Nectar in a Sieve (Signet Classics)

Book Description

Named Notable Book of 1955 by the American Library Association, this is the very moving story of a peasant woman in a primitive village in India whose whole life was a gallant and persistent battle to care for those she loved.

"Comparable in many ways to Cry, the Beloved Country...if anything...better." (Saturday Evening Post)

Customer Reviews:

Nectar in a Sieve Book Review.......2007-10-04

Set in a small village locate somewhere in India, Kamala Markandaya's Nectar in a Sieve is a gripping novel that tells a story of a woman's struggle to find happiness and her own inner strength in a changing India. At the age of twelve, Rukmani was married off to a tenant farmer named Nathan, whom she had never met. Frightened at first, Rukmani soon adjusted to her new life as a farmer's wife. Over the years, Nathan and Rukmani's marriage becomes filled with love, compassion, and many children. It was not long until she found her self mingling with many of the women in her neighboring village. There she met Kali, a kind and cheerful woman who was kind enough to teach her how to perform her household duties. She also meets Kunthi, the village beauty and her friend Janaki. Unable to bear a son for quite some time, Rukmani became very depressed. Misfortune seemed to have found a great home in the lives of Rukmani and Nathan, causing as much problems as it could. A tannery built near their village would forever alter Rukmani's life, being that the change from an agricultural community to an industrial community frightens her. Unhappy and struck by poverty, Rukmani watched her first born child, Ira, go into prostitution, her son Kuti die of starvation, her teenage son Raja beat to death for stealing, and her two oldest sons, Thambi and Arjun set off to Ceylon to work in a tea plantation. Under such harsh conditions, Rukmani survived. Nectar in a Sieve is an influential, depressing, yet optimistic novel of a life lived out by one particular woman who will do just about anything and everything for her family.

Devon Mills reveiw Nectar in a sieve (GO KNIGHTS).......2007-10-04

At first glance, Nectar in sieve seemed like a very uneventful and boring book (kind of like a chick flick). This is however, not the case. Nectar in a Sieve is a classic tale of the epic tragedies and triumphs that we all share through life. The way Kamala Markandaya unfolds the story of a simple Indiana women as she travels through life has a magical pull to it that sucks you in and leaves you asking what is going to happen next

Rukmanni is a young girl forced to marry at 12 to a farmer named Nathan. Together they moved to a new village and start their new life. Having a boy to carry the family name is one of the most important things in Indian culture, and At first Nathan and Rukmanni fail to conceive a boy and have a girl named Ira. Undaunted they try again and with some help they have 5 boys. As each new baby is born they plunge themselves in to debt. With no food or money, everything seems to turn against them.

With out warning the giant iron beast of industry invaded the small sleepy village that Rukmanni and Nathan lived in and changed their lives forever. First, tons upon tons of workers came in to town and caused a lot of racket. Since those men came in to town, it caused all the prices to go up which meant that they couldn't afford to buy anything. Finally, two of her sons go to work at the massive tannery instead of helping their father on the fields. This causes Nathan much hardship. Then a few years later they get a visit from already-married off Ira to find out that she can't bear children. Worst of all there is a drought that kills the crops, and then if that wasn't bad enough, after that a mammoth flood utterly destroys their crops and most of the village. Through it all they get back up and get ready for the most terrible thing to happen to them.

A good read.......2007-10-03

The novel Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya follows the long and tragic life of a young woman, Rukmanni, who is thrown into this type of life at the early age of12. The book follows her from her wedding day until the end of the troubles she endures in her life.
It is hard not to enjoy the strong and caring character of Rukmanni, who despite the troubles thrown to her, maintains a optimistic and controlled manner even in the worst circumstances. She is a wonderful wife and mother to her family ; she puts the well being of her children and husband before herself and would do anything to ensure there success. She also holds her friends and neighbors high, and help them when it is possible. When Rukmanni leaves to live with her husband Nathan in a small village, she meets the neighboring women, Kali, Janaki, and Kali. Their relationship, though it takes a turn later on, is kind and warm, since they are like a new family to here because she has moved far from her original home. In this new village she works on the rice fields with her husband. Though the land is not theirs, they live in a house near by.
She enjoys her peaceful life until things start to change.First, a giant tannery is built in the middle of town, bringing in more people and noise to the once peaceful village. Rukmanni absolutely despises the tannery. Then two of her sons leave to work there. A few years later, they get a surprise visit from their already-married-off daughter, Ira. She has been unable to bear children for her husband, so he has decided to leave her. She is forced then to live with her mother and father, along with her younger brothers. Later, worst of all, their is a great flooding of the village. Their rice is destroyed and they go into poverty. The lack of food and money leads to the death's of their last two sons and her daughter prostituting to earn money to live. When there are first signs of fate turning good, even more troubles come their way. Despite all this, Rukmanni keeps her head and remains a strong and unbreakable spirit.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. The book was very detailed and made you feel like you actually knew Rukmanni. Also, coming from a completely different lifestyle, I enjoyed learning about this cultures way of life and cultural values. It is not a very long book page wise, but it is a long story with many interesting events. Like all books, it is not a book for everyone, but if you enjoy historical fiction novels and tales of people who overcome their hardships to have a better life, you will absolutely love this book.

Nectar In A Sieve .......2007-10-03

Nectar in a Sieve, by Kamala Markandaya is the struggle between life and death in a poor society. The main character, Rukami, married Nathan, a tenant farmer. In her culture, to have a boy is the most important thing to any women and family. Rukami's first born was a girl named Ira. After many attempts to conceive a boy, Rukami needed someone to turn to for help. She turns to Kenny, a white doctor who assists and helps the people of her village. He helps her overcome her infertility and they become friends. Rukami and Nathan eventually conceived a son and named him Arjun. After him, Rukami has 5 more boys. With each birth, food becomes scarcer.

A Reviewer.......2007-09-29

This book was phenomenol. It blew me away. I didn't think I'd like it at first (foreign books don't usually appeal to me). But once I started, I wanted to keep reading. I loved every minute of this wildly refreshing book. Rukmani is a superb main character and how sweet she is. Her husband, Nathan, is great too. I checked this book out at the library, but now, I want to buy it. This book is captivating and naturally beautiful. It doesn't matter who you are or what books you like to read: "Nectar In A Sieve" is exceptional. A book that is filled with tragedy but in the end, gives you a surplus of hope deserves to be read by everyone of all ages.

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Nectar in a sieve: A novel
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: J. Day Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B0006D82N8

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Real Taste of India

Nectar in a Sieve
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Things Fall Apart: A Novel

ASIN: 0451156471

Customer Reviews:

Real Taste of India.......2003-09-02

This is a very short book but don't let that fool you. There is so much packed into this little novel that if you blink you miss something. In some ways it is a very hard read in the fact that it is so realistic. After I read the book, I was shocked to find it out that it was written over 45 years ago. It is so modern and forward thinking that I assumed it had been written in the past year or two. At its core is Rukmani, a peasant Indian girl who marries her husband at age 12. This might shock some but it was a very common practice. This story is a tale of her life, struggles and joys. It is impossible to read this book and forget it.

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Nectar in a Sieve: A Novel of India
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: The John Day Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LC639O

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NECTAR IN A SIEVE

Manufacturer: THE JOHN DAY COMP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I12KTU

Gl Nectar in Sieve/Rdgs 0 (The Glencoe literature library)

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Gl Nectar in Sieve/Rdgs 0 (The Glencoe literature library)
Glencoe00
Manufacturer: Schools
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Readers | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0028179919

Nectar /Sieve-woman Warrior (TAP instructional materials)

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Nectar /Sieve-woman Warrior (TAP instructional materials)
Mary Anne Kovacs
Manufacturer: Center for Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 156077410X

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Nectar in a Sieve
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: The John Day Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B0000CIXVQ

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Nectar in a Sieve
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0451035666

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Nectar in a Sieve
Kamala Markandaya
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0451153472

Amazon.com

If anyone tried to determine the most common rite of passage for preteen girls in North America, a girl's first reading of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret would rank near the top of the list. Judy Blume and her character Margaret Simon were the first to say out loud (and in a book even) that it is normal for girls to wonder when they are ever going to fill out their training bras. Puberty is a curious and annoying time. Girls' bodies begin to do freakish things--or, as in Margaret's case, they don't do freakish things nearly as fast as girls wish they would. Adolescents are often so relieved to discover that someone understands their body-angst that they miss one of the book's deeper explorations: a young person's relationship with God. Margaret has a very private relationship with God, and it's only after she moves to New Jersey and hangs out with a new friend that she discovers that it might be weird to talk to God without a priest or a rabbi to mediate. Margaret just wants to fit in! Who is God, and where is He when she needs Him? She begins to look into the cups of her training bra for answers ...

Book Description

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

No one ever told Margaret Simon that eleven-going-on- twelve would be such a hard age. When her family moves to New Jersey, she has to adjust to life in the suburbs, a different school, and a whole new group of friends. Margaret knows she needs someone to talk to about growing up-and it's not long before she's found a solution.

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. I can't wait until two o'clock God. That's when our dance starts. Do you think I'll get Philip Leroy for a partner? It's not so much that I like him as a person God, but as a boy he's very handsome. And I'd love to dance with him... just once or twice. Thank you God.

Customer Reviews:

Daughters Favorite book.......2007-09-12

My daughter requested this book. She loves it so much, that she has read it a couple of times!

The best book ever!!.......2007-05-18

In the book, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. Judy Blume has created another fascinating story. It starts out taking place in a small New York apartment, but then Margaret finds out she's moving to Long Island, New Jersey.

When she moves she meets Nancy, Janie, and Gretchen and she is asked to join their secret club that they must not tell anyone about. In this club there are a few "rules" that you must follow for example you must wear a bra to every meeting, you have to keep a list of the boys you like in a book, and tell each other everything about you. The girls ask Margaret about her religion, but since her mom is a Christian and her dad is Jewish, she tells them she doesn't have one and gets to choose for herself when she is older if she wants to of course. On the first day of school her teacher asked them to answer some questions from off the black board. She answers them and then the next day her teacher asks her why she hates religious holidays, then she has to explain the story all over. Is the club something she should be doing? Does she follow the clubs rules? Does she pick a religion? I guess that's for you to find out.

This is and amazing book. It shares the problems that teenage girls face in their every day lives, for example bras, kissing boys, right up to getting their periods.

The girls make going through all these changes hysterical. There view on everything makes them seem more real to girls everywhere. Most of the girls that have read this book that I know have been through or are going through the things talked about in the book. There for girls can really relate to the characters in this book. Most of all I can relate to Margaret, because she sometimes wishes for things she wants that she doesn't have and sometimes I wish for things like that too.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I wanted to read it over when I finished it. It is full of humor and will make you laugh out loud. At the end of every chapter I just wanted to keep on reading. It's an amazing book and I encourage every pre-teen to teenage girl to read it.
Pre-teen to teenage girls should read this book because most of them will understand what it's talking about. I don't think guys would like to read this book very much, because I like said it talks about the problems girls face. I give this book two thumbs up!

Does Margaret follow the rules for the secret club? Does she figure out her religion? Find out when you read the fun and exciting book Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. Just don't let your brother get his hands on this book.

--Jordyn

A blast from my past!.......2007-04-13

This book was my favorite in elementary school! It speaks of all of the unspoken questions in a young girls mind. Super! Timeless!

Margaret and God.......2007-03-28

This book was very good. I would recommend this book, because it was interesting. It was interesting because it taught me a lot about what I will go through. I think my little cousin, that is nine, would enjoy reading this book. She is a girly girl and would enjoy this book and do what they do. Her name is Jennifer. I would like to read another book by Judy Blume. I think I would read the Ramona books. I would read them because; they show what to do and not to do in life. Her writing style is very good. I understand what she is saying. I like how Judy Blume writes from the main characters point of view.

Natalie's Reveiw.......2007-01-30

(........)

Are you their god? It's me Margaret by Judy bloom is about Margaret Simon a girl with no religion and is moving so I guess you could say no friends. Don't worry when Margaret get to her new home one girl on her new block comes over in her bathing suit to ask if she wants to play. Since Margaret meets Nancy over the summer Nancy tells Margaret to wear no socks with loafers so she can join her club. Of course the girls let her join the club PTS's (pre-teen sensations). In their club they talk about boys, bras, and getting their first periods. Nancy, Janie, Gretchen can't believe Margaret doesn't have a religion because her mother is catholic and her father is Jewish. Margaret's parents said that she can choose when she gets old enough but Margaret doesn't want to wait. So on the first day of school her teacher said they have a yearlong project to write about any thing they want. This is Margaret's chance to choose the religion she wants so she goes to the temple with her grandma and church with Janie.

Margaret was very excited she got her period. When she got it she was excited she got it right before she was going to summer camp she called her mother showed her mother her underpants and her mother ran to get a box of teenage softies and her mother started to explain how to do it and then Margaret told her mother she has been practicing. She was now becoming a woman.

Margaret lives in present time and moved to New Jersey because her parents wanted to have a backyard instead of having an apartment in New York. I think that the lesson in Are you their god? It's me, Margaret. Is their isn't always one choice there's is a bunch. As in Margaret has two religions and doesn't know which one to choose there isn't always one choice there's a bunch.

Are you their god? It's me Margaret. Is an excellent book and is a great book for any 9-13 year old girls. This is mainly a book for girls. Girls if you have any sense you will pick up Are you there god? It's me Margaret. And never want to put it down!!!

Searching For A God To Love The One You Always Wanted Is Really There

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To help you love God with your heart and soul and mind
the best, most informative, thought-provoking book
This Book Will Change Your Life
Great Book
Not all of the book is biblically based.

Searching For A God To Love The One You Always Wanted Is Really There
Chris Blake
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0849942268

Book Description

Searching for a God to Love reaches out to those seeking a new understanding of God--apart from preconception, institutionalized religion, or pre-packaged agenda. Throughout the book, Chris Blake divides the mystery surrounding who God is and reveals the powerful, infinite, and loving relationship God seeks to have with mere mortals. With chapter titles such as "Beyond Mother Nature" and "The World's Greatest Lover," Searching for a God to Love offers a fresh perspective for those seeking a God in whom they can believe.

Customer Reviews:

To help you love God with your heart and soul and mind.......2004-04-07

The greatest commandment in the Bible (for Jews and Christians) is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. This is a book about loving God honestly. Chris Blake confronts barriers to loving God that he has had to overcome, that many of us struggle with. The book is liberating. In fact, one of the book's themes is that loving/knowing God sets us free and that freedom is sacred to God.

For example, Blake says, "Falling in love with God is impossible unless we understand His part in the world's suffering. God is a God of recovery...[It is misleading to state, in effect] 'The Doctor says that if his patients don't take their medicine, he will kill them'. . . Those who say, 'The Doctor told us that if his patients don't take their medicine, they will die,' present a truer picture. This compassionate doctor reasons and pleads, but the decision is finally ours."

Blake's writing flows and is well-organized. He does not ramble, but always has something to tell or teach. Sometimes he is funny; sometimes thought-provoking. Sometimes he relates his experiences with students, and it is evident he is a true teacher for the reader, communicating the subject with genuine passion. This book certainly has moved me and is one I will come back to again and again.

This book belongs on the same shelf as Harold S. Kushner, Philip Yancey, and Norman Vincent Peale.

the best, most informative, thought-provoking book.......2003-11-12

a great book which simply goes to show how well-read the author is. he covers the basic issues in life quoting from hundreds of various thinkers and people of all ages, beliefs, races, and nations. i have read the book twice and have recommended it to friends and family

This Book Will Change Your Life.......2003-01-28

Quite simply, this book has changed my life. As a christian who still has a lot of questions, I love how Chris's writing addressed so many deep yet everyday questions that I ponder. His style of writing and way of relating concepts are beautiful. I really just wish everyone could get a copy of this book - it is so full of tidbits of wisdom and passion and it truly will give you a new and refreshing perspective on the love of Jesus.

Great Book.......2001-10-05

Wonderfully honest, open book that takes on some tough questions. Presents a new way of looking at things, including the fundamentalist teachings about hell. Hey, if you're not sure, order it used!

Not all of the book is biblically based........2001-08-23

This book starts out ok, but then in chpt.8 the author writes that there is no eternal punishment in hell for those who choose to reject Jesus as their savior. The author rejects Jesus' own words about hell that are in the gospels.(He doesn't reject the scriptures about heaven, however.) This doesn't represent the God of the bible accurately, and is misleading to "seekers".God is a God of Love, but also a God of Justice. The choice to reject Jesus is ours, but we must know the truth about the consequences of that choice.

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Excellent Study!
Great group study book

God, Are You There? (Arthur, Kay)
Kay Arthur
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Apocrypha | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0736918280

Book Description

Popular teacher and speaker Kay Arthur has developed a study specifically for those who are unfamiliar with the Bible. It introduces readers not only to God’s Word but to the God of the Word.

In this exciting study, Kay Arthur takes readers by the hand, gently leading them through the Gospel of John and introducing the inductive method of study. Readers will come away with solid, tested Bible study methods and an understanding of who God is and how to know Him better.

God, Are You There? is a life–changing adventure into a beloved gospel. It’s easy to use—a “quick–start” program for anyone new to the truths of God’s Word or for a group needing just the right number of lessons.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Study!.......1999-12-01

I have just completed the 15 week study from this book and I found that I truly learned more studying the bible through the inductive system than by any other means. I highly recommend this book!

Great group study book.......1999-01-27

I really like how this book is structured for a group environment. You can meet once a week and go over what you learned, but in between you are guided on how to study daily. Most importantly it is focused on the Bible & you're reading the scripture along with each lesson. It doesn't skip around a book in the Bible & just pick out key points, it stays focused on what is said in context and forces you to look inwardly about your true relationship with the Lord! Enjoy!

There's a Miracle in Your House: God's Solution Starts With What You Have

Average customer rating:

Outstanding - Going through tough times - Read this!

There's a Miracle in Your House: God's Solution Starts With What You Have
Tommy Barnett
Manufacturer: Strang Communications Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0884193306

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding - Going through tough times - Read this!.......1999-08-10

This book is great. I read it in no time. It shows you to trust God & stay in his word & will. There is a miracle in the house. Even if you don't realize it or expect it. This book will help you look at things that seem impossible in a different light.

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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Judy Blume
Manufacturer: Bradbury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0878880224

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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQSGS8

A Graceful Waiting: When There's Nothing More That You Can Do, God's Deepest Work Has Just Begun

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Super Read!

A Graceful Waiting: When There's Nothing More That You Can Do, God's Deepest Work Has Just Begun
Jan Frank
Manufacturer: Vine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0892839678

Customer Reviews:

Super Read!.......2000-08-08

This book was excellent! The author writes about one of her own waiting experiences, but generalizes her learning so that the reader can easily apply it to their own experience. While you may not be ready to move through all the waiting stages as you read the book, it is helpful to know what the stages should be...then you can set future goals for yourself and recognize your growth.

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Are You Out There God?
Sr. Mary Rose Mcgready
Manufacturer: Covenant House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Thinking Critically

ASIN: B000H2QLPO

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A lesson for all who read it

Are You There God? A Book about Faith
Allia Zobel Nolan , and John Bendall-Brunello
Manufacturer: Reader's Digest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0794411444

Book Description

When Little Cub thinks there are monsters in his room, he calls on God to quash his fears. Then his mother gives him advice that helps: "You don't have to be afraid, ever" she says, "because God is with you. You can't see Him, but He's right there in your heart. And He's always ready to help you face any problem." Armed with this guidance, Little cub faces the challenges of the day, including meeting new friends, taking risks, and facing scary things like standing up in front of class, and facing bullies.

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime or anytime, "Are You There God?"provides a valuable opportunity for those toddlers asking the question "are you there God?" when they are facing the scary parts of life.

A wonderful book for parents to share with their child!

Teaches children to trust God.

Helps children to stop being afraid.

Uses realistic everyday situation that kids can relate to.

Wonderful illustrations!

Customer Reviews:

A lesson for all who read it.......2007-01-05

My three year old started having night frights lately, and I was so glad that I had this book. We had read it a few times before, but I had to rephrase some of the wording, so she would understand the point. Those times, she had identified more with how she would go to school like Little Cub someday. After her night frights, she started realizing that Little Cub was scared, and God was with him each time! Now, when we pray before bed, I remind her that she can ask God to help her be brave, even if she wakes up in the middle of the night. I have found myself, too, asking a little more often when I am afraid, "Are you there, God?" The answer is a resounding, "Yes!"

Average customer rating:

Great first book about God

Hello, Hello, Are You There, God?
Molly Cone
Manufacturer: Urj Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Judaism | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0807406481
Release Date: 1999-03-01

Book Description

Lovingly illustrated, these stories teach children what it means to be part of the Jewish people, to cherish learning, and to love God. For ages 3 to 7.

Customer Reviews:

Great first book about God.......2000-07-17

This book has several stories in it, each one illustrated with a nice picture. Some of them are probably appropriate for slightly older children, but two of them have been very much enjoyed by my 4 year old son. One story describes a fish who wants to know what water is,as a way of understanding God's presence even though we can't see God. Another story is about a little mouse learning about love. Highly recommended.

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