The Genesis of It All
Imagining God in the act of creation, this picture book retells the familiar story from the Book of Genesis. A poet with a background in Bible translation, Shaw knows something about the creative process as well as biblical texts. She offers insights into the mind of the Maker, when, after imagining animals and breathing them to life, God thinks "Excellent! Good work,Godwork, if I do say so myself." The text follows the outline of the traditional story, though stopping more than once to observe, "We don't know how it happened. We weren't there to see." More informal than most Bible translations, the language is sometimes prosaic, but at other times it is invigorated by this less-than-traditional approach. The artwork, in black and white until the creation of color on the third day, pulses with energy. Sweeping lines express the forces of the universe and varied forms and colors celebrate the diversity found in nature. A fine, modern alternative to more traditional tellings of the oldest story.Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved