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Here are five books that retell the Nativity story:
The Nativity (1986) illustrated by Julie Vivas Text
adapted by Ron Lander
Things you need to know:
This is an Australian book illustrated by our wonderful Julie Vivas illustrator of Possum Magic. The text is very close to the words used in the bible. This book is still available. Here is a quote:
"Fear not Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Thou shall bring forth a son and call his name Jesus." "It came to pass that Caesar Augustus decreed that all the world should be taxed, everyone to his own city."
In contrast with the formal language of the text, the illustrations are whimsical and colourful. Julie Vivas uses a palette of pale water colours which at times look like rainbows.
Here is a quote from the Kirkus Star review : "Vivas' delicate, sure watercolors are a reminder that the humbleness of these people made the event more extraordinary—that the story is not only about the long ago and far away but about people with familiar joy s and troubles."
The ABC book of Christmas (2009) Mark Macleod
Illustrations by: Stephen Michael King; Ann James; Wayne Harris; Gaye Chapman; Bettina Guthridge; Cheryl Orsini; Sally Rippin; Gregory Rogers; Anna Walker; Judith Rossell, Sally Heinrich; and Caroline Mageri
Things you need to know:
This is an Australian book and it is still in print. The bible text has been adapted by Mark Macleod and it has a less formal style than the previous book. Here are some text quotes:
"Because she had been promised such a gift, Mary could hardly stop smiling."
"When they arrived there were so many other travellers they could not find a place to stay. At last, an innkeeper offered them a stable to sleep in. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but Mary was exhausted."
Every double spread in this book features the work of a different illustrator. I especially love the pages by Stephen Michael King and Gaye Chapman.
The First Christmas (1987) by Marcia Williams
Things you need to know:
This is a book best shared with just one or two children. The illustrations are perfect but too small to share with a large group. Sadly this book is out of print but I am sure it can be found in many public and school libraries. Marcia Williams is a UK illustrator. Here is a text sample:
"Then Joseph, who was a carpenter, made a crib and wooden toys for Jesus. Mary sewed swaddling clothes and blankets. Soon all was ready for the birth. But Jesus was not to be born at home."
The Nativity (2006) retold by Leena Lane illustrated by Anne Wilson
Things you need to know
This is an Australian book (the illustrator is from UK). It is now out of print. The stand out feature of this book are the beautiful collage illustrations.
The text is easy to read:
"Mary's baby was born that night. Mary held her first-born son close to her warm body. He looked small and precious, and so helpless. Yet, this was God's own son. He was going to do great things."
How many miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland illustrated by Peter Malone
Things you need to know:
This book is now sadly out of print. Kevin Crossley-Holland is a famous UK author with titles such as Arthur: the seeing stone.
Kirkus gave this book a star review and said "Within just a few lines of text, each character’s distinctive voice provides a personal introduction and some element of the story that skillfully advances the plot in an unbroken dramatic arc toward a compelling concluding page that could stand alone as a poem of faith. Opulent paintings in a spectrum of jewel tones advance the dramatic quality, often through compositions that seem to capture individual characters or scenes in a play. Thoughtful design elements include a variety of perspectives and illustration size and striking midnight-blue endpapers spangled with stars and one floating feather."
The text is presented by each character in turn:
"I am the innkeeper. 'Sorry Joseph! Every space is taken and there's nothing left to eat - I'm even out of figs and grapes. ... I tell you what. Here's a light! Your Mary can share a stall with my old ox."
Bonus book - I don't own this one by I adore the paper engineering of Robert Sabuda. If you can find this book I am sure it would be a good addition to any collection of Christmas books.
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