Customer Reviews

The Nativity

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I 'discovered' this wonderful depiction of the Christmas story when I first came to work in a primary school library, way back in 1987. A copy of the book has now become one of my treasures at home and I have purchased several copies for friends. Surely there is no other nativity story book that so clearly shows the human side of the young mother and I believe that children can relate more readily to the characters when they are drawn with such a great sense of humour. I do have to admit though that the angel is my favourite!!

For some odd reason, children's books based on the Bible often bring out the worst in illustrators. I've seen more bad drawing, syrupy expressions and cloying colors in illustrated Bible stories than in any other kind of children's book. That's why this book is literally a God send. The lovely King James text might normally be a little over the heads of the 4 to 8 year olds this book is aimed at, but Julie Vivas' illustrations bring it to life and make it something any child will want to hear again and again and again. I've read it for years to both of my children, as well as in classrooms, and it is always a huge hit. From angels with rainbow colored wings and army boots (a few of them riding the shepherds' sheep) to the crowds in Bethlehem literally dripping from the trees, this book is a delight. It's hilarious, but also very moving. One of my favorite pictures in the book is of the enormously pregnant Mary gazing at her belly in delight. And my six-year-old daughter adores the wide-eyed baby Jesus. If you only buy one Christmas picture book, this is the one to get.

The Illustrations by Ms Vivas bring to life the story of the birth of Jesus. Her touching art work brings to life the nativity story within a very human framework. I have personally given many copes of this book for gifts to friends. It is always well received, especially by adults.

We just purchased 10 copies of Vivas's wonderfully illustrated story of the Ntivity. Classic scriptural text is made new and humanly real with charming watercolor images of preciously comic little angels, a Mary that is "great" with child, and faces on all characters that will make you smile. It is a lovely way to reread the old words with renewed meaning.

Julie Vivas has created a version of King James' story of the Nativity that includes a holy family that fits today's concept of family-- there are scenes where an astonished Mary converses over coffee with the Angel of the Lord, and where Joseph snuggles a wiggling Christ Child following the birth. This illustrator has shown a thoughtful consideration of a timeless and special moment in Christian tradition/doctrine. I love this book and bought it, even though I don't have children (yet) because I love the way Vivas includes everyone in this story.

This is my 3-year old daughter's favorite Christmas book. Her favorite picture is when Mary tells Joseph "the good news," and she always giggles at the pictures of the Baby Jesus "peeking out." This is such a gorgeous, joyful, and moving book. We have read it dozens of times, and every reading reveals a new delight in the illustrations -- they are respectful in a way that's hard to describe. I'm so thankful that when my daughter visualizes the birth of Christ, it is Vivas's drawings that she'll carry with her for a long time to come.

This is my all time favorite nativity book. I have purchased additional copies for each of my three children and at least one classroom. Julie Vivas's illustrations are wonderfully fanciful and humorous. I love having a view of Mary being hoisted up onto the donkey and later, the naked baby Jesus. The story is a KJV and formal, which is in beautiful contrast to the illustrations. I highly recommend this book!

Vivas contrasts the lovely language of the King James Version of the bible with her funky and whimsical illustrations. Mary's belly is fecund beyond belief, Gabriel sits for a visit and a cup of coffee at the family kitchen table (and to tell you the truth, he looks like he could use a little caffeine), and the wisemen are poster children for Hairclub for Men. Vivas's illustrations make the story we've known since childhood real by making the people in that story real.

I reviewed this book a long time ago, back before Amazon kept track of us... (I'm the one that mentions the astonished Mary over coffee).... The reason I wanted to revisit this review, though, is more than just because I wanted credit. This book is truly astonishing-- this Christmas, I had it out on the table as part of my holiday decor and the friends & family who looked at it were all delighted. I think my favorite part is still the same-- the way Vivas illustrates a real looking family with the classic story. But another thing that is important to me is that she shows Joseph taking active part in his child's nurturing (even if he is technically a "stepdad"). The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is the classic, poetic King James version. Love it!

Beautiful book. Delightfully illustrated to the Nativity Story from the King James Bible. Of great interest to all age groups. Was first introduced to this book at the Christmas Service ( 2005) at St. Stephens Church, Calgary - used for the main sermon. Whole congregation seemed enraptured by the illustrations shown on a screen whilst the story was read. Book was a must have for us to keep for our grandchildren. Would recommend this book as a must for any family library.