VOICES OF CHRISTMAS
VOICES OF CHRISTMAS
Written by: Nikki Grimes Illustrated by: Eric Velasquez
eBook| Pages: 40
Size: 9.2(w) x 12.1(h) x 0.4(d) USD:$16.95
ISBN: 9780310733379
Publication Date: Oct. 1, 2009 Publisher: Zonderkidz
Age: 4 - 8 years
Categories: CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S RELIGION
About the Book
Gabriel “paced the halls of heaven” as he memorized God’s message to Mary. He wondered what she would say. The Christmas story unfolds, as never before, through the voices of those who witnessed the Messiah’s birth. Listen to Joseph’s struggle. Rejoice with Elizabeth and Zachariah. Worship with the magi. Hear the fear in Herod’s voice. Receive the blessing of Simeon and Anna. And, like the shepherds, shout for joy!
★★★ THE REVIEWS ARE IN! ★★★
Grimes uses her talent as a poet to retell the Nativity story from several different viewpoints, each one a distinct voice with its own style.
Fourteen poems in free verse convey the story, from the announcement of the impending birth by the angel Gabriel to the final poem directed to readers. The attractive design includes a double-page spread for each character, with a short Bible verse and the poem set in gold type against dark backgrounds and the illustration of the character attractively integrated into the spread. Each character is a real person with his or her own concerns and fears, and the whole of the Nativity story is conveyed through the sum of their individual stories.
Velasquez’s striking, dramatic illustrations add to the personality of the characters, who are clearly of Middle Eastern ethnicity. (CD)(Picture book/religion. 6 & up)-Kirkus
Grimes brings her lyrical style---and a compassionate, human-centered tone---to the Nativity story. Each double-page spread comprises three parts: a character's portrait is vividly rendered; a biblical passage establishes the current segment of the overarching narrative; and a poem offers readers entrance to the story through the eyes of the spotlighted character, from Gabriel to Mary to Herod to the innkeeper. The monologues are sparely poetic, emphasizing the humanity of each iconic figure: after being told that she will deliver the child of God, Mary is 'rooted to this dirt floor, / dizzy with wonder, / pinching my wrist, / waiting to wake / from this dream.' The text is unabashedly spiritual; the book design is sumptuous, with its gold typeface and endpapers; the paintings are dramatically composed, alternately dark and luminous (or sometimes both). Together, they make a familiar story seem newly resonant. -- The Horn Book Magazine
