This Is the Star [Hardcover]

Joyce Dunbar (Author), Gary Blythe (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

This retelling of the Nativity story features carefully crafted verse describing the magical night, complemented by magnificent full-color oil paintings. By the author of Ten Little Mice.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An exquisite rendition of the Nativity, this work really is the star, a sure standout amidst the season's picture books. Blythe's (The Whales' Song) awe-inspiring oils interpret in photo-realistic detail Mary and Joseph's difficult journey and the miraculous birth of Christ. The images include traditional scenes along with more startling compositions, such as a blinding-white angel appearing in the dark heavens and frightening the tiny mortal shepherds below. Maintaining an appropriate reverence, Dunbar transforms the Biblical story into a rhyming cumulative text. Her sophisticated vocabulary and phrasing guard against the singsong rhythm that so frequently governs cumulative verse: "This is the gold and fragrant myrrh/ And frankincense, the gifts that were/ Placed by the manger warm with hay/ Wherein a newborn baby lay." A volume to be treasured by the whole family. All ages.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. Dunbar tells the story of the Nativity as a cumulative tale, and she's surprisingly successful. She achieves reverence and grandeur by stringing together verses that echo biblical language and have a carol-like rhythm that builds image after image. The text is beautifully matched, perhaps outmatched, by the high-quality artwork. In fact, the majestic full-page oil paintings are the primary attraction of the book. Blythe blends realism and mystery in his work, using chiaroscuro and unbelievably complex textures to provide visual continuity for the text. In less capable hands, the difficult verse form might have become monotonous, but this book works because of the tonal quality of the verse, the finely honed phrases, and the extraordinary art. Shelley Townsend-Hudson

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; "A" First Edition edition (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152008519
• ISBN-13: 978-0152008512
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is the Star, February 2, 2001

By 

Christina Duncan (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Is the Star (Hardcover)

This book is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful books on my child's bookshelf. The text is a beautiful poem that winds its way through absoulutely riveting, gorgeous illustrations. The book is a work of art, and tells the Christmas story the way it should be told. Young or old, this book grabs your heart and stays with you all year. My three year old still points to the sky and asks "Is THAT the star, Mommy?" -- In a word, this book is PRICELESS.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely breathtaking, October 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: This Is the Star (Hardcover)

I have used this book several times in churches in place of a sermon during early Christmas Eve services geared toward children. Not onlyt he children (who could see the pictures) but the adults hung on every word. It is loving, beautiful, quiet, and deeply moving.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for the holiday season, December 2000, December 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: This Is the Star (Hardcover)

I do not ordinarily write book reviews, but reading this book has compelled me to send this message. I have never been so moved by a book. The verse is amazing in how it builds you through the story until the beautifully simplistic and meaningful ending. The illustrations are also breathtaking. In a time where Christmas has taken on the symbol of Santa and a sleigh full of toys, this book gives back the true meaning of Christmas. I would recommend this book to anyone. Happy Holidays.