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Jesus
Award-winning artist Demi celebrates the life of Jesus in this beautifully illustrated picture book biography perfect for young readers of all ages.
With reverence, splendid majesty, and grace, Demi brings the biography of Jesus to life through beautiful language and vibrant illustrations.
Presented in the language of the New Testament from the King James Version of the Bible, this inspirational picture book takes readers from Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary to Jesus’s crucifixion.
With reverence, splendid majesty, and grace, Demi brings the biography of Jesus to life through beautiful language and vibrant illustrations.
Presented in the language of the New Testament from the King James Version of the Bible, this inspirational picture book takes readers from Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary to Jesus’s crucifixion.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
47 people want to read
About the author
Demi
179 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 13, 2024
Basically exactly the same as with Demi's 2006 picture book Mary (and which of course showcases the life of the Virgin Mary, in other words Jesus Christ's mother) her (Demi's) 2005 Jesus also and equally presents brilliantly, resplendently coloured artwork in jewel tones set off by patterned borders against ivory backgrounds suggesting ancient parchment and showing illustrations that are absolutely gorgeously visually stunning, with their intricate fabrics and golden haloes definitely (and delightfully) reminding me of pictures and statues (icons) of Jesus, of his disciples, of Mary and Joseph, of angels etc. I have seen in Catholic and Orthodox churches (and which images are as such a real and delightful treat for my eyes, full of bright, intricate patterns and touches of golden light producing a visually lovely and wondrous feeling of religious awe, of stunning aesthetic splendour and beauty).
And while Demi's illustrations for Jesus are very much traditional in their depictions, for me and to me, the presented pictures are a beautiful and also a reverent visual tribute and also as such totally and gorgeously mesh with the presented text for Jesus, with the King James version of the Holy Bible passages that Demi uses to show to her readers/listeners the life of Jesus of Nazareth, from the Annunciation by the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to Jesus' cruxifixction, resurrection and ascension into Heaven (and not to mention that I am indeed and equally so so so glad that unlike with Mary, Demi only uses canonical sources for Jesus, that her text is solely gleaned from the King James version of the Holy Bible and thus and thankfully does not include any Gnostic and/or apocryphal parts).
Five stars from me for Jesus, but while I personally absolutely adore and also appreciate Demi's combination of words and images (see above), I do think that Jesus might not have all that much of an appeal for younger children (who would probably still be able to enjoy Demi's featured artwork for Jesus but could in my opinion easily find the biblical passages a bit difficult and verbally overwhelming), and that of course, for parents who are atheist and/or want a more "critical" biography of Jesus Christ, no, Jesus would definitely not be a book I would recommend (and yes, that Jesus is and should primarily be seen and approached as a verbal and illustrative source of inspiration for readers already familiar with the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and who also can not only appreciate the biblical passages Demi uses in Jesus but also understand and internalise them with no reading and comprehension issues and problems).
And while Demi's illustrations for Jesus are very much traditional in their depictions, for me and to me, the presented pictures are a beautiful and also a reverent visual tribute and also as such totally and gorgeously mesh with the presented text for Jesus, with the King James version of the Holy Bible passages that Demi uses to show to her readers/listeners the life of Jesus of Nazareth, from the Annunciation by the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to Jesus' cruxifixction, resurrection and ascension into Heaven (and not to mention that I am indeed and equally so so so glad that unlike with Mary, Demi only uses canonical sources for Jesus, that her text is solely gleaned from the King James version of the Holy Bible and thus and thankfully does not include any Gnostic and/or apocryphal parts).
Five stars from me for Jesus, but while I personally absolutely adore and also appreciate Demi's combination of words and images (see above), I do think that Jesus might not have all that much of an appeal for younger children (who would probably still be able to enjoy Demi's featured artwork for Jesus but could in my opinion easily find the biblical passages a bit difficult and verbally overwhelming), and that of course, for parents who are atheist and/or want a more "critical" biography of Jesus Christ, no, Jesus would definitely not be a book I would recommend (and yes, that Jesus is and should primarily be seen and approached as a verbal and illustrative source of inspiration for readers already familiar with the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and who also can not only appreciate the biblical passages Demi uses in Jesus but also understand and internalise them with no reading and comprehension issues and problems).
June 30, 2017
The good news is that the entire text of this book is taken from the Bible; mostly from the New Testament gospels, but also a prophetic verse in Isaiah. Beautiful illustrations.
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August 9, 2023The entire text of the book is passages of scripture from the New Testament. I grew up using the KJV, so the language style is very familiar to me (I’d love a version in more accessible language — especially for kids). The illustrations— though VERY European — were really beautiful. A really cool book.
May 30, 2018
Reverently and respectfully done. Love the illustrations and how they resemble those from the Middle Ages. This is a long book. Plan for an hour read aloud or to break up in segments.
May 21, 2024
The last of the three Demi spiritual books I have rated (Others including Gandhi and Buddha). While I respect the fact that they wanted to use literal passages from the King James Version (probably as not to "tamper" with the stories in any way), it feels that a more naturalized retelling would have better suited the flow between image and text.
Many of the compositions however are beautiful and effective (Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane while His apostles sleep is a particular standout for me), and the use of the frame as a way of showing what is happening on earth while images above the frame represent the heavenly realities is a great device, and as a Christian I am pleased with the choice of inclusions both from New Testament and Old Testament prophecy in telling the Gospel story in such a cohesive way.
Many of the compositions however are beautiful and effective (Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane while His apostles sleep is a particular standout for me), and the use of the frame as a way of showing what is happening on earth while images above the frame represent the heavenly realities is a great device, and as a Christian I am pleased with the choice of inclusions both from New Testament and Old Testament prophecy in telling the Gospel story in such a cohesive way.
May 1, 2022
When I saw this was based on the King James version, I did not think the text would be actual passages lifted from that text. This isn't much of a kids' book. Unless you know kids who are into Early Modern English, I guess....
January 14, 2018
Demi’s books on the Saints and Gods of various times and culture offer such respectful, uplifting, and fascinating perspectives. Jesus is as wonderful as the rest.
September 6, 2021
Another beautiful gilded book by Demi. The story of Jesus based on the King James Version, with Christ's word printed in red.
July 10, 2013
When my dd picked up this book at the library, I did not notice that it was based on the KJV, the writing stating such is in smaller print on the front cover and we picked it up based on the title of "Jesus" on the spine. The front cover reads "Jesus" Based on the King James Version of the Holy Bible. My dd found there to be too much type and lost interest. It drifted from room to room for at least 2 weeks.
One night, I saw it in my room and decided to read it. I was very shocked and surprised when I turned to the last page. I know that there is no version of the KJV approved by the Vatican and that the KJV (any version) has never been used in Catholic Churches, as the KJV omits many books of the HOLY BIBLE. Why then this blessing?? Well, upon closer inspection, I am happy to report that this book does not bear any kind of authentic Vatican or Catholic approval or blessing. Why a story book based on the protestant KJV would include this papal blessing is an enigma.
The papal blessing in the back of the book is NOT an endorsement or blessing for the book, but directed toward the author. Under what circumstances the author received this blessing is unknown. Why the author of this book based on the KJV sought out the Pope's blessing is unknown. At the time of this blessing she would have HAD to have been a Catholic in good standing as attested to by a priest. The blessing was received in 2003, this book was published in 2005. A lot can happen in two years....
Why Demi has opted to present this blessing at the end of this book is a mystery, though given the history of the Christian religion it seems a great deal misleading towards both Catholics and protestants. Be Catholic or be protestant---- you can't be both and you certainly shouldn't try to present a children's religious story book as being approved by both religions. One stems from the other and PROTESTS many of the CORE beliefs of CHRISTIANITY. Make a choice and don't be afraid to stand by it.
One reviewer stated that they were surprised to see the Pope's blessing on this book. Me, too! Once again, the Pope DID NOT bless this book. He probably never even read or saw or heard of this book. The blessing was for the author. It was given as REQUESTED by the author. "His Holiness John Paul II cordially imparts the requested Apostolic Blessing to Charlotte Demi Hunt and invokes an abundance of divine graces." It is a very beautiful blessing to have received, but the way it was used in this book is very misleading and wrong---it doesn't seem like a very Catholic thing to do on many levels.
So, who is Demi? Is she a Catholic who is now protestant? Why did Demi choose the KJV when it is not approved by the Vatican? Wouldn't an actual Vatican approved Bible have been the wiser and better choice for a Catholic writer to use, specially one that has sought out the Pope's Blessing? Is Demi trying to present a protestant book based book as Catholic? Is Demi trying to sway protestants in their view of the Pope? Is Demi a Catholic in Name only?
Also, the book states that the book is illustrated and WRITTEN by Demi---but then why the references to direct books and passages in the KJV? Things like Matthew 16:13-19. Isn't Demi merely an interpreter or presenter of an already written book and not a writer per say? Something is certainly amiss here. I am confused. I'm not too familiar with the KJV, so I don't know how close Demi's writing of these passages is to what is written in the KJV. All I know is that I certainly would never quote HOLY BIBLE passages and state that I wrote them.
Having been from the middle east,...why is Jesus depcited as being so blonde?
One night, I saw it in my room and decided to read it. I was very shocked and surprised when I turned to the last page. I know that there is no version of the KJV approved by the Vatican and that the KJV (any version) has never been used in Catholic Churches, as the KJV omits many books of the HOLY BIBLE. Why then this blessing?? Well, upon closer inspection, I am happy to report that this book does not bear any kind of authentic Vatican or Catholic approval or blessing. Why a story book based on the protestant KJV would include this papal blessing is an enigma.
The papal blessing in the back of the book is NOT an endorsement or blessing for the book, but directed toward the author. Under what circumstances the author received this blessing is unknown. Why the author of this book based on the KJV sought out the Pope's blessing is unknown. At the time of this blessing she would have HAD to have been a Catholic in good standing as attested to by a priest. The blessing was received in 2003, this book was published in 2005. A lot can happen in two years....
Why Demi has opted to present this blessing at the end of this book is a mystery, though given the history of the Christian religion it seems a great deal misleading towards both Catholics and protestants. Be Catholic or be protestant---- you can't be both and you certainly shouldn't try to present a children's religious story book as being approved by both religions. One stems from the other and PROTESTS many of the CORE beliefs of CHRISTIANITY. Make a choice and don't be afraid to stand by it.
One reviewer stated that they were surprised to see the Pope's blessing on this book. Me, too! Once again, the Pope DID NOT bless this book. He probably never even read or saw or heard of this book. The blessing was for the author. It was given as REQUESTED by the author. "His Holiness John Paul II cordially imparts the requested Apostolic Blessing to Charlotte Demi Hunt and invokes an abundance of divine graces." It is a very beautiful blessing to have received, but the way it was used in this book is very misleading and wrong---it doesn't seem like a very Catholic thing to do on many levels.
So, who is Demi? Is she a Catholic who is now protestant? Why did Demi choose the KJV when it is not approved by the Vatican? Wouldn't an actual Vatican approved Bible have been the wiser and better choice for a Catholic writer to use, specially one that has sought out the Pope's Blessing? Is Demi trying to present a protestant book based book as Catholic? Is Demi trying to sway protestants in their view of the Pope? Is Demi a Catholic in Name only?
Also, the book states that the book is illustrated and WRITTEN by Demi---but then why the references to direct books and passages in the KJV? Things like Matthew 16:13-19. Isn't Demi merely an interpreter or presenter of an already written book and not a writer per say? Something is certainly amiss here. I am confused. I'm not too familiar with the KJV, so I don't know how close Demi's writing of these passages is to what is written in the KJV. All I know is that I certainly would never quote HOLY BIBLE passages and state that I wrote them.
Having been from the middle east,...why is Jesus depcited as being so blonde?
January 5, 2015
I'm reading Demi's picture book biographies because I deeply appreciate her intricate illustrations and thoughtful choice of subjects. I'm disappointed in this one as with Mary because instead of a narrative, the story is in biblical quotations. I wouldn't read this to a child and I don't think it's accessible to youth of non-Christian faith. Two stars for the illustrations, general topic and flow.
February 17, 2010
Jesus is creepily blond, but the fabrics are beautifully marbleized patterns. I wasn't expecting the picture of "His Holiness John Paul II" in the back, giving his blessing, either.
July 1, 2016
I don't think Demi's illustrations could ever not just work in a story.
December 2, 2019
Beautiful book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews