The Nativity

by: Julie Vivas

Published by: Harcourt Books

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

We're all familiar with the Bible story of Mary and Joseph and how the baby Jesus came to Earth. Using scripture references, author Vivas illustrates the biblical passages with watercolor paintings, bringing the story to life in a whole new way.

Some of the paintings of Mary being big with child are a bit overdone, but they are still fun to look at. Some of the pictures in The Nativity are humorous, showing Joseph trying to hoist his pregnant bride up on the back of the donkey, or angels riding on sheep while telling the news to the shepherds in the fields.

While not exactly true to the biblical story, the pictures do add something to keep the interest of young children. My sixteen-month-old and four-year-old were captivated by the colorful portraits and I felt good reading them script that came straight from God's word. I recommend The Nativity for a new, colorful way to look at the miraculous birth this Christmas.

Armchair Interviews says: Another way to tell Bible stories to children.