From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4–McCaughrean provides a different twist on an age-old story. This quiet picture book imagines the thoughts and fears of Joseph as he reflects on the birth of the Christ child. How can he teach the boy any songs or games or jokes when He invented them all? How can he clothe, feed, or protect the youngster when it is He who made the Earth and everything in it? Despite his concerns, Joseph finally accepts his role, deciding that he can offer his child a helping hand, for everyone needs an extra pair of hands from time to time. The simple prose clearly elucidates Joseph's plausible thoughts and puts into basic terms the mystery of Jesus's human and divine natures. Joseph's gentle tone is most appropriate, and the wonder he expresses will give readers the chance to ponder some of the great mysteries of life. Negrin's pastel illustrations reinforce the tone of the text, and his use of color is well suited to father's mood. However, while the background objects are well drawn, the quality of the human figures varies somewhat. Nevertheless, the story's alternative point of view will have appeal. This is a good follow-up to the traditional story, especially for older children, who can appreciate some of the subtleties of the man's concerns.
–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
From Booklist
One night after the birth of Jesus, Joseph is awake in the Bethlehem stable. Watching the baby, he wonders how he can help him, knowing that Jesus is no ordinary boy. He muses "How can I teach you to plane a door, knowing that it was you who planed the plains, who carved the valleys and hewed the hills . . . ." In the appended author's note McCaughrean notes that in the Bible, Jesus is 30 years old before he says, "I and my Father are one," making it something of a leap to imagine Joseph having this inner dialogue. Still, for those who can accept the premise that Joseph recognizes the baby not just as his stepson or as God's son, but as God incarnate, Joseph's point of view is imaginatively expressed in the story. Glowing with light and color, the illustrations offer a series of pleasant scenes, as Joseph envisions the baby growing to be a boy and doing boyish things. Charming decorative borders add grace notes to the handsomely designed pages.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
