in the chapter on Judaism, but sharp-eyed students will note the picture is the same in both places. The maps, which show only dominant religions, are not especially helpful. Young students may find this a starting place for reports, but they will need more information to build on. A glossary is appended. For larger libraries.

Arranged by geographical location, this useful resource provides a balanced overview of the principles, practices, symbols, and ceremonies of twelve world religions (and extremely brief glances at African, Native American, and Aboriginal religions). The inconsistent quality of the illustrations detracts from the otherwise accessible presentation. Glos., ind.

Gr 3-6-Glossop devotes one to four spreads to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Readers learn of the basic teachings and beliefs, scriptures, religious leaders, sacred places, and sacred events involved in each faith and a quick-fact box outlines the statistics and major tenets. However, the single-page sections covering indigenous religions from Africa, North America, and Australia are less useful because of their brevity. Illustrations meld effectively with narrative; Mantha's bright watercolors picture symbols, gods, and rituals, artistically drawing readers from point to point. A few well-placed photographs add to the text: sacred places such as the Lingaraj temple in India, an ancient mosque in Cordoba, and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and sacred objects such as a reclining Buddha in Thailand, a Muslim mihrab (prayer alcove), and an Australian Aboriginal painting. For a more concise and clear explanation of basic religious beliefs, see Mary Pope Osborne's One World, Many Religions (Knopf, 1996), and for a basic explanation of the history of religion, refer to Betsy Maestro's The Story of Religion (Clarion, 1993) or Myrtle Langley's Religion (Knopf, 1996). Kids Book can be used as an additional introduction for browsers and report writers because of its brief insight into religion and its multitude of illuminating watercolors.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.