In Search of the Light Book Reviews
"A long-time spiritual teacher known worldwide, Jacobson labored for three years (for some very good reasons) to create this simple yet "cut-to- the-core" masterpiece - and, in the process, mastered the literary art of appealing to both adults and children. Fantastically illustrated by Fiammetta Dogi, the big, bright paintings nearly jump out and draw the reader into a world within a world. The deeper beauty, though, is how the message is lyrically worded, and how the artwork helps to further enliven the flowing language, virtually embuing the sentences with the very emotions Jacobson probably felt while writing them."
- Review by Jim Calabrese, Creations Magazine
"As an adult and a professional who works with children with special needs, I thought "In Search of the Light" by Leonard Jacobson was a remarkably creative and powerful story with a profound message about life told in a way that preschoolers could understand and that could lift the spirits of many little soul. The images that Jacobson uses to tell his story by illustrator Fiammetta Dogi are unbelievably creative and, at times, whimsical! It is truly is a beautiful story to help children learn about the peace within each of us."
- Review by Renee Lajiness-O'Neil, Ph.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist
Associate Professor of Psychology, Michigan
"The writing is engaging and manages to convey a complex idea in simple terms. Dogi's illustrations are lively and engaging; each page is filled with the little things children love to discover in the pages of their favorite books. There is even a superhero - Frederick Firefly. At the end of the story, you just want to give someone a hug."
- Review by Anna Jedrziewski, New Age Retailer, New York
"This gorgeously illustrated and beautifully written story is destined to become a classic in children's literature. The book's message is a powerful reminder that the source of love and power is within. I highly recommend this for child and adult alike."
- Review by David Welch, Producer of The Peaceful Warrior
"The illustrations are beautiful and amazingly detailed. They envelope the reader in the vibrant world of the story and bring the animals to luminous life. Children and adults will be enchanted"
- Review by Lyda Whiting, Awareness Magazine, Anaheim, California.
"This is an amazing 32-page picture book that shows children to look into the depths of themselves to find the courage and strength to handle any situation. The illustrations are clean, bright and colorful, delighting the reader with the fateful four’s adventure. They really help make the adventure memorable and clear. Children and adults will be inspired in finding strength within themselves they never knew they had."
- Review by Renee Hand, Crypto-Capers Review
"I want to start this review by saying that I failed to do my research when I agreed to review this book. I misunderstood what it was about when I too quickly read over the description. It only took me getting through one of the short chapters before I realized that I was not going to read it to the kids.
This book does not align with our lifestyle and spiritual beliefs. It is more of a “new agey” book, promoting, meditation, inner strength, inner beauty and a journey towards peace and tranquility among four animal friends seeking “the light”. These things are not things that we find preached and highlighted and scripture, so they are not things that we participate in or practice. While the story was “cute” and the illustrations were beautifully done, I cannot recommend this book."
- Review by Amber, Journey of Grace
"While I don’t necessarily agree with the implications of this book, as it has a philosophical/spiritual approach to life, the storyline is good. It seems as though Eastern teachings of spirituality are a huge part of the story, and at first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it to my boys. However, I did a bit of research, and I’ll just share what the author says on his website...
...for those who do believe in God, it is reasonable to say that the source of love and light that I am speaking of is actually God. But to get in touch with God at the very center of our Being takes us beyond believing in God to the direct experience of God. This is a very liberating and empowering relationship with God.
While the storyline goes that the animals find the source of love and light within themselves, it could be confusing to children, and as a Christian mom, it’s definitely something I would personally discuss with my children while reading this book. The source of love and light within us, as Christians, is God... and that is what I would want my children to take away from this story. I honestly do love the characters and illustrations within this book, and it is very well written in a way that children are interested and engaged in the story... but I’m still not sure it’s something I would want my children to read by themselves. I would need to read it with them, so that again, like I said, we could discuss things as we read."
- Review by Mel Lockcuff, Mamabuzz