Author Ian Long
Publisher BRF £6.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780857467430
Although this is an ideal Christmas gift for a young child, it is rather more than a stocking filler, for it will intrigue and inform the whole of the family. Ian Long’s colourful and skilful cartoons work on two levels. First, they illustrate faithfully the biblical narratives, giving additional life to the age-old stories by showing the emotions of those involved: the perplexity of Zechariah, the shock and joy of Mary, the fearful wonder of the shepherds, the anger of Herod. But secondly, and subtly, Long shows the love of God, and his overarching divine plan for humankind, enacted by angels and guided by the Holy Spirit. This aspect of the book is particularly original and rewarding.
The accompanying Bible narratives are not confined to the early chapters of Matthew and Luke. The book opens with prophetic voices from Psalm 72, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah; and it concludes – boldly – with a cartoon portrayal of John 1.1-14, something I would have previously regarded as impossible. The Visual Christmas Story is a lively little book which opens up the profound mystery of the Incarnation in a way that will delight both readers and non-readers alike.
ALICE BURDETT
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