Mary: The Mother of Jesus (Hardcover)

~ Tomie dePaola (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4?Biblical references to the mother of Jesus are actually quite scanty, and dePaola has woven some appropriate legends concerning her childhood, her betrothal to Joseph, and her dormition with a graceful, simple rendition of the pertinent scriptural passages (based upon The New English Bible) to round out the story. The writing style is restrained, elegant, and expressive. Handsome, framed, full-page paintings; harmonizing, rectangular spot illustrations on the pages of text; and a clear, attractive typeface give a balanced, dignified appearance to the book. The colors are subdued, yet rich, and the figures have a still, eternal quality particularly appropriate to the timelessness of the subject. Mary continues dePaola's tradition of outstanding presentations of stories of the Bible and saints without proselytizing or bias.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. Based on the New English Bible and legends about the mother of Jesus, this picture book tells the story of Mary's life in words and full-color artwork. Although the text has a biblical tone, the words are simple and clear. A feeling of joyful reverence pervades the book. The illustrations, some full-page and others in smaller horizontal panels, offer young children a visual experience similar to that of stained glass windows, which spoke to medieval nonreaders: the art suggests the story through a series of beautiful tableaux. And as in stained glass windows, some of the objects shown have symbolic meanings that enrich the viewer who recognizes them, though knowledge of the symbolism is not necessary for enjoyment of the art. Defined by strong lines and enriched by subtle shades and overlays of color, the simple, yet majestic illustrations have an underlying rhythm of forms that unifies their composition. In the larger paintings, the main figure or figures are framed by arches, architectural arches as well as similar shapes formed by clothing and trees. Graceful and full of grace, this picture book is unified in subject, words, and art. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823410188
• ISBN-13: 978-0823410187
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 4.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #174,591 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #56 in

  Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Jesus

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Book, July 3, 2000

By	Mei-Li G. Beane (Merry Point, VA United States) - See all my reviews

Tomie dePaola has done it again! Here is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book about a religious subject that is truly worth owning. The colorful artwork will interest younger children, and interesting facts and stories about the Blessed Mother will intrigue and excite older readers. DePaola treats his subject respectfully, but without excessive sentimentallity. The early style of the artwork and the inclusion of part of an antiphon in each section of the book ties "Mary, Mother of Jesus" to the long and honorable European Marian tradition.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, June 16, 2000

By	claudette pittman (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a great source for teaching young children about Mary. It is also great for teens, who may not want to sit and read much about Mary, but the Art draws them in and gets their interest and they can handle a page or two (before they know it, they're done!). I was surprised by this while I was teaching a teen confirmation class and had just put the book out for "kicks", it was one of the most used books that day!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Children's Literature, June 19, 2007

By	Lara Muse "Feisty Muse" (Agency, MO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mary: The Mother of Jesus is a Catholic classic included in children's literature studies such as Catholic Mosaic by Cay Gibson and Elizabeth Foss' Advent study. Tomie de Paola is not only a fabulous childrens' author, he is a great artist as well. This book should be included on the bookshelves of Catholic children everywhere.