Q&A with Marc Gellman
Marc Gellman is the author of the new book, And God Cried, Too: A Kid's Book of Healing and Hope. The queries posed in this book are difficult questions that children often ask: Does God love some people more than others?; What happens to us after we die?; Is it OK to be mad at God? These questions have no easy or simple answers. Marc Gellman expertly offers insight into how to address and understand difficult questions that children may have.
Q: Are these topics too hard for children to understand?
A: This book is about big issues that most adults may think are just too complicated and daunting for children to understand. However I disagree strongly. In the book I explain that all children have a natural curiosity and faith that is going to emerge when one least expects it. When children ask their parents why God doesn't stop the bad things from happening in the world, or if God is fair, parents must be equipped with answers that show they are a source of help and healing. And God Cried, Too will help parents figure out what to say when they are confronted with these difficult questions
Q: Why did you create the characters of angels Mikey and Gabe to convey the majority of information in the book?
A: I chose to present the big questions in the form of stories about two angels. One is a little guardian angel-in-training named Mikey who is asking some tough questions. His teacher is a chief angel named Gabe. In each chapter Gabe teaches Mikey something really important about life and loss. I invented these angels, just as all storytellers invent their characters. But maybe there really are angels, and maybe two of them are even named Gabe and Mikey. But, the reader doesn't have to believe in angels to believe in this book.
Q: What is the role of God in the book?
A: This is a book about God. God is the source of hope and healing for so many people, and he carries us through the worst times and celebrates with us during the good times. Some of the readers may not believe in God, and I make sure to say that that's okay. I feel that whether or not a person believes in God is something that person needs to figure out on his/her own.
Q: Is the book specifically about September 11, 2001 or does it cover other issues?
A: The majority of the book is not specifically about September 11, 2001, but all of the information can be applied to the September 11 tragedy. The attack on America and its aftermath appear as a setting for several chapters. I felt that the best way to approach this event was indirectly and not head-on. It is just one more reason why kids need hope and learning.
Q: Do you also have a "voice" in the book?
A: My voice is included in the conclusion of each chapter in a section called "Things to think about." This is my way of speaking to the children in my own voice and clarifying the lessons of each Mikey and Gabe story. I also try to offer encouragement and support for the spiritual curiosity of the child reading the book. I love to teach hope because the audience of children is already naturally hopeful. My job is to say in every different way I can think up, 'Don't worry, everything will be okay'. I am happy to say it because I really do believe it.
This interview was provided courtesy of HarperCollins.
Reviews
And God Cried, Too: A Kid's Book of Healing and Hope
Marc Gellman
Illustrations by Harry Bliss
Fifteen vignettes tell the story of little Mikey, a guardian angel in training, Gellman sets out to reassure young people who may be upset or confused by some of life's "unmarked hazards." And God Cried, Too begins with two introductions, "Things for Adults to Think About First . . ." and "Things for Kids to Think About First . . ." where Gellman explains that he believes in God but it's okay if the reader does not. He points out that the angels in the book were invented to tell the story and it's not important to believe in angels either but just to understand the message their stories tell. Each section ends with a "Things to Think About . . ." where Gellman talks to the young reader directly to reiterate the story's point. Despite the definite open-mindedness of Rabbi Gellman there is a lot of "God" in the book and the message that God is always with you might not mesh with everyone's philosophy. Still, this book has an uplifting message about sticking it out in the tough times and not withdrawing from friends and loved ones in times of sadness-good advice to help kids especially those prone to symptoms of depression. It asks a lot of "big" questions and thankfully does not try to answer them. Sometimes, as a young person, it is comfort enough to know you aren't the only one who's wondering these things. Several sections directly address the events of September 11th, but the text is meant as way to approach life in general. The book is written for children to read on their own or to help guide adults in discussion with children. 2002, HarperTrophy/HarperCollinsPublishers, Ages 7 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-06-009886-4
How Do You Spell God? Answers To The Big Questions From Around The World
Rabbi Marc Gellman & Monsignor Thomas Hartman
Illustrated by Jos. A. Smith
Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Rather than explore one religion in each section, this book asks "the big questions" and explains how different beliefs answer them: What is religion? How are religions different, and how are they the same? Who are the teachers, and what are the holy books? What are some of the bad and good things in all religions? The reader is drawn into exploring our basic human need to know; to ask; to create ways of expressing joy, sorrow, thanks and hopes which are common to all religions. The authors make telling points--the good that all religions teach is the same, and the bad that people do is never the teaching of any religion (though often presented as such). Their chatty, informal tone is generally handled well, although such expressions as "The times they are a'changin'" and "What the hey!" and "cut people some slack" are strange choices for a children's book today. I also felt that Rabbi Gellman should identify some practices described in Judaism as being those of the Reform movement rather than universal. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful book with a very even tone and a rare understanding of major as well as less well known religions and is highly recommended. 1995, Morrow Junior Books, $15.00. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0688130410
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Any More, 1998 ; Children's Book Council; Unites States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, June 1995 ; Cahners; United States
God's Mailbox: More Stories About Stories In The Bible
Marc Gellman
Illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Gellman tells stories about stories many people already know--stories in the Bible. Tilley's illustrations are just right for the happy tone of the text. Mixed in with anecdotes about how Adam and Eve met, what happened when Moses broke the stone tablets that had the Ten Commandments on them, and how Moses had to write the rest of the Commandments on his sleeves because there was no way he could carry three stones, are lessons about skin color, the caring people who are "rainbow people," and the competition to design God's mailbox. A charming book. 1996, Morrow, $15.00. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0688131697
Best Books:
Young Adults' Choices, 1998 ; International Reading Association; United States
Always Wear Clean Underwear! And Other Ways Parents Say "I Love You"
Marc Gellman
Illustrated by Debbie Tilley
In this sweet book, Gellman explains the meaning behind many annoying things parents say such as "Donft talk with your mouth full" and "Eat your vegetables." Each saying, according to Gellman, supports a hidden message of love and respect that are keys to a healthy, happy life. In his 32 easy to read chapters, Gellman presents a wonderful way to open a dialogue between parents and children about growing up. 1997, Morrow Junior Books, $15.00. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph
ISBN: 0688144926
Lost & Found : A Kid's Book For Living Through Loss
Marc Gellman and Thomas Hartman
Illustrated by Debbie Tilley
A useful self-help book is a real find, and one just for kids--what a concept! And good from both Christian and Jewish points of view. Neither Christianity nor Judaism is vital to using the concepts found here; Gellman and Hartman bring wisdom and insight to the very real problems that children of any age face. For any child to admit that he/she feels lost and needs help is a major step towards maturity. And this book, that tells you how to help yourself, is terrific. No matter what's been lost--friend, health, parent, temper--all are covered here. Written in a plain, straightforward style that neither talks down to kids or expects too much knowledge from them, it's totally enjoyable. 1999, Morrow, $15.00. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0688157521
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards 1999 United States
Bad Stuff In the News: A Guide to Handling the Headlines
Marc Gellman and Thomas Hartman
In this useful book for today's youth, the authors provide kids and parents with practical advice and guidance on how to handle today's headlines and the abundance of bad news. With the increase in media coverage of violence and "real TV", we are all exposed to a lot of bad stuff. They warn us that seeing and hearing all this negativity can cause us to become cynical, indifferent and uncaring, if we are not careful. Issues discussed include poor sportsmanship, abuse, natural disasters, hunger and poverty, drug and alcohol addiction and kids killing kids. Terrorism and the unforgettable images of September 11 are also explored. They suggest simple and effective ways to not only cope but to make a difference. Suggestions include reporting warning signs of school violence, driving courteously, learning about people from other races and cultures to help decrease hatred, and volunteering to help those less fortunate. The authors emphasize that we can't make the bad stuff go away, but we can do something about it. They also point out that some of these things are for adults to fix, not kids. A timely and much needed resource for kids and parents in today's society, the authors give an informative and gentle account on how to handle this seemingly unending influx of negativity. 2002, SeaStar Books/North-South Books Inc, $14.95. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Michele Wilbur
ISBN: 1587171325
Does God Have A Big Toe? Stories About Stories In The Bible
Marc Gellman
Paintings by Oscar de Mejo
Man is sometimes overserious when trying to explain the workings of the world. Never has there been a more playful telling of Old Testament stories than that of Rabbi Geliman. He pictures Noah, hammering away at the ark, all the time recommending to his friends that they move to higher places or take the swimming lessons they've been putting off. He poetically describes the partnership between God and Adam. Gellman interjects humor, humanness, wit, and wondering into stories told for centuries without ever losing a sense of respect and honor. 1993 (orig. 1989), HarperCollins, $16.00 and $7.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0060224320
ISBN: 0060224339
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year Winner 1989 United States
Added 08/09/02
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