Parents' Guide to

Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Lovely poem about Jerusalem and its religions.

Book Mark H. Podwal Poetry 2006
Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses, and Crescents Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In paintings and brief, free-verse poetry, author and artist Mark Podwal describes Jerusalem, some of its religious history, and some of its legends. He tells of the burning of the Jewish temple, the death of Jesus, and the ascent of Muhammad, and of the monuments to each that remain in Jerusalem today.

Is It Any Good?

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Kids say: Not yet rated

The text is lovely -- simple, gentle, merely hinting at the great mysteries behind the beliefs and legends. It only hints at the fighting and discord that rack the city now. The author focuses on the beauty of the city, and the hope engendered by a place where the three major monotheistic religions of the modern world "meet under the Jerusalem sky and merge their shadows."

The accompanying paintings, while beautiful, may not be as appealing to children as they are to adults. They are semi-abstract, impressionist renderings, lacking the kind of detail that draws kids to spend time poring over them. But the pictures and text make for an appealing book with an important, and nicely subtle, message.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the history of Jerusalem, the three major religions that claim it as a holy place, and its impact on the modern world.

Book Details

  • Author: Mark H. Podwal
  • Illustrator: Mark H. Podwal
  • Genre: Poetry
  • Book type: Non-Fiction
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Publication date: January 4, 2006
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 11
  • Number of pages: 32
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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