cover image THIS IS THE SEASON BELOVED OF THE YEAR

THIS IS THE SEASON BELOVED OF THE YEAR

Simon Dewey, . . Deseret/Eagle Gate, $19.95 (1pp) ISBN 978-1-57008-858-2

This attractive picture book for adults pairs the words of the popular song "This is the Season Beloved of the Year" ("The Nativity Song") with quotes from 20th-century Latter-day Saint leaders such as Gordon B. Hinckley, Spencer Kimball, Jeffrey Holland and Ezra Taft Benson. Many of the reflections are powerful, particularly those by Holland and Neal Maxwell. The book is beautifully designed, with inset scripture quotes on each page taken from Isaiah, the nativity stories of the Gospels and the Book of Mormon. Simon Dewey's artwork is contemplative and gentle. Some will likely take issue with his very northern European-looking depictions of Mary, the adult Jesus and the angel from the second chapter of Luke, but there is a tender charm in his pastoral and manger scenes. It is disappointing that there are no women contributors, but overall, this is a lovely gift book for the Latter-day Saint community. (Oct.)