Sacred Places

Rating:
Summary: the genius of Giles Laroche
Review: Giles Laroche's numerous books are magical, and this is one of his best. It is also educational, with a clear and well written text by Philomon Sturges.
There is a short explanation of the great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and 26 descriptions of the places depicted. A useful world map is on the final page, so one can see exactly where these Sacred Places are.
I have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Laroche's work in a gallery setting, and marveled at its intricacy and inventiveness; his skill in using paper as an art medium is unparalleled (he calls his technique "paper relief"), and as I work with similar tools as a collage artist, I am in awe of his mastery.

The reproductions in this book are excellent, with good color (the tiles of the Dome of the Rock are gorgeous !), and Mr. Laroche's sense of perspective is also wonderful; I found the overview of the Kaaba spectacular and startling, as I never envisioned it as being in the midst of a city. The large vista of Jerusalem is also fabulous, but so are the smaller, simpler pieces, like the Wailing Wall and the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, which are two of my favorites.
Children of all ages will be enchanted with this book, for its instructive content, and its whimsical, exquisite art.

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous book for church libraries
Review: I am a Lutheran Church librarian in Florida who bought this book for our church library. It is wonderful! Read the other reviewers' comments about the text. What struck me most as a former art teacher are the fabulous paper-cut and assembled illustrations! I also love the contrast between a small New England church and the Dome of the Rock, for example. Or all the tiny figures encircling the Kaaba. Wow! This is simply a superb book. If I were wealthy enough to collect my favorite children's books, this would be among them. Children will love the text and lose themselves in the paper-cut illustrations. Top-notch book!

Rating:
Summary: A Book for Our Times
Review: One of the joys of having Amazon friends is that they lead you to books that otherwise would not come into your sightline. I am indebted to Alejandra Vernon for introducing this little treasure to me. Although this is a book "written for grades 4 - 6" it is much more than a children's book of beautiful pictures and brief introductory statements to accompany them. This book gently opens the common pathways between the great religions of the world, showing, subtly, that Islam, Cristianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are all similar means to an end. That said, the author and illustrator show the wondrous differences that enhance our appreciation and respect for religions many of us don't fully understand. This book, beautifully designed and written, should be in the front of every bookstore across the world just now. Were it required reading for all people, I think we would not be at war........

Rating:
Summary: Amazing...
Review: Wonderful book and the Illustrator, Giles Laroche's work
makes this book so special. I have another book with Giles's
illustrations called "Ragged Shadows" (Halloween) he signed for me while
doing his now famous paper cutting masterpieces at the Shaughnessy
School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Grab "Scared Places" while
you can!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing...
Review: Wonderful book and the Illustrator, Giles Laroche's work
makes this book so special. I have another book with Giles's
illustrations called "Ragged Shadows" (Halloween) he signed for me while
doing his now famous paper cutting masterpieces at the Shaughnessy
School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Grab "Scared Places" while
you can!