THE CHRISTMAS HORSE AND THE THREE WISE MEN

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THE CHRISTMAS HORSE AND THE THREE WISE MEN

Name: THE CHRISTMAS HORSE AND THE THREE WISE MEN
Author: Isabelle Brent
ISBN: 978-1-937786-61-8

by Isabelle Brent ; illustrated by Isabelle Brent ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7, 2016

An uneven effort that reflects a lack of understanding of the intended audience.

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The journey of the three Magi on their travels to the birthplace of Jesus is recounted from the point of view of a horse.

The majestic, white horse named Safanad is owned by the wise man named Melchior, who is depicted as an elderly Asian man. The other wise men are Caspar, who rides a camel, and Balthazar, who rides an elephant. Both Caspar and Balthazar have brown skin. The three men and their animals follow a star of “dazzling brilliance” on a difficult journey before finally arriving at the stable with a baby in a manger. The wise men present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, with Safanad the horse symbolically kneeling next to a lamb, a symbol of Jesus. Relevant verses from the King James Version of the Bible are set in gold type at the beginning and ending of the story, with Safanad’s narration creating a fictional version of the arduous travels. The horse as narrator doesn’t work well, as the text is too complex for an equine point of view. The illustrations are uneven; while smaller illustrations within patterned borders and detailed depictions of the three wise men are quite appealing, many of the larger illustrations appear crudely done. An author’s note explains more about the wise men and the historical sources.

An uneven effort that reflects a lack of understanding of the intended audience. (Picture book/religion. 5-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-937786-61-8

Page Count: 28

Publisher: Wisdom Tales

Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
SAINT ANTHONY THE GREAT
by John Chryssavgis & Marilyn Rouvelas ; illustrated by Isabelle Brent

- BOOK REVIEW
IN THE HOUSE OF HAPPINESS
edited by Neil Philip & illustrated by Isabelle Brent

- BOOK REVIEW
NOAH AND THE DEVIL
adapted by Neil Philip & illustrated by Isabelle Brent

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PLAYING WITH LANTERNS

by Wang Yage ; illustrated by Zhu Chengliang ; translated by Helen Wang ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 7, 2021

A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season.

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A colorful wintry tale ushers in Chinese New Year over two weeks.

In this picture book, the narrator recounts with nostalgia an observance of the traditional New Year in rural northern China. The snow-covered village bustles with activity as folks venture out to greet relatives and friends. “On the third day, uncles started giving LANTERNS” refers to an old custom in provincial Shaanxi—especially among maternal uncles. Palpable and immediate are Zhao Di’s eager anticipation and the care with which she “walk[s] through the snow with her lantern in case she slipped or the candle blew out in the wind.” Simple yet vivid close-ups depict Zhao Di and her friends, bundled head to toe and comparing lantern designs—accordion, watermelon, etc.—while braving the cold and a bunch of rowdy boys. All too soon, the 15th day arrives, signaling the end of the New Year celebrations. In a pivotal spread that shows Zhao Di sitting with her dog and chickens, readers are granted an interior view of the architecture and layout of a rustic farmhouse. In addition, the villagers’ various clothing styles, headdresses, and skin tones suggest the region’s diverse ethnicities and socio-economic landscapes. As the story concludes with the obligatory smashing and burning of the lanterns, Zhao Di comforts herself with the hopeful thought of lighting new lanterns next year.

A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)

Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-5420-2984-1

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids

Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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HOW TO CATCH A LOVEOSAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 6, 2022

Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses.

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An elusive new quarry leads the How To Catch… kids on a merry chase through a natural history museum.

Taking at least a step away from the “hunters versus prey” vibe of previous entries in the popular series, the racially diverse group of young visitors dashes through various museum halls in pursuit of the eponymous dino—whose quest to “spread kindness and joy ’round the world” takes the form of a mildly tumultuous museum tour. In most of Elkerton’s overly sweet, color-saturated scenes, only portions of the Loveosaurus, who is purple and covered with pink hearts, are visible behind exhibits or lumbering off the page. But the children find small enticements left behind, from craft supplies to make cards for endangered species to pictures of smiley faces, candy heart–style personal notes (“You Rock!” “Give Hugs”), and, in the hall of medieval arms and armor, a sign urging them to “Be Honest Be Kind.” The somewhat heavy-handed lesson comes through loud and clear. “There’s a message, he wants us to think,” hints Walstead to clue in more obtuse readers…and concluding scenes of smiling people young and otherwise exchanging hugs and knuckle bumps, holding doors for a wheelchair rider, and dancing through clouds of sparkles indicate that they, at least, have gotten it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses. (Picture book. 5-7)