Here is a portion from the book I have been reading.  Emily and I joined the Rebelution forum, and are currently reading through Systematic Theology with the Cafe.  I found the first statement about sin a wee bit amusing; not that sin is amusing.  But it is the epitome of irrationality!

“Sin is ultimately irrational, and sin makes us think incorrectly about God and about creation.  Thus, in a world free from sin, the Bible would commend itself convincingly to all people as God’s Word.  But because sin distorts people’s perception of reality, they do not recognize Scripture for what it is.  Therefore it requires the work of the Holy Spirit, overcoming the effects of sin, to enable us to be persuaded that the Bible is indeed the Word of God and that the claims it makes for itself are true.”

-from “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem

As R. C. Sproul would say, “Cosmic Treason!” Ultimately Irrational!

Recently I have come to the conclusion that if I have in mind to become a well-rounded, well-informed children’s book illustrator (and possibly even a writer), that I had better catch up on all those books I had passed up on as a child.  I did read plenty of books as a wee girl, and still do. But somehow I did not read all the classics. Don’t ask me how it happened in the first place. Maybe I thought I was too mature for those “kid” stories, or they just weren’t my type, or I didn’t think they were very important in my overall upbringing. Whatever it was, I have pushed that aside. I am now very appreciative of all the imaginative, and creative work that goes into these tales.

I have decided to take you all on this adventure with me! So, every now and then, I will post my reviews on various children’s literature and illustration.

And for my first review, I bring you, James and the Giant Peach!

• Author: Roald Dahl

• Illustrator: Lane Smith

• Publisher: The Penguin Group

• Copyright: Text, 1961; Illustrations by Lane Smith, 1991

.:. .:. .:.

The only memories I had of this story was the sticky, gloomy peach filled with creepy-crawly bugs poking fun at a poor little boy.  Of course, like any good modern American child, I had only seen the movie, and never read the book.

James’ story officially begins when he is seven years old.  As a lonely little orphan boy, he must live with his gruesome and detestable aunts, Sponge and Spiker.  One day he discovers a peach, grown to the size of a house!  Finding a hole in the side, he climbs through, and entering the door at the end, finds a surprise.  Several Surprises!  And they are all as big as he is!  Inside, awaiting his arrival, is Centipede, Earthworm, Green-Old-Grasshopper, Miss Ladybug, Miss Spider, Glow-worm, and Silkworm!  It’s only a matter of a good night’s sleep before the peach rolls away with them all to an adventure.

Throughout their journey, James’ clever resourcefulness continually saves the day. It is full of whimsical songs and poems, adding a charming touch. A journey across the Atlantic Ocean full of hungry sharks, past the ferocious Cloud-Men, and into New York City, eventually lands them all into happily ever after. I must refrain from giving away the ending for those who haven’t read it yet.

The illustrations by Lane Smith completely capture the feel of the story. Black and white may be boring to some, but I enjoyed its simplicity and room for my own imagination. If you ever get a chance to take a close look at them, see if you can find anything a little interesting in the last illustration. If you look close, you may notice something kinda cute.