Wednesday Review: Nativity Tales for Children
Did you give some child-at-heart one of the fantastic books from last week’s recs? Go on, there’s still time. And while you’re shopping, keep these lovely tomes in mind:
How Many Miles To Bethlehem?
Kevin Crossly-Holland, author
Peter Malone, illustrator
“I am Mary. Tight as a drum. Round as the lady moon calling out to me.”
When a story starts like that, well, what a wonder! This simple telling of the nativity story progresses across the page like a holy journey. No character is left un-noticed–even the ox and the donkey get a chance to say their piece. Yet the reader is not bogged down in the telling, but rather carried along like the wind-born feather on the opening leaves of this glorious picture book. In our house we have many, many picture books about the birth of Jesus, but How Many Miles To Bethlehem?is one the girls turn to again and again. Even younger children seem to enjoy the rhythmic text and sumptuous illustrations. I myself was profoundly moved by this book, and regularly recite its closing lines at Christmas time:
“We are the angles. We are your secret voices.
Listen!
‘
This baby!’
‘This hope!’
‘This peace!’”
What more is there to say but, “Amen?” Today’s Flavor: Rich and meaningful. Order here.
The Nativity
Julie Vivas, Illustrator
Paul and I fell in love with the artwork of Julie Vivas after her book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was read at our seminary graduation. Since then we’ve been snatching up her books like Welcome With Love and Possum Magic. But our favorite by far is Vivas’ cleverly illustrated Nativity. This version of the story pairs the classic tone of the King James text with quirky, imaginative illustrations. The angels wear combat boots! They drink bowls of chai with Mary! And Mary looks really, REALLY enormously pregnant — plus, she kinda has dreads. The just-right knack here is the way vivas pairs old fashioned languaged with updated images to giving us a fresh look at this unchanging tale. And just wait until you see the clever way she illustrates the crowing birth of baby Jesus! We’ve given this book to godsons and aunties, illustrator pals and grandparents. We think you’ll love it too. Flavor: Earthy and transcendent. Order here.
Click on the links in this post to order these items, or any items at Magpie Reviews, and your purchases will help fund this site. Thank you for your support!
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December 5th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Thank you for these recommendations, Rachelle. And for including my demographic (“child-at-heart”) in the target readership. I really enjoyed your descriptions of the books…so much that….
I’m going to order one and maybe both books. But I don’t know if it will benefit you because I have to order from the canadian amazon site.
Also, did you read the “Book by Its Cover” post today? It’s a McSweeney’s publication called “The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming…a christmas story.” From the title alone, I think it might be a book for you.
Here is the link: http://www.book-by-its-cover.com/childrens/the-latke-who-couldnt-stop-screaming-a-christmas-story.
And one more recommendation because I know you like paper-cut art. I just received this book in the mail earlier this week: http://www.amazon.com/First-Noel-Christmas-Carousel/dp/0763621900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196885774&sr=1-1.com
It is as beautiful as the reviewers have said. A real treasure.
December 6th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
A favorite Jesus-y Christmas book of my kids is Martin Wadell’s Room for A Little One. I’m going to check out these that you recommend. Thank you!
December 8th, 2007 at 7:35 am
[...] Rachelle Mee-Chapman: Nativity Tales for Children [...]
December 10th, 2007 at 2:30 am
HI Rachelle,
OHH, I think I like that first book you mentioned. I’m going to look for it at B&N. BTW, I have a new blog site now, do check it out in another week and so when I have it set up the way I like.
Peace,
Ray
December 10th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Thanks for reminding me about the splendor of How Many Miles to Bethlehem… I’m digging it out of the bookcase TONIGHT!
December 10th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Hi Rachelle,
Weird, my previous comment didn’t show up again. Well, anyway, I’m looking for that book. In the meantime, I changed my blog URL again. I think I like this one better. I like the new look of yours!
Peace,
Ray
December 13th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Those are great recommendations! My favorite is The First Night:
http://www.amazon.com/First-Night-Picture-Puffins/dp/0140541780
Illustrations are beautiful and the narration is simple and heartfelt.