The Nativity

by Julie Vivas

Book Overview

In this beautiful book, warm and whimsical illustrations accompany excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. "Vivas' delicate, sure watercolors are a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152001174
• ISBN13: 9780152001179
• Release Date: October 1994
• Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Company
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 9.5" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

One of the best Christmas books around.

For some odd reason, children's books based on the Bible often bring out the worst in illustrators. I've seen more bad drawing, syrupy expressions and cloying colors in illustrated Bible stories than in any other kind of children's book. That's why this book is literally a God send. The lovely King James text might normally be a little over the heads of the 4 to 8 year olds this book is aimed at, but Julie Vivas' illustrations bring it to life and make it something any child will want to hear again and again and again. I've read it for years to both of my children, as well as in classrooms, and it is always a huge hit. From angels with rainbow colored wings and army boots (a few of them riding the shepherds' sheep) to the crowds in Bethlehem literally dripping from the trees, this book is a delight. It's hilarious, but also very moving. One of my favorite pictures in the book is of the enormously pregnant Mary gazing at her belly in delight. And my six-year-old daughter adores the wide-eyed baby Jesus. If you only buy one Christmas picture book, this is the one to get.

This is my favourite children's book of all time.

I 'discovered' this wonderful depiction of the Christmas story when I first came to work in a primary school library, way back in 1987. A copy of the book has now become one of my treasures at home and I have purchased several copies for friends. Surely there is no other nativity story book that so clearly shows the human side of the young mother and I believe that children can relate more readily to the characters when they are drawn with such a great sense of humour. I do have to admit though that the angel is my favourite!!

A beautiful, human presentation of Christ's birth.

The Illustrations by Ms Vivas bring to life the story of the birth of Jesus. Her touching art work brings to life the nativity story within a very human framework. I have personally given many copes of this book for gifts to friends. It is always well received, especially by adults.

A delightful book for all ages. Endearing illustrations.

We just purchased 10 copies of Vivas's wonderfully illustrated story of the Ntivity. Classic scriptural text is made new and humanly real with charming watercolor images of preciously comic little angels, a Mary that is "great" with child, and faces on all characters that will make you smile. It is a lovely way to reread the old words with renewed meaning.

A Wonderful depiction of the Nativity!

Julie Vivas has created a version of King James' story of the Nativity that includes a holy family that fits today's concept of family-- there are scenes where an astonished Mary converses over coffee with the Angel of the Lord, and where Joseph snuggles a wiggling Christ Child following the birth. This illustrator has shown a thoughtful consideration of a timeless and special moment in Christian tradition/doctrine. I love this book and bought it, even though I don't have children (yet) because I love the way Vivas includes everyone in this story.