Sacred River

by Ted Lewin

All rivers in India are sacred, and the Ganges most of all. Every year, more than one million Hindu pilgrims journey to Benares to renew themselves in its waters. Caldecott Honor medalist Ted Lewin joined the pilgrims at the river's edge for an experience he describes as one of the most unforgettable of his life. His luminous watercolors and simple, evocative text brilliantly capture the traditions, beliefs, and colorful pageantry of the devout and their ancient city.

Genres: India, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, School, History, Geography

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art and text are equally important. The right age child at the right time will be entranced. This glimpse of life in Benares is very different from the life kids know here in the western U.S.

There is a brief author's note, and it states that the Ganges descends from the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world, on a long journey to the Bay of Bengal. There is a map, which I usually appreciate, but this map is not very useful.

The text and pictures portray mainly adults. A few children can be spotted in the art, but there should be some mention of the children.

Also needed: a pronunciation guide -- Ganges, Benares, ghats, jai (flowers), Jaipur.

Jai flowers are mentioned at least three times. If there's a clear image of the flower, I missed it.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

These illustrations are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen--realistic enough to be enhanced photos. Later today, I was searching for this book on goodreads and saw books about the same topic that had real photos on the cover--it's amazing how the experience was the same. I think I saved myself a trip, as this was enough for me.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes readers along the Ganges river in India. Ted Lewin gives a glimpse into the Indian Culture, important landmarks and reverence the pilgrims give to the sacred waters.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Ganga #Ganges #Haridwar #Ghats experience the daytime on the banks of the holiest of #Indian #Rivers #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sacred River is a children’s book about the existence and exploration of a four thousand year old Hindu tradition. Every year more than one million Hindu pilgrims travel to the sacred Ganges River. The Sacred River is a narrative informational book. As a teacher, I would draw a picture of a river, with boats and voyagers, as a back drop for working on vowel sounds, short and long, from words in the book. The writer and illustrator Ted Lewin was interested in art and illustrations as a young boy. He and his wife made a trip to Benares, India which became the inspiration for this book. Hindu’s believe that the Ganges River is sacred because the waters grant salvation. The highest and most prized goal of a Hindu is to make a pilgrimage to the Ganges River. The author beautifully portrays the sacred Hindu pilgrimage and the importance of the sacred river in a timeless, enlightening children’s book.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeously vivid illustrations and a simple narrative bring this story alive for children. The topic is very serious and factual and most appropriate for older school-age children. We discussed the various locations mentioned in this book, which were also mentioned in Molly Moon's Hypnotic Time Travel Adventure.

Our girls wanted to borrow the book, but then never selected it for reading time. When I started reading it, they weren't too thrilled, but they came around quickly as they noticed the vibrant colors, short narrative and fascinating facts.

[Christine Ricci · Rating 3 out of 5]

What gave this book the extra edge is the stunning watercolors. They perfectly picture what is happening in the story, and the colors are exquisite. I imagine this must be what India looks like during pilgrimages and festivals -- a country of color! The story is well-written, and I enjoyed that it took me into the heart of a religious event in India. It would be a great way to introduce a very young child to other cultural customs. There are other books that accomplish "cultural custom introductions" much better through words and story. However, Lewin's illustrations are what make this picture book so amazing. You don't even need the words to tell the story.

[Mika Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I'm a person who's always been enthralled with cultures and traveling and, in a very kid friendly way, Ted Lewin made this all available for his readers. There was no confusion on what he was saying in his book, it was very straight forward that he was describing the sacred act of purifying ones soul in the Ganges River. Not just the words were great though, the illustrations were gorgeous and colorful. In general, the book was very attention grabbing and interesting.

[Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations BEST. I learned that in India, instead of burying dead people, they burn them in funeral pyres and scattered the ashes in the water. Yuck! Maybe I can go there and take a bath in the water.

[Katie Logonauts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This incredibly-illustrated book tells about the importance of the Ganges River and highlights the interactions of individuals with the river during the course of a day. The story concludes with details about Hindu cremation and scattering in the river.

[Kathryn Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informational with beautiful illustrations. This book makes me want to do a lesson about river resources with a class. This book could be read and tied into a social studies lesson.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, but I'm not sure the intended audience would appreciate it.

[Shannon Lionheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning Artwork.

[Rileigh Grady]

This book explains not only a different culture but a different religion and how they go about their daily life.

[Claire Davis]

This is a good book not only in terms of color and intricate detail, but also in terms of what it teachs children. This opens up the gates of multicultural books and shows children different cultures from their own, shows them daily routines that are different from their own, and differences in religion across the board.