The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children

by Katherine Paterson

Book Overview

Two-time Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Paterson tells the story of Jesus's life with extraordinary clarity and grace, accompanied by paintings as human and reverent as the text. "When the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0545011728
• ISBN13: 9780545011723
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.4" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

missing one important detail

This is a lovely book with very spare writing and stunning illustrations. My one regret, since this is a book for children, is that Jesus' visit to the temple at Passover of his twelfth year as told in Luke is omitted. While some paintings depict Jesus as the teacher rather than the student in this incident, the text clearly indicates that Jesus was asking questions and responding to the teachers with his understanding of what he had probably studied in preparation for his bar mitzvah. This image of Jesus as a boy wanting to know and understand matters of religion and faith could have been a very powerful teaching moment as chidren do have questions and have the capacity to engage in these wonderings earlier than we adults sometimes give them credit for. Otherwise a wonderful book that I believe would appeal to a wide range of Christian denominations. I also appreciate the ethnic sensibility of the illustrations and the image of the Light.

Inspiring overview

Katherine Paterson has written an excellent description of the life of Jesus in language that is accessible to children. The wonder is that the information is completely Biblical and inspiring to read even for children. This is a wonderful gift for any child up through third grade. The illustrator has captured the emotion displayed in the eyes of the people throughout the book with great skill. I love the image of "light of the world" which follows throughout the telling. A fabulous book!

Wonderful, wonderful book - one of the best books on Christianity, period!

I stumbled upon this book today and am very excited about it. Its a fantastic book for children, very well written, beautifully illustrated. As a mom, a Christian, and someone who studies the world's faiths and religions as a hobby, I'm very picky about the "Christian" books I buy for my children. This one I recommend wholeheartedly. Not only is it a fantastic book about Jesus for kids, I'd say its one of the best books about Christianity period! I'm very grateful to have found this book. This is only the second review I've ever done, so that should say something about my excitement!

Inspiring book for kids and adults!

This Is an excellent version of the story of jesus.It is told In a way that will appeal to children and adults also. Beautiful artwork enhances the book, and I love the fact that jesus is portrayed as semitic rather than european.Go and purchase this book for your children, you won't be dissapointed.

A Brilliant Book

This is an absolutely stunning book about the life of Jesus! There is rich imagery in the text and the illustrations are gorgeous. I am so pleased that Jesus is not depicted as Caucasian. The birth of Jesus, his ministry on earth, his death and resurrection are truly written by a gifted author! I am purchasing copies for all of my grandchildren and families in our church. Children through grade school will find this book meaningful.