The Nativity by Julie Vivas

At two-and-a-half years old, Sis' favorite Christmas book this year has been The Nativity by Julie Vivas (available at amazon.com).

This book is perfect for preschoolers because it is a true picture book--the story is carried entirely (and beautifully) by the illustrations.

The text is taken directly from the King James Version of the Bible, but is very limited with just a sentence or two per page and several pages with no words at all.

I'm loving children's books that are illustrated by true artists--people who clearly look at the world with a bit of a different perspective than the rest of us and who are blessed to be able to convey that unique perspective in their work.

The image on the cover is three shepherds peering at the baby Jesus and is typical of the illustrations--capturing their wonder at this tiny, seemingly ordinary baby.  There's some quirkiness in the illustrations--Gabriel seems to wearing combat boots and some of the angels who appear to the shepherds are riding the sheep (Grandma finds this rather sacrilegious).

My favorite picture is on a page with no words.  Bethlehem is pictured bulging with people--people literally sitting on roofs and sleeping in trees, crammed into every possible spot in the picture.  I also love that after giving birth, Mary is clearly pooped.  The illustrator's unique perspective makes a story I've heard hundreds of times fresh and real.

Sis captivated by the pictures, asking many questions; Big Brother enjoys this one too.