Artwork © 2013 Ignatius Press
“This book reminds me of an animated movie,” my husband said upon first reading Little Life of Jesus by Anne Gravier to our young son. I thought it an apt description! The illustrations by Adeline Avril have a cinematic feel to them, upon which I will elaborate below.
The text of Little Life of Jesus hits highlights of the New Testament; Jesus’ birth, the Presentation in the Temple, the Finding of the Boy Jesus in the Temple, the Baptism of Jesus, the calling of the disciples, Jesus performing miracles, Jesus letting the children come to him, The Last Supper, the Crucifixion of Jesus, the Resurrection of Jesus, and finally the Ascension of Jesus along with the Great Commission to ”spread the good news.” There are even a couple of prayers at the very end of the book for little ones to learn, The Our Father and a sweet little “Prayer to Jesus.” The language is straightforward and simple; it clearly emphasizes the love that God the Father and Jesus the Son have for us.
The scenes in the book are depicted sometimes from a sweeping, farther-off view, sometimes close and intimate, and at other times are drawn from interesting perspectives. One of my favorites is the bird’s eye view of the Baptism of Jesus. This, combined with the still slightly visible sketch lines drawn by the illustrator, really do put one in mind of a hand-drawn animated feature. The figures are simple, yet expressive, and I particularly like how Jesus is shown aging, throughout the book.
If you are looking for a good introduction to the life of Our Lord for your wee one, Little Life of Jesus is a helpful book to have in your library! Ask for it over at Magnificat or at your local Catholic Bookstore.
Information:
Author: Anne Gravier
Illustrator: Adeline Avril
Publisher: Magnificat/ Ignatius
Age Range: Toddlers
