Review by Booklist Review
Hendrix writes in his author's note that while referencing gospel stories, his interpretation of Jesus' life comes from the heart of a disciple, and he presents a man who cures lepers, multiplies fishes and loaves, and walks on water. These miracles give Hendrix the opportunity to showcase his inventive artwork, which forms letters from birds and butterflies and uses strong graphic elements to capture the wonder of Jesus' life. Like characters in Hendrix's other books, there is a cartoon style to Jesus' depiction, which occasionally diminishes the power of the man even as the book itself makes an impact. Hendrix notes that for a straighter narrative he eliminated the Marys from the story; unfortunately, that leaves the book virtually woman-free. And though neither the words Jew nor Roman appear, the depiction of the taunters as responsible for the crucifixion Pontius Pilate never appears is problematic. These details detract from what is otherwise a visually exciting and fresh take on the age-old story.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Using dynamic visuals with the force of a graphic novel, Hendrix (McToad Mows Tiny Island) explores the adult life of Jesus, focusing on his relationship with his disciples, several miracles, his betrayal, death, and resurrection. Drawn as a lanky, bearded figure of simple grace, the "Miracle man" travels among villages, curing the infirm, feeding the hungry, protecting those in peril, and gathering a loyal following. Yet "not everyone liked the miracles, or the Miracle Man," writes the author. Hendrix enhances pivotal moments through his customary use of bold, hand-lettered text, giving dramatic visual power to the godly force behind Jesus' words. "Be still!" he shouts, calming a raging storm with words that are themselves a torrent of thunderclouds and lightning bolts. Hendrix moves from a desolate scene of Jesus carrying a heavy cross to a mournful image in the immediate aftermath of his crucifixion; the resurrection unfolds with a whisper-light touch. It's an emotional and approachable account of the gospel that should have broad Christian appeal. Hendrix explains his approach to the project in an illuminating endnote. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Through selected Gospel stories and bold pen-and-ink illustrations, Hendrix portrays the miraculous life of Jesus in this unique retelling. Employing simple, child-friendly language, the author reveals how Jesus "was like none who had lived before" and how his words "made things happen." Hendrix demonstrates how, while performing a series of miracles including healing the sick, feeding thousands with a meager supply of loaves and fishes, calming the stormy seas, and walking on water, Jesus gathered crowds of followers and attracted enemies, who didn't approve of the adulation he garnered. Although Jesus was ultimately betrayed and sent to die, in the end, he was able to perform "one last glorious miracle." Hendrix embeds hand-lettering into his drawings, and the design and format of the spreads call to mind modern graphic novels. Despite the contemporary feel of the artwork and language, the illustrations are also replete with historically accurate details of life in biblical times. The doubt and fear of the disciples as they cross the sea with Jesus in a tiny boat is evident in a striking spread dominated by the rain-swept ocean and accompanied by the question "Don't you care if we die?" VERDICT Hendrix eloquently conveys the life-changing power of faith in this distinctive snapshot of the life and teachings of Jesus, providing an appealing introduction to more complete collections of Bible stories.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston © Copyright 2016. 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 Kirkus Book Review
Some of Jesus' message is here, but the focus is on selected miracles and the wonder thereof. An "unusual Man" comes to "a dry and dusty land" needing "the kind of living water that would last forever." When he speaks, his words burst into teeming flights of butterflies, lightning bolts, monumental wood and stone letters, or page-filling arrays of exclamatory display type. Again and again as disciples and others look on with awed or worried expressions, this "Miracle Man"a skinny, light-brown, often smiling figure with a ragged black beard in the carefully detailed illustrationsworks wonders. He heals the sick, walks on water, feeds the multitude from a small basket of loaves and fishes, and more. At last he announces his betrayal, then dies to rise again, amid a flutter of butterflies. (Judas only points from a distance, and Jesus is seen dragging his cross but not actually on it.) Hendrix draws from various New Testament books and versions but retells each miracle in his own words. In the interest of brevity he leaves out the Marys and other significant figures, noting this in the afterword. Katherine Paterson offers younger children a fuller version of the oft-told story in The Light of the World (2008), but the Jesus in Franois Roca's pictures is less approachable than that in Hendrix's. Brief of text but memorably illustrated. (Picture book/religion. 5-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
