The Nativity: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

I love the illustrations in this story - which is why the book is “banned.” The illustrations are that of “today’s day and age” while keeping accurate biblical structure. My God is humorous (just look at the platypus!), and would enjoy the cute illustrations depicting the nativity story. I have included photos of some of the “controversial” pages - angels sitting down for coffee, angels wearing combat boots, an in-the-buff Jesus, and showing Mary pregnant in slippers...I love the illustrator’s representation on The Nativity!

A new (to me) favorite! I don't know how she combines all of these things, but the illustrations are beautiful in ethereal pastels, funny (boot-wearing angels who get stuck in trees), and so very down to earth. That's my favorite thing about them--this Mary looks like she's about to pop on her to way to Bethlehem and Joseph has to shove her up on the donkey. And after she gives birth, she is too exhausted to even shoo the chickens away--and Joseph gets to hold the newborn baby for once! She does such a good job of making the Incarnation feel truly human.

This is our absolute favorite Christmas book. The pictures are magical and bring to life the story of Jesus' birth in a beautiful and meaningful way. The text is straight from the Bible, which I appreciate and it gives us a perfect way to focus on what Christmas is really about. My kids, 4 & 8, love it.

I heard about this book at a church workshop. I bought it and once I had read it felt our Sunday School kids would enjoy it too. The director of the Sunday School called to thank me for the donation and said the kids simply adored the book. They’re happy and I’m happy!!!

I received this book as a gift, and I absolutely love Julie Vivas' artwork. I like the Mary she portrays - having a cuppa with the scruffy non-intimidating angel, the homely details of laundry and emptying sand out of shoes. My favorite picture in the whole book is the one where Joseph is hefting a very pregnant Mary onto the donkey, and both of them are highly amused by the situation.My only complaint is that I would personally prefer a more contemporary text rather than the traditional King James Version. Otherwise, this book is perfect. For the record, the newer edition's cover photo just doesn't have the same impact as the bright red around Mary and Joseph. The newer one is less colorful and shows the shepherds peering in at the baby.Highly recommend!

Already knew the story, but those illustrations are wonderful. Many women who have ever give birth will appreciate the drawings!😊

I first saw this little book when our pastor brought it to share at a Trustees meeting a few weeks ago. I was blown away by the whimsical depictions of the familiar characters, but there was a certain level of realism to it as well.Christ was, after all, born a human, from a mortal human mother, so I see no problem depicting him as such. The angel is approachable and friendly, rather than the usual white-robed scary "visitor from above." The shepherds look like shepherds might have looked in the day.While this is categorized as a children's book, I think it works for anyone who just wants a short to-the-point depiction of the miracle of Christ's birth.

The words are straight from the Bible, which is great, but the pictures I was not ok with. I understand the point of making the characters seem more human and relatable, but showing baby Jesus’s private parts is not necessary. My kids didn’t even listen to the story because they were giggling so much at the silly pictures. 😕

Loved the illustrations in this book, but was not expecting the biblical language to be used, which was not appropriate for a 6 year old to read independently.

Back cover and 5 pages were bent. Must have happened before packaging as other book was fine. Too late to send it back as it's a present for a party on 8th December. Will just have to tell the child one of Santa's elves damaged it

Charming charming book with wonderful pictures that really bring the story to life. A very pregnant Mary, a doting (step)father Joseph, lovely baby, beautiful ragged angels. I loved it.

Easy for young children to understand with great illustrations

Just delightful and particularly the illustrations! Such a fine interpretation!