The Easter Story: According To The Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John from the King James Bible (Hardcover)

by Gennady Spirin (Illustrator) "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethpage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,..." (more)
Key Phrases: Son of God

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
As he did with The Christmas Story, Gennady Spirin provides a lavish artistic accompaniment to excerpts from the King James Bible. This time he offers tribute to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Adding to the drama and symbolism of the story, Spirin drapes Jesus in a flowing, ivory robe that enhances the radiance of Christ himself, who seems to glow from the core of his being. As readers follow the shining Jesus through these ornate pages, the masses, the disciples, the enemies, and all the scenery is cast in the more aged and muted earthly colors of dusty beige, shadowy gray, burnt clay, and old gold. Only the angel of comfort, sent from heaven on Jesus' dark night of the soul, is able to match the light of Christ.

Although Spirin's tempera and watercolor illustrations are unequivocally inspired and penetrating, children younger than 8 years old may find it difficult to follow the obtuse, unfamiliar gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The crucifixion--with its appropriately dark and disturbing illustrations--commands especially the adult reader to offer plenty of comfort and discussion. Even the resurrection pages are sobering--until the final triumphant spread where we see Christ peacefully reigning among a host of trumpeting angels. From the language itself, many young children might find it impossible to glean the redemption and glory of this story without some extensive interpretation. While this kind of interactive reading is probably a good thing for children, it requires an astute and sensitive adult reader. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
Spirin (The Christmas Story) weaves together the major biblical accounts of Jesus' passion and resurrection and adorns them with stunning tempera-and-watercolor paintings in this sensitively rendered picture book. There's no mistaking Jesus' central role in these dramatic proceedings: Spirin paints him swathed in a gentle haloed radiance-brighter than the surrounding players, literally in the spotlight. Though language from the Bible is often difficult for young readers to decipher, they will likely hear these passages anew after viewing Spirin's emotional interpretations of Jesus' ride into Jerusalem, through throngs of palm-waving followers, the breaking of the bread at the Last Supper and his suffering on the cross. Each segment of text appears against the detailed architecture of the Holy Land-be it temple, palace wall or cityscape-replete with columns, gilded domes, turrets and carefully laid stone and brick. Just as elaborate are the golden vestments worn by chief priests and officers. The scenes of Jesus' death appropriately take place in a setting black as night. But angels appear throughout, rendered in the same sacred light as Jesus, and on the final, joyous page symbolize the powerful Easter message of faith and resurrection. All ages.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805063331
• ISBN-13: 978-0805063332
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 11.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,026,163 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Glorious illustrations, May 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story: According to the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the bible at Easter time. The illustrations are truly gorgeous. The author trained at the Stroganov Academy of Fine Art in Moscow, and the illustrations are very much in the Russian tradition of religious art. What a beautiful book.