FICTION

The Nativity

by Géraldine, retel ELSCHNER
tr. by Kathryn Bishop. illus. by Giotto di Bondone. 32p. Minedition. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9789888240463.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—The story of the birth of Jesus is retold in simple, large text alongside the artwork of early Renaissance master Giotto di Bondone (known simply as Giotto). The art on the opposite of each page spread depicts each major aspect of the Christmas story, from the arrival of the angel Gabriel during the announcement of the Incarnation to the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. Readers will be drawn to the gold foil artwork on the halos of the angels, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Readers will relate to this special bond between a child and their mother: "And she would always be with her son…Always until the end." The last page brings the reader in with a close-up of the hand of Baby Jesus holding one of Mary's fingers.
VERDICT Some young readers might find the Giotto paintings a bit distancing, but others will find their glory to be a fine accompaniment to the classic story.
Reviewed by Diane Olivo-Posner Los Angeles Public Library
The Christmas story is retold to accompany close-ups of frescoes by Renaissance artist Giotto. Like the art, Elschner's text is formal (if a bit awkwardly translated), and it is more detailed than the familiar Gospel of John. Handsome bookmaking will appeal to an audience looking for a classical interpretation of the birth of Jesus.
 , Oct 01, 2015

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