The Nativity

Rating:
Summary: One of the best Christmas books around.
Review: For some odd reason, children's books based on the Bible often bring out the worst in illustrators. I've seen more bad drawing, syrupy expressions and cloying colors in illustrated Bible stories than in any other kind of children's book. That's why this book is literally a God send. The lovely King James text might normally be a little over the heads of the 4 to 8 year olds this book is aimed at, but Julie Vivas' illustrations bring it to life and make it something any child will want to hear again and again and again. I've read it for years to both of my children, as well as in classrooms, and it is always a huge hit. From angels with rainbow colored wings and army boots (a few of them riding the shepherds' sheep) to the crowds in Bethlehem literally dripping from the trees, this book is a delight. It's hilarious, but also very moving. One of my favorite pictures in the book is of the enormously pregnant Mary gazing at her belly in delight. And my six-year-old daughter adores the wide-eyed baby Jesus. If you only buy one Christmas picture book, this is the one to get.

Rating:
Summary: A modern family plus an ancient story
Review: I reviewed this book a long time ago, back before Amazon kept track of us... (I'm the one that mentions the astonished Mary over coffee).... The reason I wanted to revisit this review, though, is more than just because I wanted credit. This book is truly astonishing-- this Christmas, I had it out on the table as part of my holiday decor and the friends & family who looked at it were all delighted. I think my favorite part is still the same-- the way Vivas illustrates a real looking family with the classic story. But another thing that is important to me is that she shows Joseph taking active part in his child's nurturing (even if he is technically a "stepdad"). The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is the classic, poetic King James version. Love it!

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful depiction of the Nativity!
Review: Julie Vivas has created a version of King James' story of the Nativity that includes a holy family that fits today's concept of family-- there are scenes where an astonished Mary converses over coffee with the Angel of the Lord, and where Joseph snuggles a wiggling Christ Child following the birth. This illustrator has shown a thoughtful consideration of a timeless and special moment in Christian tradition/doctrine. I love this book and bought it, even though I don't have children (yet) because I love the way Vivas includes everyone in this story.

Rating:
Summary: A Christmas Treasure and Pleasure
Review: This is my 3-year old daughter's favorite Christmas book. Her favorite picture is when Mary tells Joseph "the good news," and she always giggles at the pictures of the Baby Jesus "peeking out." This is such a gorgeous, joyful, and moving book. We have read it dozens of times, and every reading reveals a new delight in the illustrations -- they are respectful in a way that's hard to describe. I'm so thankful that when my daughter visualizes the birth of Christ, it is Vivas's drawings that she'll carry with her for a long time to come.