| Dreaming in Realtime:
the Shanti Shanti Story, by Linda Freeman (Blue Halo Publishing), 327 pages, $24.95, with compact disc "The miracle of Sanskrit seems to reside in its ability to release, within the individual, a personalized, unique experience of god." -- Linda Forman In this book, Linda Forman narrates the captivating story of her family's spiritual and musical saga. It is shaped by an intense and insistent spiritual presence guiding every aspect of their existence. Ultimately, their experiences and realizations are expressed in their musical group, Shanti Shanti, led by daughters Andrea and Sara Forman. Linda Forman's husband is a musician and she practices yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. Their music adventure begins when a spiritual entity comes to her during a meditation and encourages them to have a child. Their first born, Andrea, demonstrates an unusual affinity with Sanskrit, an ancient sacred language that no one else in the family can speak. At first, Linda and her husband dismiss their daughter's ability as an anomaly. But their astonishment grows when they discover that their second daughter, Sara, also displays a remarkable connection to the dead language. Soon, the young girls are chanting together in sophisticated Sanskrit, and the Forman's life becomes even more mystifying. Finally, when they see how people react to the girls' chanting in amazement and reverence, they form the musical group Shanti Shanti. The response from audiences is both immediate and intense. Bringing together East and West, the music of Shanti Shanti layers Sanskrit chanting over a fusion of ancient and modern music. Andrea and Sara Forman's work is an exploration of the meaning and effects of the Sanskrit language and the unfolding of God through sound. Their music reveals the transcendental qualities of Sanskrit chanting and the transformational experiences it releases in those who here it. Included with the book is a CD containing song selections and a link to all the latest information from the Shanti Shanti website: www.shantishanti.com -- published by the Bodhi Tree (Issue Number 28) MomÕs View: ChildrenÕs Books by Paula Behr The Rainbabies, by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Jim LaMarche (Lothrop, Lee and Shepard books) Age level: Four and beyond A childless couple receives a gift of a basket-full of rainbabies, little sprites no bigger than a thumb. Thus begins a richly choreographed tale of the parental dance between our own free will and desire to care for our children, the will of others, the elements of the Earth and a Higher Power. On a deep level parents understand the fragile bond we have with our children and this book captures that delicacy in a meaningful way. We are given the gift of our children; we nurture them and protect them as best we can yet we must ultimately release them to an outside world over which our control is in large part an illusion. This story contains suspense, surprises and a wonderful conclusion all magnificently drawn out by LaMarche's artwork. Although some of the messages are a bit abstract for young readers, it still makes for a great read and children will grow into the deeper meaning hidden within this treasure. Good Morning, Sweetie Pie and Other Poems for Little Children, by Cynthia Rylant, llustrated by Jane Dyer (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) Age level: Two and Beyond This collection of eight poems is as sweet as the sweetie-pie who will love having you read it. Whether it's a Daddy being a horsy for his little cutie-pie or a splish-splash in a bubble bath, these are everyday situations that little ones can relate to and parents will enjoy reading. Dyer's whimsical artwork compliments the easy rhythm of Rylant's words. The photos of the children that she used to create her paintings are in the back of the book and this is quite a treat. My daughter has fun peeking at the pictures and then flipping to the painted version. It's a fun way for her to pick the poem that she wants to read and to see how an artist transformed a picture into painted magic. Depending upon the mood and the time frame for the day, we either read them all or pick a few. Either way this book is a charmer! Paula Behr is a journalist and mother of two. She is dedicated to finding and sharing children's books with gentle and loving messages. Copyright © 2004 Paul Behr |
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Feb 2004 |
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