Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

K-Gr 2—dePaola introduces this title as a reflection on the Old Testament's Psalm 148 and Canticle 13, Song of the Three Young Men, each of which expresses praise and exhorts blessings for the goodness of God's creation. This short, poetic rendition is illustrated with milky watercolor paintings that, according to the artist, were inspired by the art of the Otomi people of Puebla, Mexico. Each spread addresses aspects of the natural world, e.g., "Sun and Moon,/Stars and comets in the heavens./Praise God," accompanied by insipid folk-art-style nature painting. dePaola is a gifted writer and artist with many religious-themed books in his oeuvre. This one uses none of his expressive characters, vivid colors, or inspired storytelling. Children are likely to pass up this title in favor of those that are more comprehensive in their approach to prayer, more visually engaging, or have illustrations with a concrete connection to the text.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC