A King James Christmas by Michael Fitzgerald

I recently received an ebook from Wisdom Tales to review called A King James Christmas.

This is an Illustrated Christmas title.

Here is what the publisher had to say:

Beautifully crafted and presented, A King James Christmas is sure to become a new Christmas classic for the entire family. Excerpts from the Gospels are woven together to form a seamless and easy-to-follow story of Jesus' birth and infancy, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the adoration of the Magi, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, and the flight into Egypt. Also included is the inspiring Sermon on the Mount. Fully illustrated with reproductions of paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and stained glass windows from across the globe, A King James Christmas is a feast for the eye and a remarkable celebration of the spirit of Christmas.

Catherine Schuon was born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1924 and is a gifted artist and translator. She has collected children's books her entire life and is dedicated to helping children appreciate the beauty of the world's religions, which has inspired her to co-edit this book. As the daughter of a career Swiss diplomat she spent her youth in Europe, North Africa, and South America, excelling at languages and painting. In May 1949, she married author Frithjof Schuon and began translating his correspondence into English and Spanish. In 1980, the Schuons moved from Lake Geneva to southern Indiana, where Catherine still lives to this day. 

MICHAEL oren FITZGERALD is the author and editor of over a dozen books that have received more than two dozen awards, including the prestigious ForeWord Book of the Year Award, the Ben Franklin Award, and the USA Best Books Award. Fitzgerald's award-winning books include Christian Spirit, Foundations of Christian Art by Titus Burckhardt, and Sermon of All Creation: Christians on Nature.

I received a Ebook version of this title which on my Kindle didn't come through well.  The publisher did a great job at sticking up for their product and sent me a hard cover copy to review.

This title is nothing fancy in text as it is just the Christmas Story as written in the King James Bible. 

While the KJV is not my version of choice, I am not a speaker of Shakespearean languages.  Yet opening this book was like walking through an ancient cathedral and staring at the mosaics.

It is one of those books that you could look over for hours staring at each picture which is a photo of a classic work of art depicting the Christmas Story. It is a beautiful book and would make a great coffee table gift book.

Thanks to Wisdom tales Publishing for the free title.

St. Francis of Assisi by Demi

Lots of books have been written about Saint Francis.  This is a new title that tries to help connect with a younger crowd.

Here is what the publisher had to say:

Review

The beloved saint gets colorful treatment from Demi, who retells his biography at length, beginning at the beginning, when Francis was born in a stable in Assisi in 1182. Francis’s early life gets extended treatment, with the depiction of medieval military scenes. Those unfamiliar with the details of Francis’s life—he is credited with beginning the use of a Nativity scene to commemorate Christmas—will find it in edifying visual detail, including Francis’s legendary encounter with the wolf of Gubbio. The narrative can be repetitive, but it provides a great excuse for the compelling visuals. Even the end papers are lavishly illustrated, with parade-like ranks of animals along with the words to Francis’s prayers, including the Canticle of the Sun. As usual, Demi’s mixed-media illustrations feature intricate decorative borders, along with lots and lots of animals. A visual feast and tribute to a Christian figure said to have lived like Jesus. Ages 6–up. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly )

About the Author

Demi is the award-winning author of over 130 bestselling children’s books. Her titles have sold over half a million copies. The Empty Pot was selected by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1990 as one of the books to be read on the ABC Radio Network Program Mrs. Bush’s Story Time, sponsored by the Children’s Literacy Initiative. Demi’s book Gandhi was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and received an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. In addition, she represented the United States at the First International Children’s Book Conference in Beijing, China, in 1992. She lives with her husband in Yarrow Point, WA.

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Originally I received an electronic Kindle version through NetGalley and it just didn't impress.  But true to form of a high class publisher, I received an email asking for a second chance to impress properly.  Before too long I received a printed copy of this book to review.

St. Francis is a figure who has intrigued the masses for generations.  This book is a beautiful rendering of his life story.  The author/Illustrator does a great job at telling the story.  The illustrations appear as if you are looking at a period/medieval time painting of the story which adds a level of authenticity.  

This book is a beautiful piece to give as gifts to young and old.  With Christmas coming this would make a great item to add to your stockings for your family members who are interested in church history.

Thanks to Wisdom Tales for providing a free copy so that I could give an honest evaluation.