The Easter Story [Hardcover]

Brian Wildsmith (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Radiant watercolor illustrations enhanced with gold tones set the scene for this simple retelling of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of a little donkey who carried Jesus through the streets on Palm Sunday. The creative perspective will engage your children; and youll savor the artwork and reverent tone.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Brian Wildsmith, well-known illustrator of more than 30 picture books (including Brian Wildsmith's ABC, for which he won the venerable Kate Greenaway Medal), has this to say about the traditional Easter legend: "It is the world's greatest story, burning with history, passion, and tragedy."

Wildsmith's own passion for the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is unmistakable in his glorious, metallic-gold-hued illustrations, which tell the story more vividly than words ever could. In fact, to his credit, Wildsmith adapts the story of Jesus's last days in as simple and straightforward a manner as possible, allowing young readers to glean the substance from the paintings, symbolism, and, most likely, discussion with grownups who may be reading along. The donkey's-eye-view of the events allows a slightly different perspective from the standard, without being overly intrusive as a literary device. Lush jewel tones capture the richness of the narrative, and mesh in a strangely beautiful way with the simple paintings of Jesus, the angels, Mary Magdalene, and others in the biblical cast of characters. The Easter Story will make a gorgeous addition to any Easter basket. (Ages 5 and older)

From Publishers Weekly

Wildsmith has masterfully condensed and simplified the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ for young readers, and provided luminous paintings as accompaniment in his latest picture book. The child-friendly text describes seminal events, as when Jesus rides a faithful donkey into Jerusalem and celebrates the Last Supper with friends. Although the miracles depicted here hold particular significance for Christians, all readers can appreciate Wildsmith's gently rendered artwork and its judiciously applied metallic paints. Expansive scenes of the Holy Land sites are awash in soft watercolors and often flecked with gold. Hovering winged angels and throngs of people wear brilliant, multicolored garments. An ornate purple and gold spread in the Garden of Gethsemane is especially stunning. This sumptuous volume serves well as an introduction to the Bible and also allows room for private interpretation. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers; First edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802851894
• ISBN-13: 978-0802851895
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #388,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful depiction of Holy Week, March 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

We use this book in our church school classes, mostly because of the way it depicts the events of Holy Week. The illustrations often take a panoramic perspective, giving the sense of the crowds in Jerusalem during the Passover. The story is told from the point of view of the little donkey that Jesus rode into the city on. This is somewhat distracting but the wonderful illustrations make this much more of a discussion than a read story. There are some illustrations that are not quite true to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus - the trial before Pilot is held in a strange amphitheater setting, but the view of the Last Supper is right on target. The best part about the book is the way the angels (in all their glory) watch over the events. For young children the ideas of the crucifixtion are particularly alarming. Here the sky is filled with angels that remind us that Jesus was never abandon during this horrible time. The scene at the Tomb gives an interesting interpretation of all the gospel versions with angels sitting atop the tombstone, hovering aloft and waiting inside. This book does a wonderful job of supporting discussion and deepening mediation.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

I am so glad that I purchased this book for my children! The story is written in a very simple and straightforward way which is easy for children to understand. This book could be a very useful tool in opening up biblical discussions for the whole family. The illustration is beautiful and captivating.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the BEST version of the Easter story for children., April 5, 2004

By 

J. Kitchen "byrobaby" (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

I originally checked this book out from the library for my son last Easter. My husband and I were so impressed we bought it this year for him as a gift. The illustrations positively glow. And, the story line is captivating and easy to follow, unlike other children's versions I've read. It's a beautiful book that my two year-old will continue to enjoy for many Easters to come.