Voices of Christmas
Nikki Grimes, Author, Eric Velasquez, Illustrator , illus. by Eric Velasquez. Zonderkidz $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-310-71192-6
Grimes's stirring verse recounts the Messiah's birth through several first-person perspectives (a shepherd, an innkeeper, Herod). After she is visited by Gabriel, Mary laments, “Now I, alone, remain/ rooted to this dirt floor, dizzy with wonder,/ pinching my wrist,/ waiting to wake/ from this dream.” On the following page, Joseph wonders, “How could I marry a girl/ who is having someone else's baby?” Velasquez offers muted, atmospheric paintings, many seemingly lit by a distant, silvery guiding light. A lyrical, wide-focus meditation on the impact of a singular event. A CD with a reading of the story is included. Ages 9–12.
Details
Reviewed on: 10/26/2009
Release date: 09/01/2009
Genre: Children's
Hardcover - 32 pages - 9780310711926