Easter

Publishers Weekly

As she did in her Christmas book, Bethlehem, French takes the stained glass windows of English cathedrals as inspiration for her radiant artwork, which accompanies text extracted from the King James Bible. Beginning with Jesus' ride to Jerusalem through crowds of palm-waving followers, French employs an intricate painting style that mimics the leading, shimmering color variance and composition of medieval stained glass. While matching the dignity of the text, her scenes also convey, via their expressive design, a sense of warmth, freedom and movement that children will find especially appealing. The selected Bible passages flow easily from one to the next, keeping the story of the Passion succinct and accessible for young readers (though some of the phrasing may require further explanation). Particularly memorable images include the disciples netting a multitude of wriggling fish on the sea of Tiberias, a stark, gray Jesus nailed to the cross and, fittingly, a gloriously bright, swirling depiction of Jesus being joyfully "carried up into heaven." A beauty. Ages 4-8. (Feb.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Elegant, stained-glass, iconoclastic-style illustrations based on designs from the English cathedrals of Ely, Lincoln, York and Canterbury are an apt accompaniment to the formal wording of the King James Bible. The text begins with Jesus' triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, continues through the last supper, Gethsemane, Jesus before Pilate, the crucifixion and death, Jesus meeting with the apostles after his resurrection, and finally his ascension into heaven. The sumptuous jewel tones and variations within a color further enhance the stained-glass appearance. French has included many Christian symbols, such as the lamb and those of the four gospel writers in her art. She includes fine details and expressive faces in the pictures. There is understated simplicity and deep reverence on the pages, showing Christ on the cross with the single line, "And they crucified him." A lovely book. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo

School Library Journal

Gr 3 Up-Spectacular spreads inspired by the stained-glass windows of English cathedrals are the focal point of this abbreviated version of Jesus's last days. Swirling scenes in incandescent jewel tones and bold black lines illustrate excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible, which are selected highlights rather than a continuous narrative. Among those included are the Last Supper, Judas's betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, Simon of Cyrene helping to bear the cross, the Crucifixion, the breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Tiberius, and the Ascension. The figures have expressive, individualized faces, some of which are cruel and frightening, and others devastated with pain and sorrow. The grayish-white crucified Jesus oozes ribbons of blood from his hands, feet, and side. The effect is intense and dramatic. A great deal of adult help in interpretation will be necessary for an understanding of this text, as well as a background in the teachings of Christianity.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

In a sequel to her earlier Bethlehem (2001), Greenaway Medalist French has created a powerful pictorial rendition of the Easter story. She uses only the language of the King James Bible, which is clear enough for even young children to follow. She illustrates the Word from Palm Sunday until the Ascension, basing her images on English stained-glass windows. These are very beautiful indeed, in their jewel colors and strong graphic outlines. Within that visual idiom, French has managed to make the faces expressive and the gestures unambiguous. She wields perspective like a sword, from the close-up pattern of faces and palm branches to the tumbling of the multitude of fishes, more than the disciples could gather. "And they crucified him" appears as a single sentence on one page swept with stained glass shards; opposite is the image of Christ on the cross, its hieratic solemnity unbroken. Excellent for Christian children and lucid enough for those interested in the beliefs of others. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8)