One Day in Paradise

In this original interpretation of the biblical creation story, Heine casts God as a human male artist. Singlehandedly, he takes on the task of creating the universe, dons a white beard and white suit, and uses modern equipment and techniques. On the sixth day, he sits at his easel sketching human forms in his own image. Finally, he molds Adam and Eve, his boy and girl children, from clay; he gives them life, immortal souls and paradise as a gift, then watches over them like a proud father. Happy with his work, he rests. Heine handles the story with dignity and imagination, and the final spreads of the children playing in their lush tropical paradise are evocative. But the subtle humor and the human-centered interpretation of creation may be more suited for discerning adults than for literal-minded children, grappling with the wondrous mysteries of the universe. (49st