Moses

by Brian Wildsmith

Here Wildsmith portrays the story of Moses: his encounter with God in the burning bush; the plagues that afflicted Egypt; the Passover; the crossing of the Red Sea; the handing down of the Ten Commandments; and the Israelites' long journey.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Religion, Childrens, Jewish, Christian, Ancient History

33 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1998

About the author

Brian Wildsmith (1930-2016) was raised in a small mining village in Yorkshire, England, where, he says, "Everything was grey. There wasn't any colour. It was all up to my imagination. I had to draw in my head..."

He won a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art where he studied for three years. For a while he taught music at the Royal Military School of Music, but then gave it up so that he could paint full time.

He has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the greatest living children's illustrators. In 1962, he published his first children's book, ABC, for which he was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal, Britain's equivalent to the Caldecott Medal. He was also a runner up for this medal for The Owl and the Woodpecker.

Wildsmith has said: "I believe that beautiful picture books are vitally important in subconsciously forming a child's visual appreciation, which will bear fruit in later life."

In 1994, the Brian Wildsmith Art Museum was established in Izukogen, a town south of Tokyo, Japan. Almost one and a half million people visited a traveling exhibition of his work in 2005. Eight hundred of his paintings are on loan to the museum.

Brian is married, has four children, and currently lives in the south of France.

— Source

Reviews

[Luisa Knight]

I love the striking colors and imagery- so much to look at! The story is well told too, though certainly condensed. And I would clarify that when the Israelites made the golden calf, God didn’t just forgive them. He killed the offenders and plagued the people.

Ages: 2 - 8

Content Considerations: see note

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[Dianna]

This book seemed a little long and mature for my five-year-old, but he was super interested and asked dozens of questions. We may have to buy it. My little guy is loving all of Brian Wildsmith's Bible-based books.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

The simplified translation of the Ten Commandments on the endpapers is the only thing about this that could have been improved.

[Holly]

Beautiful expressive illustrations
Leaves out some interesting parts of the story: the manna and quails only lasted until the next day - Israelites couldn’t hoard the food, but had to trust God.
Also left out Aaron having to speak for Moses.
I always wondered about Moses being brought up as a prince of Egypt, but we never hear about his adoptive mother’s story. Aaron was his brother, but we don’t hear more about that family after the his mother and sister are drafted to care for Moses as an infant

[Becker Children]

Well-told story with engaging illustrations. I like that this actually covers material from all of Exodus and doesn't stop at the crossing of the Red Sea. I think part of what I like about these books are the large format, so the art is large enough you almost feel like you're looking at a small painting.

[Janet]

Wildsmith has illustrated the story of Moses from the Old Testament Christian Bible book of Exodus. The double page spreads depict one segment from the Exodus story rendered in very detailed scenes across the two pages. Truly a picture book to be enjoyed as a work of art with its immense detail and bright colors.

[Maria Rodriguez]

This story is about how Moses led the Hebrews, who were slaves, into freedom.

[Rachel]

I didn't read this one closely, I mostly wanted to look at the pictures. And they're really cool! I love the representation of God.

[Maggie_Gosia]

Artwork is beautiful, and the story is told pretty faithfully while still being child-appropriate.

[Abigail Werner]

This was a beautiful illustration of the Israelites' slavery and flight into the desert, the pictures were all bright and colorful.

[Jenn]

This book does a decent, if lengthy, job of telling the Exodus story. However, due to the length and detail of the story and the busyness of the "Where's Waldo" style of illustration, I think this book is best targeted to kids between the ages of 6 to 10 years.

My Favorite Picture:
Um... I still can't find Waldo. Probably the illustration of the Ten Commandments on the inside of the front and back covers, to be honest.

[Shanna]

Great complement to The Story of the World Vol 1 Chapter 14 The Israelites Leave Egypt. The illustrations in the book are superb. This book is not just another bible story because the pictures are culturally accurate.

[Hanna/Micah]

Beautiful and detailed illustrations! This book was in the 4-8 year range on a list I am using, but the subject matter was a little above my 4 year old's level. I think we will revisit this book when she is more like 6-8 years old.

[Teri]

Really concise, kid-friendly story of Moses from a baby to the exodus from Egypt and entry into Canaan. Wish the illustrations were better--but my kids liked it and got what was going on.

[Amy]

Read as extension of ancient history studies (Story of the World.) Enjoyed the colorful take on the illustrations - the story is told very tamely by comparison!

[Rachel]

kids Purim book with great pictures

[Sarah]

Beautifully illustrated.

[Charity]

My six-year-old's current obsessions are:

Dinosaurs
Star Wars
Moses

This book helped us with that last one.

[Megan]

CURRICULUM: Veritas
This is in the Veritas 2nd grade curriculum.