Customer Reviews

Mary: The Mother of Jesus

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3 star:		(1)
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Tomie dePaola has done it again! Here is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book about a religious subject that is truly worth owning. The colorful artwork will interest younger children, and interesting facts and stories about the Blessed Mother will intrigue and excite older readers. DePaola treats his subject respectfully, but without excessive sentimentallity. The early style of the artwork and the inclusion of part of an antiphon in each section of the book ties "Mary, Mother of Jesus" to the long and honorable European Marian tradition.

This book is a great source for teaching young children about Mary. It is also great for teens, who may not want to sit and read much about Mary, but the Art draws them in and gets their interest and they can handle a page or two (before they know it, they're done!). I was surprised by this while I was teaching a teen confirmation class and had just put the book out for "kicks", it was one of the most used books that day!

Though without an Imprimatur, this book draws from accepted Catholic Marian tradition as well as scripture. The "chapters" are as follows:

The Presentation of the Child Mary at the Temple (refers to the story of Anne and Joachim being told by Angels that they would have a special daughter)
The Bethrothal of Joseph and Mary
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Birth of Jesus
The Presentation of the Boy Jesus in the Temple
The Adoration of the Magi
The Flight into Egypt
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
The Marriage at Cana
The Ministry
Mary's Solitude (refers to the Crucifixion)
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Mary is Taken to Heaven
The Queen of Heaven

Each "chapter" is only a few paragraphs long with at least two illustrations-- perfect for younger readers to get a sense of the story without losing interest. Although the chapter titles may seem more like a story focusing on Jesus, they are told with an emphasis on Mary.

This is an excellent book that should be in every Catholic child's home library. If I had to make suggestions, however, I would add three things:

- The phrase from the Nativity story where it says, "Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart." (I can't explain it exactly, but I've always loved that part.)
- A bit more from the Magnificat, if not the entire prayer. (The book contains an adapatation of the first line but it's such a beautiful prayer, it would've been nice to have it all, even as an addendum.)
- A section devoted to Marian prayers, including the Hail Mary, the Memorae, etc. (Just seems like a fitting way to end a book that honors Our Lady).

Mary: The Mother of Jesus is a Catholic classic included in children's literature studies such as Catholic Mosaic by Cay Gibson and Elizabeth Foss' Advent study. Tomie de Paola is not only a fabulous childrens' author, he is a great artist as well. This book should be included on the bookshelves of Catholic children everywhere.

Tomie DePaola does a remarkable job with the Bible and his incredible art. Mary comes alive!!!!!!
Martha

I can't believe this has now gone out of print. All the used copies are going for outrageous prices--I'm glad I got a copy just before the inflation started. This will surely become a collector's item. I hope a publisher adopts this precious book and brings it back into print soon, along with The Lady of Guadalupe! De Paola's artwork is understated and engaging as always, and this quiet little book is a sweet, age-appropriate tribute to the Mother of God that your children will love.

The book was as described.....in good condition. But I was so disappointed to find that it didn't include a dust cover! The dust cover was part of what I loved about the book! So, yes, I was not completely satisfied with the purchase....I'm not going to return it but I would not have made the purchase if I had known the dust cover was missing.