From a Distance

This lovely book inspired by Julie Gold's song written to honor her feelings about the Vietnam war is especially poignant now as our soldiers and the soldiers of other countries fight and die. Acts of terrorism have made the world a small and scary place where many feel there is no hope. How does anyone explain to a child why this is happening? It is impossible without hope. We cannot raise our children on an ideology of prejudice,hate and retribution. The hatred that has been passed from generation to generation to many of the people of the middle east is no different then the gang violence in our own streets being a consequence of failure to deal with social issues. This beautiful book deals with horrifying subject matter in a way that a child can understand without being terrified. Jane Ray's beautiful folk art illustrations perfectly bring life to the haunting lyrics of Gold's ballad. Children ARE aware of what is happening. Mommies and Daddies are going off to war and many are not coming back. Yet just a day ago at my grandson's kindergarten class, I saw little Americans of every race and creed playing together like angels. It is grownups who mess this up! Not everyone will agree with this review. But I believe this book should be in every home and every classroom, as well as a recording by one of the artists who sang this lovely song. The bottom line is "from a distance ...God is watching us."

You may think you're buying a copy of "From A Distance" for that special child in your life, or maybe for a loved one -- but I suggest, nay warn you ;-), that you better order an extra copy for yourself. This book is exquisite -- it's a journey of colors, words, images and of music that has become part of our collective consciousness!Enjoy! ..Zoe

I got all choked up as I read this to my five year old. The outstanding folk art illustrations along with the universal message of peace and harmony are extremely powerful together.

A lovely picture book with a song of hope for world unity. A beautiful gift for people you love.

I purchased this book in London. The words brought tears to my eyes and are magnificantly illustrated by Jane Ray. It is a treasure. Julie Gold is an artist, her words are like music. You can hear the song being sung as you read the words. Its up to you to determine who the singer is-- Bette Midler, Nanci Griffith, Patti LaBelle, the Byrds, Judy Collins or Cliff Richards.