ABC’s of the World’s Religions

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product ABC’s of the World’s Religions through Jenkins Group Inc.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog.  It costs you nothing to do so, and is a huge encouragement to me.  As such it is deeply appreciated. 

  Have you ever gotten a book with an idea in mind what it would be like, and then when you get it you go oh, I was wrong!  But in the end, you go, well, this book is exactly what it says it is, even if it wasn’t what you expected.  ABC’s of the World’s Religions is a book that I unexpectedly expected.  🙂  Teaching children about world religions while walking through the alphabet.  Compare, see similarities, note the differences, and deepen your understanding. 

The Basic Details for ABC of the World’s Religions

Title: ABC’s of the World’s Religions
Author: Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D
Illustrator: Raman Bhardwaj
Series: World Religion for Kids
Publisher: Eaton Press
Pages: 59
Intended Audience: 4-10 years
Genre: Picture Book, World Religions, ABC Books, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Religion Books
Available formats: Paperback
Reviewed for: Jenkins Group Inc

About the Author and Book

Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D likes to travel and has been all over the world with her family.  With education featuring a huge part in her working and learning life she taught as a professor of psychology.  She was also an Education director for Jubilee community working within a faith setting.  Her most recent studies have been to learn about different world religions and how they are taught to children.  

In ABCs of the World’s Religions, kids travel around the world and across the centuries exploring the beauty of the world’s major faith traditions.  Learn along with kids as you explore sacred spaces, holydays, and rituals in several different religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Digging Deeper into the ABC’s of the World’s Religions

Author Garlock does not always take the time to define terms that she uses.  If I were reading this page to a child, I would first look up what Muslimah means (It means Muslim woman).  I did not immediately make that connection particularly since the illustrations show men and women with head coverings. 

Each two-page spread features

• rhyming couplets on the left side
• further explanation on the right side, often comparing religions to each other
• Appropriate for any home, faith-based or not
• Non-devotional in nature, making them suitable for the classroom

Within the pages you will find beautiful artwork which serve to highlight the topic of each letter.  You’ll find the artwork vibrant and provides lots of talking points with children.   I love how the artist includes the letter into the illustrations. 

My Thoughts

I have to admit that I kinda struggle with the ABC’s of the World’s Religions.  I like that children are taught about the various world’s religions because it’s good to know what others think.  It’s good to draw people together instead of separating them, finding commonality in belief builds bridges. 

Initially I was not happy with this tome because it wasn’t what I expected. I expected a book that would say A is for Animism B is buddhist etc and Just basically give a summary of different religions of the world.  Whereas what I received was a book that seems to compare religions, and this is what I think makes me uncomfortable with it as a children’s book. 

I think I am concerned about the confusion comparing religions can  introduce to children.   Using this book as a primer to help 14 year olds think about their faith, or in a Christian setting helping them see the superiority of the Christian faith.  I just hesitate to yes, this is a book to read with the under 12 year old crowd.  It may be an abundance of caution on my part, but confusing little ones… shouldn’t we have an abundance of caution about doing? 

So it’s indeed a mixed reaction.   The building of bridges, the helping teens to discuss world religions and hopefully define their faith better against the potential to confuse young minds.  It’s a tough call.