FAITH IN READING PUBLISHERS BRING A RELIGIOUS AWAKENING TO CHILDREN'S

Mainstream publishers of children's books have had a religious awakening the past few years. No longer do you have to go to a specialty bookstore or church library to find wonderful books that celebrate and explain a variety of faiths. Here are brief reviews of some of the best new titles.

"Cumbayah," illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Those who might groan when remembering too many evenings singing this around the campfire will change their minds when they see this lovely new picture book version of the old spiritual. The cover alone, picturing four angelic children singing, is enough to sell the book. But inside are many more beautiful pictures of people around the world: "singing," "crying," "praying," "hurting" and "dancing," to illustrate the verses of the song. An introduction traces the known history of the song. "Cum Ba Yah" means "Come by Here" in the Gullah dialect. The Gullah people live on the Sea Islands off the coast of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. The music is printed on the endpapers. (Morrow, all ages, 32 pgs., $16) "All God's Children," selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins The author is a poet who has compiled many anthologies of children's poetry. Here he offers 22 prayers, well-known and new for children. The bright illustrations are by Amanda Schaffer. (Harcourt Brace, all ages, 32 pgs., $15) "God's People: Stories from the Old Testament," retold by Geraldine McCaughrean "In the beginning, God made the Earth and a sky overhead -- sweet air instead of the breathless black of space." Here is yet another rich choice in biblical retellings. McCaughrean ("Stories from Shakespeare" and "Greek Myths.") is a master at bringing old stories to life in a way that will interest and excite children, and she has done that here. Charming watercolor illustrations are by Anna C. Leplar. (Simon & Schuster, ages 6 and up, 120 pgs., 19.95) "One World, Many Religions: the Ways We Worship," by Mary Pope Osborne In this elegantly designed and skillfully written book, Osborne examines the history, traditions and sacred writings of seven major religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Illustrated with photographs from around the world, and including a reference section with map, timeline, bibliography and glossary, this is a volume that would be as fascinating for most adults as for children. (Knopf, ages 8 and up, 86 pages, $25) "Out of the Ark: Stories from the World's Religions" retold by Anita Ganeri This gathering of religious stories is as entertaining as a lively bunch of folk tales. But beneath the fun, lie the deep roots of some of the world's great faiths. Divided into six chapters, such as "Creation Stories," "Animal Stories," and "Lives of Religious Leaders," the collection includes stories from the major religions, as well as from some tribal faiths, including Aborigine, Hopi and Inca. Lovely watercolor illustrations are by Jackie Morris. A "Fact File," and "Who's Who" is included. (Harcourt, Brace, 6 and up, 96 pgs., $18) "What is God?" by Etan Boritzer This amazing little book from Canada has been around longer than the others in this column, but it should not be missed. In just 32 pages, Boritzer manages to answer this age-old question in a satisfying and reverential manner - without stepping on anyone's beliefs. In the same 32 pages, he explains religion: the great teachers, sacred writings, differences and similarities among beliefs. Robbie Marantz's expressive illustrations add a great deal. Look also for "What is Love," by the same pair. (Firefly Books, all ages, 40 pgs., $5.95 paper) "The Story of Religion," by Betsy and Giulio Maestro This is a comprehensive yet concise look at the history of religion by a husband and wife who are responsible for many fine nonfiction books for children. Packed with illustrations, the tale begins with cave paintings and Stonehenge, and follows the development of the major faiths, and others, to the present day. An informative section at the end includes interpretations of the Golden Rule by seven faiths. (Clarion, ages 8 and up, 48 pgs., $14.95) "Be Not Far From Me," legends from the Bible retold by Eric A. Kimmel "This is a love story," the book begins, "It began 4,000 years ago and continues today. It is about God." This is a beautifully presented collection of favorite tales from the Bible, along with lesser known stories from the Midrash, a parallel collection of writings, that is nearly as old. Kimmel, the author of more than 40 children's books, is a gifted writer. This book reads like a novel, with vivid characters, believable dialogue and lively plots. Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz ("Smoky Night") provides brilliant illustrations for the start of each chapter. (Simon & Schuster, ages 8 and up, 256 pgs., $25) "The Dalai Lama," by Demi In 1933, after the Dalai Lama died, high holy men went looking for his successor. They followed a rainbow to a peasant hut, where they found a special little boy named Lhamo. "I am going home," the boy told his family, as soon as he saw the holy men. In simple words and lovely pictures, the author (a practicing Buddist who lives in Washington state) traces the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, who in 1989 won a Nobel Peace Prize. In the process, the reader will learn a good amount about Buddism. Look also for "Buddha," and "Buddha Stories," also written and illustrated by Demi. (Henry Holt, ages 5 and up, 32 pgs., $16.95) "God's Mailbox: More Stories About Stories in the Bible," by Marc Gellman This sequel to "Does God Have a Big Toe?" is appealing and wise, but may be a bit jarring to anyone who doesn't have a sense of humor about the Bible. Consider these chapter titles: "Painting People Purple" (Genesis 9:18) and "Ox Drool Bread" (Deuteronomy 25:4). In "The Rock Words," (the chapter on the Ten Commandments), Gellman depicts a verbose God, who goes on for paragraphs about each commandment. This is a clever device allowing Rabbi Gellman to offer a deeper and sometimes less rigid message behind the few words Moses had room to write on his rocks. This book is a good choice for middle-schoolers. Look also for the two books Gellman co-authored with Catholic Monsignor Thomas Hartman: "Where Does God Live? Questions and Answers for Parents and Children," and "How Do You Spell God? Answers to the Big Questions from Around the World." (Morrow, ages 10 and up, 224 pgs., $4.95 paper) "Women of the Bible: With Paintings from the Great Art Museums of the World," by Carole Armstrong "Throughout history, women of the Bible have been featured as symbols of courage and strength," writes the author. Her fine book profiles 22 of these women from the Old and New Testaments, alongside master paintings of them. The women include Sarah, Esther, Rebekah and Mary. Armstrong combined art and religious instruction in another excellent book: "Lives and Legends of the Saints: With Paintings from the Great Art Museums of the World." (Simon & Schuster, ages 6 and up, 44 pgs., $18) "Come Sunday," by Nikki Grimes Here is Sunday through the eyes of LaTasha, a perfectly gorgeous little African-American girl. Sunday is a rich mixture of joyous music, pretty dresses and hats and white gloves, baptisms, praying for miracles and church supper. Grimes, who lives in Seattle, portrays a day at Paradise Baptist Church through a series of exuberant poems. Michael Bryant provides big, color-splashed pictures. (Eerdmans, all ages, 32 pgs., $15) "Stories from the New Testament With Masterwork Paintings Inspired by the Stories." This is for older children or adults, because it contains the original language from the King James version of the Bible, which is tough reading. But it is an attractive volume. The stories are accompanied by high-quality reproductions of famous paintings. An index of paintings explains the context of each work and describes the lives of the painters. (Simon & Schuster, ages 10 and up, $18) "On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur," by Cathy Goldberg Fishman Very few children's books exist on these important Jewish holidays, while stores are full of books on the lesser celebration of Hanukkah. This is a beautiful and informative book that does a fine job of explaining the traditions of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Soft, elegant illustrations are by Melanie W. Hall. (Atheneum, all ages, 32 pgs., $16.) "Starlight and Candles: the Joys of the Sabbath," by Fran Manushkin This also is for younger children and deals with the weekly rituals of the Sabbath in one Jewish household. A warm and interesting story with stylish pictures by Jacqueline Chwast. (Simon & Schuster, ages 3 and up, 32 pgs., $15)

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