Jesus

by Anselm Grün

Retelling of the life of Jesus Christ for children ages 4-8.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Religion

26 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2014

About the author

Anselm Grün terminated his school years in 1964 with the A-level equivalent Abitur at the grammar school in Würzburg, Germany. In the same year he began as a novice at the nearby Benedictine Münsterschwarzach Abbey. From 1965 to 1971 he studied philosophy and theology at St. Ottilien Archabbey and in Rome. In 1974 he completed his PhD in theology on Karl Rahner. From 1974 to 1976 Anselm Grün studied Business in Nuremberg. Then he became the Cellerar of Münsterschwarzach Abbey and is thus responsible for the economic administration of the abbey with its over 280 employees and 20 businesses.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grün’s simple text paired with Ferri’s soft and evocative illustrations make this more than just Bible-telling and more a Bible experience in the life of Jesus. Ferri’s reserved visual style—the Annunciation angel as shadow and the three trees on a hilltop as a stand-in for Jesus’ crucifixion leave room to the imagination and seem appropriate for young readers to grasp the details and overall story. (How exactly do children process Jesus’ punishing death?) Jesus is almost always extending his arms to those around him, and children figure often as characters in the selected accounts. Olive trees are frequent witnesses to the events and Ferri mixes up point of view, so we hover above Mary with the angel as she hears she will bear a son, look down with Zacchaeus at Jesus calling him out of the tree, are in the crowd when Jesus fed the hungry multitude, and look over the angel’s shoulder at the women visiting Jesus’ tomb.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great story, retold and illustrated for children. An excellent job by both author and illustrator.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations were nice and the story was easy to follow along

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus is a 12" x 8" illustrated hardcover that details the life of our Lord. The book starts appropriate with the Annunciation. Gabriel, whose face is not picture, is shown telling Mary that she will conceive a son who will be the Son of God. We then fast forward nine months to the nativity and then after that fast forward twelve years to Jesus conversing with the scribes in the Temple. The remainder of the book then discusses Jesus' ministry. We see him calling his disciples, telling parables (the Prodigal Son), doing miracles (healings and multiplying loaves and fish), inviting the little children to come to Him, and saving Zacchaeus. The story then closes with His betrayal, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The language comes off a little overly simplified and casual. Perhaps, it was a matter of translation or perhaps it is geared for the younger reader, but I feel we can still portray the beauty of Scripture (even when paraphrased) without making it feel so modern and watered down. The other part that bugged me was the pages on the Crucifixion. They showed Jesus being captured and led off to the Sanhedrin but the only hint of his Crucifixion in the images was three trees in the background, not crosses, but trees. I guess they did not want to get to graphic for younger readers, but it still annoyed me a little. Those flaws aside, it's still a good book that will introduce your little ones to Jesus and His whole life and ministry.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little children run to Jesus on the cover of this Eerdmans Book for Young Readers, a wonderful image to draw the target age group — 4-to-8 years — into the story of Jesus' life.
Benedictine Anselm Grün's retelling of Gospel events is true to Catholic teaching, from the visitation through the nativity and more than a half-dozen highlights of New Testament stories up through Jesus' death and resurrection.
The translation by Laura Watkinson keeps the language simple and age-appropriate, and Giuliano Ferri's colorful artwork adds to the storytelling, bringing to life the calling of the disciples, for example, the stories of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, the Prodigal Son, and the Last Supper.
Parents and teachers will find "Jesus" an excellent choice reading to children in a home schooling setting or early faith formation.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luscious colors in this picture book's illustrations complement several stories about Jesus in a simple, engaging fashion. Young readers will learn about his birth, his childhood, the miracles he accomplished, and his crucifixion. This book would be a good introduction to Jesus.

[ECLA Libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Ceil

Jesus contains stories of Jesus’ life starting with Mary learning she will give birth...

For the complete review visit:
http://eclalibraries.org/2014/09/18/b...

[Elizabeth P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an excellent re-telling of the Biblical story. It presented the essence of Jesus' life and respected the intelligence and spiritual capability of the children reading the book. Overall, well done.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this off Librarything & my 5 year old daughter really enjoyed the stories as well as the artwork!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, plainspoken stories from the life and ministry of Jesus with warm, appealing illustrations. An excellent introduction for younger children. Originally published in Germany.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of sketchy on the details of Jesus' life. Good for giving pre-school children an overview of Jesus' life and works. Nice illustrations.