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32 pp.
| Augsburg/Beaming
| March, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5064-5206-7$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sonya Abby Soekarno.
Accompanied by colorful cartoonlike illustrations, half-page first-person narratives introduce fifteen Old and New Testament women, including Eve, Hagar, Miriam, and Mary Magdalene. Each entry ends with the refrain: "God did great things for me--and I did great things for God." The relevant biblical verse is taken from the New International Version. The whole is slight, but religious or home settings may find this useful.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Vali Mintzi.
Fourteen "strong biblical women" from the Old Testament are profiled in an informative and inspiring volume. A colorful, Gauguin-like illustration begins each informative chapter, all of which end with a fictionalized first-person story and a poem. Extensive sidebars and marginalia further elucidate topics; readers are referred to specific Bible verses for the original stories. A handsome book, suitable for study, research, or gifting. Bib., ind.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| February, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2223-4$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jill Weber.
In this faithful retelling of the Purim story, beautiful Esther becomes queen of Persia and saves her fellow Hebrews from wicked Haman. Kimmel's storytelling is straightforward and natural (though the text may be too long for younger children). Weber's rich jewel-toned illustrations are a treat, evoking the grandness of the royal setting and the intense emotions of the characters.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-4242-6$16.99
(1)
PS
Illustrated by
Holly Meade.
Bartoletti shapes the ancient Arabic ghazal verse form into a gentle text centered on Noah's wife's lulling song: "As rain falls over the ark at night, / As water swirls in the dark of night..." Meade's watercolor collages, including sunlit figures and quietly dramatic, near-black silhouettes, are a fine complement to the text. A lovely lullaby, in a beautiful, masterfully integrated book.
40 pp.
| SteinerBooks
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-88010-719-8$17.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Amy Córdova.
Córdova and Gollogly retell the story of Juan Diego--born Talking Eagle or Cuauhtlatoatzin--and his miraculous encounters with "Mary, the Mother of God." The bishop doesn't believe Juan until he produces his cloak, with roses spilling out and the imprint of Mary upon it. The text, though wordy (at times ponderously so), effectively communicates events. Vibrant-hued illustrations depict the scenes.
223 pp.
| Zondervan
| September, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-310-72078-2$15.99
(2)
YA
Fifteen-year-old Mary Rudine, nicknamed Mister, "used to be / a good Christian girl..." In a series of one- to two-page prose poems, Mister describes her fall from grace. Mister's voice is poignant and utterly genuine, but what really elevates the novel above other good-girl-gets-pregnant fare is the character of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose all-too-familiar experiences as a pregnant teenager comfort Mister.
Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2010
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Natascia Ugliano.
As Bezalel watches his grandmother Miriam (Moses' sister) comfort the Israelites on their trek through the desert, he draws pictures in the sand that extend or amplify Miriam's words and deeds. As a result, he's chosen to design and fashion the Holy Ark. Readers familiar with the Exodus story will appreciate this accessible and enjoyable interpretation illustrated with flowing desert-hued pictures.
(3)
YA
After his mother dies, Dylan and his father retreat to Florida to be closer to Dylan's aging grandmother. Soon, a Virgin Mary sighting in tree bark floods the town with worshippers, including Angela who helps Dylan let go and move forward with his life. The entertaining, sometimes emotional story breezes right along with its well-formulated characters.
(3)
YA
Gormley imagines the biblical characters of Mariamne from Magdala and Matthew the tax collector as young people struggling through a difficult adolescence to become followers of Rabbi Yeshua. Gormley's interpretation of Mari's demonic possession strikes a thoughtful balance between literal and symbolic explanations, just as she advocates subtly for a feminist understanding of women's roles and authority within Christianity.
32 pp.
| Eerdmans
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8028-5348-6$17.50
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Grizelda Holderness.
Koralek faithfully retells a condensed version of the Bible story of Esther and how the Purim holiday came to be. Suspense builds in all the right places until the wicked Haman is punished and the Jews are saved. Holderness's richly colored pastel illustrations decorated with Persian-inspired motifs enhance the well-told tale.
32 pp.
| Holt
| October, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-8837-3$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Christina Balit.
This volume retells stories of kings and queens from the Hebrew Bible, including David and Solomon, Jezebel and Esther. Hoffman has a readable, engaging style. Balit's watercolor, gouache, gold ink, and pencil paintings, with their geometric shapes and flat perspective, recall the art of ancient Egypt and convey the majesty and drama of the stories.
32 pp.
| Kar-Ben
| April, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-8225-7216-9$17.95
|
PaperISBN 978-0-8225-9934-0$8.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Natascia Ugliano.
Jules retells and expands upon the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham. This quiet version, informed by biblical scholarship and legend, emphasizes Sarah's feelings and faith. The illustrations' curved lines and soothing colors match the book's calm tone; this is an epic story presented as an accessible human drama. An author's note provides information about sources.
32 pp.
| HarperBlessings
| October, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-147997-7$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Tim Ladwig.
This Nativity story, told in rhyming verse from Mary's perspective, allows Mary to express her love and enjoy the quiet time she has with her baby before she must share him with the world. While neither the text nor the requisite glowing art stand out, new mothers may appreciate the book's sentiment.
306 pp.
| Knopf
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-375-83908-5$15.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-375-93908-2$17.99
(4)
YA
When teenage Salome's power-hungry mother marries King Antipas, Salome must give up her calling (to serve the goddess Diana). Instead, she is ultimately manipulated into performing the notorious dance of the seven veils. The multitude of characters and political intrigues are dizzying, especially to those unfamiliar with the Bible story. But in Salome herself, the book builds a multidimensional, sympathetic character.
40 pp.
| McElderry
| October, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-689-87692-0$19.95
(4)
4-6
Most children won't be drawn immediately to Demi's book about Mary, the mother of Jesus, portrayed here as a healer and visionary. The text is a series of quotes from the New Testament and other sources. Demi's characteristically detailed and majestic paintings don't personalize Mary, but they do give the book weight and solemnity.
88 pp.
| Tundra
| September, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-88776-724-9$22.95
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
François Thisdale.
Ten loosely linked stories give voice to largely silent biblical women including Eve, Naamah, Sarah, Rachel, and Leah. Some are youthful and hopeful, others are aged and resigned, but all explore and expand thought-provoking questions about love and faith. Thisdale's digitally rendered art simultaneously emphasizes the traditional settings and examines the continuing resonance of the women.
32 pp.
| Little
| April, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-316-74139-6$15.99
(3)
K-3
This retelling of the Hebrew Bible story of Ruth and Naomi focuses on Ruth's kindness to her mother-in-law and subsequent marriage to the farmer Boaz. Marzollo's simplified retelling includes questions to help young readers make sense of the story. The art is bright and approachable.
403 pp.
| HarperTempest
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-06-055605-6$$16.99
|
LibraryISBN 0-06-055606-4$$17.89
(2)
YA
In this retake on the Adam and Eve story, the snake is the good guy. God educates young Adam in a remote part of the Garden, and the Serpent, a wise and gentle teacher, has been given the responsibility of raising the curious and daring Eve. This complex novel is for older young adults who are theologically conversant enough to read it as provocative literary satire.
Reviewer: Patty Campbell
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2004
32 pp.
| Enchanted Lion
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 1-59270-011-X$$18.95
(4)
4-6
Art Revelations series.
Clean, oversize white pages feature reproductions of famous works of art (e.g., from Bosch, Giotto, Rembrant) that interpret biblical themes. Sidebars of text give some historical and religious context, but the text jumps from topic to topic so readers need some prior knowledge of Bible stories. Schools and libraries with demand for art or religious history books may find these useful. Ind. Review covers these Art Revelations titles: New Testament Miracles and Old Testament Women.