SEEING JESUS IN HIS OWN WORDS

In another of her elegant-looking picture books, Mayer (The Twelve Apostles) illuminates Jesus' character, personality and teachings. The text consists chiefly of an amalgam of quotes attributed to Jesus in the Gospels; a variety of Bible versions are the sources. The language is contemporary and accessible, if not always poetic ("Don't pass judgment, and you won't be judged"; "Notice how the wild lilies grow: They don't slave and they don't spin"). Focusing on Jesus as a spiritual teacher rather than savior, Mayer informally groups quotes according to such unstated themes as Jesus the champion of children and Jesus the shepherd. Paintings, mostly European and post-Renaissance, appear throughout the volume. Though the accumulation of similar quotes can be slightly overwhelming, young readers will certainly take away a clear impression of Jesus' emphasis on selfless love, compassion and forgiveness. All ages. (Oct.)