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5.0 out of 5 stars Hildegard's Gift is a gift!
the mystic gardener - See all my reviews
Hildegard's Gift
As an avid reader, one of the first aspects that draws me to a book is an intriguing cover. "Does the world that this book invites me into, through it's cover, actually look inviting?" As soon as I saw the cover of Hildegard's Gift-- I felt delighted at the thought of opening this book and seeing what's inside. I definitely wanted to accept the invitation this book offered.
And so the adventure begins...Hildegard's Gift is a well-written (by Megan Hoyt) and delightfully illustrated (by David Hill) children's book telling the story of St. Hildegard of Bingen. Captured in lovely prose and illustrations, we begin to see the gifting Hildegard was given by God. The child, Hildegard, first becomes aware of her gift and then learns how to use and enjoy that gifting. Then the story turns and we learn of the sorrow of pain that Hildegard faced. But, in the end, the story has a happy ending. It closes with a wonderful moral: that God has gifted all His children and we should all pursue finding our gifting. Or sometimes, like Hildegard, that gifting will pursue and find us.
Although written for ages 5-10, this book is one that all ages might enjoy. What a great gift this book will make -- as it encourages others, both children and adults alike, to step out into the gifting and calling that God has put upon their lives.
Hildegard's Gift from a reader in Australia
Hildegard's Gift gives us an insight into the life and times of Hildegard of Bingen, starting with her childhood and her struggle with the gifts she had been given and their expression. The story follows her journey as she enters the Abbey, meets with Bernard of Clairvaux, accepts the call of God on her life and eventually gives voice to her gifts. Hildegard called herself, 'a feather on the breath of God,'and dedicated her life to God and serving others.
This delightful book has 28 pages, and is attractively illustrated by David Hill. It is written for 5 to 10 year olds but the author's inclusion of a number of quotes from Hildegard herself opens the book up to a wider age range, adding depth without over-complicating the story. I think the book would enhance any study of mediaeval times or church music for children.
I appreciated the author's intent and belief that every child is God's workmanship created to do good works and each person has a gift to be put to use. Some gifts come wrapped up, as Hildegard experienced, and have to be sought out, and as in her case, may involve a commitment from others to help unwrap that gift. I think this book helps us to see and appreciate the role that we can play in this unwrapping, and the possibility that our role in this area might also extend beyond our own children.
Information on Megan Hoyt and her personal story which inspired her to write this book can be found on her website. It also contains examples of music and paintings by Hildegard, spelt recipes (Hildegard was also interested in health!) and printable colouring pages by the illustrator.
the mystic gardener - See all my reviews
Hildegard's Gift
As an avid reader, one of the first aspects that draws me to a book is an intriguing cover. "Does the world that this book invites me into, through it's cover, actually look inviting?" As soon as I saw the cover of Hildegard's Gift-- I felt delighted at the thought of opening this book and seeing what's inside. I definitely wanted to accept the invitation this book offered.
And so the adventure begins...Hildegard's Gift is a well-written (by Megan Hoyt) and delightfully illustrated (by David Hill) children's book telling the story of St. Hildegard of Bingen. Captured in lovely prose and illustrations, we begin to see the gifting Hildegard was given by God. The child, Hildegard, first becomes aware of her gift and then learns how to use and enjoy that gifting. Then the story turns and we learn of the sorrow of pain that Hildegard faced. But, in the end, the story has a happy ending. It closes with a wonderful moral: that God has gifted all His children and we should all pursue finding our gifting. Or sometimes, like Hildegard, that gifting will pursue and find us.
Although written for ages 5-10, this book is one that all ages might enjoy. What a great gift this book will make -- as it encourages others, both children and adults alike, to step out into the gifting and calling that God has put upon their lives.
Hildegard's Gift from a reader in Australia
Hildegard's Gift gives us an insight into the life and times of Hildegard of Bingen, starting with her childhood and her struggle with the gifts she had been given and their expression. The story follows her journey as she enters the Abbey, meets with Bernard of Clairvaux, accepts the call of God on her life and eventually gives voice to her gifts. Hildegard called herself, 'a feather on the breath of God,'and dedicated her life to God and serving others.
This delightful book has 28 pages, and is attractively illustrated by David Hill. It is written for 5 to 10 year olds but the author's inclusion of a number of quotes from Hildegard herself opens the book up to a wider age range, adding depth without over-complicating the story. I think the book would enhance any study of mediaeval times or church music for children.
I appreciated the author's intent and belief that every child is God's workmanship created to do good works and each person has a gift to be put to use. Some gifts come wrapped up, as Hildegard experienced, and have to be sought out, and as in her case, may involve a commitment from others to help unwrap that gift. I think this book helps us to see and appreciate the role that we can play in this unwrapping, and the possibility that our role in this area might also extend beyond our own children.
Information on Megan Hoyt and her personal story which inspired her to write this book can be found on her website. It also contains examples of music and paintings by Hildegard, spelt recipes (Hildegard was also interested in health!) and printable colouring pages by the illustrator.
Publisher's Weekly
Hildegard's Gift: Megan Hoyt, Author, David Hill, Illustrator
Author of children's books and screenplays, Hoyt offers young readers a glimpse into the life of Hildegard of Bingen in the newest in a series of picture books about saints. The text is enlivened by former portrait artist Hill's bright and whimsical illustrations depicting Hildegard's imaginative life... (read more)
Hildegard's Gift by Megan Hoyt
Hildegard's Gift gives us an insight into the life and times of Hildegard of Bingen, starting with her childhood and her struggle with the gifts she had been given and their expression. The story follows her journey as she enters the Abbey, meets with Bernard of Clairvaux, accepts the call of God on her life and eventually gives voice to her gifts. Hildegard called herself, 'a feather on the breath of God,' and dedicated her life to God and serving others... (read more)
Hildegard’s Gift: a kid’s book review
As a father of three, I love when I find a good children’s book to read with my kids. A compelling story with imaginative illustrations engages my kids and keeps them returning to that book again and again. Hildegard’s Gift was one such compelling read for my children. My oldest daughter (age six) was interested in the truthfulness of the story that Megan Hoyt tells; there really was a Hildegard whose imagination was set a flame by God. My younger children (ages four and three) were captivated by David Hill’s illustrations– a little girl, medieval monastics and colorful visions... (read more)