From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4?Using clear, descriptive words, the young Nazarene woman tells of her visit by the angel Gabriel and how she learned of her fate?to be the mother of Jesus. She briefly sets the scene and then recounts how she and her husband traveled up the Judean hills, heading for Bethlehem. After giving birth to Jesus, Mary watched the stars while Joseph cared for her. Unbeknownst to them, three kings saw the same star and followed it to their stable dwelling where they presented the baby with gifts. After the appearance of yet another angel, they fled to Egypt. Throughout the telling, Mary's voice is hopeful, gentle, and calm. Kubiak's luminous acrylic paintings, framed by thin lines, are a beautiful balance to the poetic text. Definitely consider this version for collections needing traditional Nativity stories.?MMH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5^-8. The familiar story of the Nativity is shown through the eyes of Mary. Wonderingly, she tries to understand how she has been chosen, how she can be bearing a child when she is only engaged to Joseph. Keeping her trust in God, she goes through her pregnancy and then recognizes her son as the Messiah, as the angel has foretold. The book does not state which Bible verses it incorporates, but all the familiar elements in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke appear, including the shepherds and the wise men. The story ends with the flight into Egypt. Knowlton's telling is effective; Kubiak's pictures, while dramatic, at times have the feel of greeting-card art. This is especially true in the depictions of Mary and Joseph, who look like corn-fed midwesterners, not remotely Semitic. A secondary purchase, especially for libraries already owning many copies of the story. Ilene Cooper
