El libro de oro de las historias de la vida de Jesús. (The Golden Book: Stories from the Life of Jesus)

By staff -- Críticas, 11/15/2007

Gr 3+–Lottridge and Wolfsgruber have won numerous awards for their work, and their talents show in this compilation of well-known stories that follow the life of Jesus. In line with the oral tradition of the first centuries, these vignettes are meant to be read aloud. As the author explains in the prolog, the stories are based on the four gospels and adapted to give them context and “a satisfying beginning-middle-and-end structure”. Biblical notations in the margins provide the sources. Complementing the narrative’s fresh take, the artwork uses unconventional spatial and artistic approaches, such as a beardless Jesus in a robe made of brown-and-golden tapestry. Wolfsgruber gives medieval sacred art a contemporary twist: her earth-toned dry-point etchings incorporate other media, such as torn pieces of paper to represent rocks and the moon. The huge, black rooster overshadowing a grieving Peter is in itself quite striking. The Spanish translation is clear, yet the unusually small font may be problematic for beginning readers. This precious little book that fits into one big hand will appeal to anyone who wants to experience the life of Jesus in a new way. Recommended for bookstores and public libraries.[For more on this topic, see A Big Book For Small Hands.—Ed.]—Cristi Jenkins, Access & Programs, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, WA