The news about Jesus and how he saved the world

Morse's second title in the Bible Beautiful series takes an inventive approach to the New Testament. Events in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are recounted in "Good News Daily," a fictionalized newspaper. Morse includes condensed tellings of the gospels, the acts and letters of the apostles, and the vision of John of Patmos, which are conveyed through abstract word-and- collage montages crafted from paper, fabric, ribbon, and other ephemera. Snappy headlines summarize pivotal events: "Trouble in Jerusalem" leads into an account from Matthew 26, in which "Jesus warned his disciples that his time on earth was coming to an end." Morse's frequently abstract compositions integrate rich patterns, contrasting colors, and moments that feel both stationary and fluid. While the newspaper concept is an effective organizational tool, it's outshone by the alluring visuals, which provide an imagistic understanding of the layered stories. Ages 4-7. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In a follow-up to his earlier effort, The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever (2012), author/illustrator Morse turns his eye to a child-friendly summary of the New Testament.Starting with the Gospels, readers are taken on a tour through the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The book begins with accounts of his birth, childhood, and ministry and culminates with his final days in Jerusalem and the Passion narrative. Morse highlights the ongoing influence of Jesus' teaching through the Acts of the Apostles, highlights from the Epistles, and a brief overview of John's apocalyptic Revelation. The collage-style illustrations, set on bright, solid-colored backgrounds, utilize papers and textiles from around the world, perhaps a nod to the global message of the Gospel. Though Morse highlights the legalistic hypocrisy of the Pharisees that Jesus spoke against, the gospel he presents here is still works-based rather than offering salvation through faith aloneironic, considering this message comes in his discussion of Paul, who preached salvation by grace. Some readers might even accuse Morse of flirting with heretical Arianism, which holds that Jesus was created rather than an eternal person of the Godhead. Despite theological issues that cautious readers might take issue with, overall this is a well-written and accessible synopsis of the key points of the Gospels and other New Testament writings.An enjoyable read if not theologically universal. (Religion. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.