A meaty new introduction from author Sandy Eisenberg Sasso distinguishes God's Paintbrush: 10th Anniversary Edition, illus. by Annette Compton. Suggesting ways that parents can use the interactive, interfaith title, the author stresses that, when dealing with spiritual matters, questions can be more enticing to children than answers. Publishers take note: this title, Sasso's first to be published, currently has more than 100,000 copies in print—and was turned down by 23 houses. (Jewish Lights, $17.95 32p ages 4-10 ISBN 1-58023-195-0; Apr.)
Fans of Michael Garland, whose titles include Mystery Mansion and The Mouse Before Christmas, may be interested in his illustrations for a Christian audience. I'd Be Your Princess: A Royal Tale of Godly Character by Kathryn O'Brien, illus. by Garland, describes a father and daughter imagining what they would do if they were king and princess. Garland's characteristically vibrantly detailed, slightly skewed spreads first introduce the pair in their contemporary home, then portray a no-holds-barred fairy tale setting. A Bible quote (from the New International Version) clarifies the message on each spread. For example, when the girl says they would wear jeweled crowns and long red capes, the passage from I Peter is, "Let your beauty be that of your inner self." (Standard, $15.99 32p all ages ISBN 0-7847-1350-2; Mar.)
