Customer Reviews

Through the Animals' Eyes: A Story of the First Christmas

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

 

 

In contrast to the other review, one reason I love this book is that the Christmas story is simply told, and the illustrations are an opportunity for the reader to quietly enter into the story through the eye of the critters who supposedly witnessed the chain of events which led to Christ's birth - it is a sort of quiet meditation on the story. If you are looking for talking animals or are not the meditative type, this book is not for you. If you love Wormell's other work or love linocut prints, then you will not be disappointed. It's probably as much for adult enjoyment as for kids. Wormell is best at Books which showcase animals (see his Alphabet of Animals, A Number of Animals, so of course he would do a Christmas book like this. Being a Wormell fan and a Christmas book junkie, I cannot help but give this 5 stars.

The Biblical story of Jesus' birth is paired with beautiful illustrations that include local wildlife in the familiar scenes. I haven't figured out why these critters are featured in the title, because the story line ignores them. Maybe the artist wanted a new perspective for an overly familiar theme. Or maybe he hoped that this book would appeal to non-Christians. However, heavy-handed Christianism--Herod is portrayed getting stung by a bee--has the opposite effect. Best for Christian parents who want to enjoy good artwork while beginning their childrens' religions education.

I bought this because I assumed by the title that it would be the Christmas Story from the animals' point of view. It definitely is not! It is the same story taken almost exactly word for word from the Bible with hardly any mention of animals at all. I guess the author/publisher figured that by just putting in some pictures of animals, that would count. The title is completely misleading! If you want a Christmas story about animals this is NOT the one.