Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Vivid, arresting frescoes from Italian painter Giotto, who is credited with helping set in motion what would become the Renaissance period in art, bring an appropriately reverent air to this gently paced and accessible retelling of the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birth. From the angel Gabriel's appearance on the opening pages to the adoration of "wise men from the East" and the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, Elschner solemnly chronicles the pivotal events of Jesus' early life. A powerful close-up image of the infant's hand grasping his mother's finger closes the proceedings alongside the portentous words that Mary will be with her son "Always, until the end." Giotto's original frescoes-located in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy, and dating to approximately 1305-are finely reproduced from archival photographs and serve as an elegant complement to the familiar Christmas story. Ages 3-8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-The story of the birth of Jesus is retold in simple, large text alongside the artwork of early Renaissance master Giotto di Bondone (known simply as Giotto). The art on the opposite of each page spread depicts each major aspect of the Christmas story, from the arrival of the angel Gabriel during the announcement of the Incarnation to the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. Readers will be drawn to the gold foil artwork on the halos of the angels, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Readers will relate to this special bond between a child and their mother: "And she would always be with her son. Always until the end." The last page brings the reader in with a close-up of the hand of Baby Jesus holding one of Mary's fingers. VERDICT Some young readers might find the Giotto paintings a bit distancing, but others will find their glory to be a fine accompaniment to the classic story.-Diane Olivo-Posner Los Angeles Public Library © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The Christmas story is retold to accompany close-ups of frescoes by Renaissance artist Giotto. Like the art, Elschner's text is formal (if a bit awkwardly translated), and it is more detailed than the familiar Gospel of John. Handsome bookmaking will appeal to an audience looking for a classical interpretation of the birth of Jesus. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This striking version of the Nativity story is illustrated with reproductions of fresco paintings by the Italian renaissance artist Giotto. The frescoes were painted in Padua, Italy, in about 1305 and are considered to be Giotto's masterwork and among the greatest masterpieces of the Early Renaissance. These frescoes tell the story of Mary and Jesus, and portions have been reproduced for this book. They illustrate the familiar story, beginning with the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Mary, continuing through the birth of Jesus, and ending with the flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus into Egypt. The illustrations are exquisite from an artistic viewpoint, with finely detailed faces surrounded by golden haloes. The illustrations are set on one page each double-page spread, with the text set opposite in an attractive typeface on ivory paper with a decorative border above. The lyrical text is based on the four Gospels of the New Testament. There are no notes in the book about the sources or development of the text, and there are only a few sentences about Giotto, which is a shame, as further, specific information about the frescoes would have extended the use of the book in library collections. An exquisite volume of most interest to students of art, church libraries, or large libraries with extensive art collections. (Picture book/religion. 9 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
