At the moment of Sunrise a pilgrim visiting a women's monastery hears Christ's call to worship in the rhythmic call of the Talanton.

A look inside:

REVIEWS

In Song of the Talanton author and illustrator, Claire Brandenburg, has created a meditative experience through her soulful illustrations and heartfelt words. Complete with accompanying CD, The Song of the Talanton brings to mind the concentric prayer found in such esoteric works as The Way of the Pilgrim.

Jan Cheripko

Rat, 2005
Sun Moon Stars Rain 2006
Brother Bartholomew and the Apple Grove by Jan Cheripko and Kestutis Kasparavicius, 2004
Voices of the River: Adventures on the Delaware 1994

"Song of the Talanton" is not just a beautifully designed, written and illustrated book. It is a delightful opportunity for youngsters to recognized the universality of the moral/ethical standards we fellow humans all over the planet need to recognize."

Tony Hillerman

New Mexico Mystery writer of 32 books among which include:
A Thief of Time, Skinwalkers, People of Darkness, Finding Moon
Former president of the Mystery Writers of America and has received its Edgar and Grand Master Awards. His other honors are the Lost Angeles Times' Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, the Center of the American Indian's Ambassador Award, The Silver Spur Award for the Best novel set in the West, and the Navajo Tribe's Special Friend Award.

"Song of the Talanton" draws its inspiration from the mysterious Greek word in the book's title -- a board used in monasteries for tapping out the call to prayer at various hours of the day. Claire Brandenburg's attractive illustrations and poetic text introduce a young reader to life in a desert monastery as seen through the eyes of a visitor, Sophia, who has awoken in time to watch the sun rise over the mountains and cactuses and who, with other pilgrims, joins the nuns for the day's first service of prayer. The book is augmented by a CD that in which we hear the actual sound of a talaton in use, hear the author read her story, and listen to prayers being sung.

Jim Forest

Road to Emmaus: Pilgrimage As a Way of Life by Jim Forest (Paperback - Aug 15, 2007) The Ladder of the Beatitudes by Jim Forest (Paperback - Feb 1999)
Silent as a Stone: Mother Maria of Paris and the Trash Can Rescue by Jim Forest and Dasha Pancheshnaya (Hardcover - Jun 15, 2007)

Here's a scrumptious feast for both your eyes and your ears. Buy the SONG OF THE TALANTON and step into the desert as night gives way to dawn. Put on the audio CD and listen to the drumming rhythms of the Talanton and the morning songs of birds as calls to prayer. As you listen, let Claire Brandenburg's delicate watercolors and text lead you through the enchanted landscape to the intimate holiness of a little Orthoodx chapel. Hear the Talanton sound and the beautiful voices of Eikona praise God in the Morning Service, as Claire's art steeps you in the beauty of God's House.

SONG OF THE TALANTON is a wonderful gift for children and families, as they learn about their faith both by seeing and hearing. The CD even explains the history of the Talanton and provides instructions for how to make one. The activity of making a Talanton, and learning how to use it, involves everyone in the family in fun and in a deepening shared experience of family prayer.

However, the SONG OF THE TALANTON is not just for children. It's a joyful sight and sound immersion for anyone who wants to learn more about the Talanton and the enduring traditions of the Orthodox faith.

Myra T. Johnson

Snuggles:The Bunny That Helped Me Find God, 2007

"Song of the talanton" is a beautifully written and illustrated book for preschool children that introduces the young reader to monastic life. Through lyrical language interwoven with the rhythmic sounds of the talanton Sophia a young pilgrim, is called to prayer. The accompanying audio CD has bonus features including the tonk of a talanton, the story read by the author and Orthodox music by Eikona.

A talanton is a portable wooden or metal board that summons all to prayer. It replaced church bells that were forbidden for Christians who lived under Muslim rule and is still used in monasteries today. Since Claire's book was written I became more aware of talanton's on visits to monasteries, where our children enjoyed beating a "Tonk, tonk, talan-ton" rhythm on the long wooden board. Thank you Claire, for creating this inspiring and informative story for young children.

Chrissi Hart

Under the Grapevine, the Story of St. Kendeas of Cyprus, Conciliar Press

Ancient Faith Radio, Host, Under the Grapevine, Children's Literature podcasts

We live in a world surrounded by a variety of sounds, many producing a lot of noise. This noise disturbs our inner peace, our hearts, and our minds. The "Song of the Talanton" book by Claire Brandenburg is an excellent reminder of the places where life has a different dimension, where the sound of the talanton along with the sound of the bells replaces the disturbing noises of cars, loud music, construction equipment, and the like. It is a good introduction to children and Christian families to the "sounds" that remind us of the presence of God among us.
In the monasteries the sound of the talanton along with the sound of the bells call the monks and the nuns to prayer. Unfortunately though, most people cannot hear the sound of the talanton and the bells because they live in distant cities. With this little book, however, we can bring these sounds into our homes and make them part of our lives.
Imagine how exciting it would be if children could have their own little semantron to call the family together for meals and prayer.
By writing this book Claire Brandenburg demonstrates the maturity of the Orthodox Faith in America. We hope and pray that the book will become part of every Christian family and that it will serve as a tool to spread the Orthodox traditions far and wide.
We feel that the book may also be a good inspiration for homeschoolers and for Sunday school students to act as a play. However, we think the bible quotations could be changed to make it easier for children to memorize and absorb.

Mother Gabriella

Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery, Rives Junction, MI

 

 

 

 

 

copyright all images 2007 Claire Brandenburg

 

Books