cover image The Nativity

The Nativity

Juan Wungaard, Juan Wijngard. Candlewick Press (MA), $5.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-1-56402-981-2

The mellifluous language of the King James Bible and shadowy, reverent watercolors akin to altarpieces grace the pages of this most familiar Christian story. Wijngaard depicts the holy family as Renaissance artists may have done, clothing them in flowing drapery and shaping his pictures as if to fit them into an arch within a church. Elegant floral decorations and occasional ornamental script complement the formal text. The paperback format renders this volume more accessible and inviting to children, though some explanation of the King James phrasing may be required for younger readers. Ages 5-10. (Oct.)