The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art (Viking Kestrel picture books) [Hardcover]

Mary Pope Osborne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Viking Kestrel picture books

Through the centuries that have passed since the birth of Jesus, millions have found inspiration in the story of His life. Nowhere are the beauty, the suffering and the joy of that story more vividly told than through the work of the great artists it has inspired, including Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Giotto, and many others. Mary Pope Osborne's fresh retelling of the tale that begins with the birth of a baby in a stable combines with some of the world's great masterpieces of Renaissance art to produce a beautiful celebration of the life of Jesus. At the back of the book, the title, artist, and date of each work is noted. Based on the gospels and handsomely produced with fifth-color gold ink, The Life of Jesus is a book to treasure for readers of any religious faith. Mary Pope Osborne is the author of more than thirty books for young readers, including One World, Many Religions, Rocking Horse Christmas and the Magic Tree House series.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Retelling portions of the New Testament, this simplified, rhythmic text is printed in a large, elegant typeface and is sumptuously illustrated with an interesting variety of art reproductions. Included are paintings and pictures from books of hours, breviaries, and a choir book, all glowing with rich colors and arranged dynamically in a number of shapes and sizes. Among the artists represented are Giotto, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Breughel, Poussin, and Veronese. The story of Jesus's early life includes the Annunciation, Nativity, Wise Men, Slaughter of the Innocents, Flight into Egypt, and Visit to the Temple. Accounts of Jesus's baptism, temptations by the Devil, and a few of the better-known miracles and parables follow. The book concludes with a succinct version of Holy Week and Jesus's resurrection and ascension. No scripture references are given. All is woven together smoothly into a continuous narrative. A section reproducing the pictures in miniature and identifying them by title, artist, and date appears at the end.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7, younger for reading aloud. Osborne tells the story of Jesus with a clear, beautiful narrative of events selectively chosen from the Gospels of the New Testament and with splendid reproductions of paintings by Botticelli, Hieronymus Bosch, Fra Angelico, and other famous Renaissance artists. The words are simple and direct (Joseph wanted "to break his engagement" when he found out that Mary was going to have a baby); at the same time, Osborne retains the reverence and mystery ("Unto you is born a savior, which is Christ the lord," the angel tells the shepherds). The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer are quoted in full, woven into the life story. Along with the stirring words are the famous pictures, which children and adults will return to again and again, just as they have done for hundreds of years. The design of the oversize book is great for sharing, with thick paper and large type. On each double-page spread, there is usually one full-page painting opposite a page of text with one or more small inset pictures. At the back of the book, spread over four pages, is the key to the pictures, each small color reproduction captioned with its title, artist, and date. Osborne points out that the pictures date from a time when most people were illiterate, when they learned about the life of Jesus through paintings, sculpture, and stained glass windows. This is a great crossover book, to bring the story to those who don't know it well, and to bring to everyone these masterpieces of narrative art. Hazel Rochman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (September 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670873136
• ISBN-13: 978-0670873135
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,360,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"I'm one of those very lucky people who absolutely loves what they do for a living. There is no career better suited to my eccentricities, strengths, and passions than that of a children's book author."--Mary Pope Osborne

Mary Pope Osborne is the author of the popular Magic Tree House series. She works with her husband Will and her sister Natalie on the nonfiction companion series, Magic Tree House Research Guides. Many of her books have been named to best-books lists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How about some art history with your Bible study?, April 1, 2000

By 

Karen H (Columbia, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art (Viking Kestrel picture books) (Hardcover)

The retelling of the Gospel stories appears to be true to the Biblical account. The uniqueness of this book comes in the visual display of art from the Renaissance period. My 10 year old found the pictures "kind of funny" and "different" which may be why she loves to study them. There is so much to find in the details of these materpieces. I especially like the references in the back that list time periods and artists for each piece. This gives my daughter the information she needs to do further research on specific artists that interests her. Plus giving us a time frame to think about art expression during that era. So, do you need another Bible picture book? I think so IF you are interested in giving your kids a history of art lesson at the same time.

1.0 out of 5 stars New Book was not "new", December 24, 2011

By 

Lynn Nettleton (Gibsonia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art (Viking Kestrel picture books) (Hardcover)

I purchased the following from this vendor at an expensive price:

The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art (Viking Kestrel picture books)
Sold by: vana11
Condition: new
Quantity: 1
$62.89 each
Item subtotal: $62.89

When the book arrived, I noticed the corners were crushed and there was a lengthy, hand-written inscription inside the front cover. The book was not new. I will have to return it. My daughter will be disappointed. This was on her Christmas list.