For the Easter edition of St. George's News, I have chosen an outstanding Children's Book. I am delighted to present, 'Easter' (the King James Version) with pictures by Jan Pienkowski.
It could be argued that the King James version of the Bible is not the easiest for children to understand but the extracts given from the four Gospels tell the story in a straightforward way. The beautiful and reverential language is fitting to a great God, from the 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!' to 'A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you'. There really is no modern equivalent!
At first glance, the illustrations were a shock to the system. They comprise of dramatic silhouettes against subtly coloured backgrounds framed in gold. These then project out into the pages of script and include striking illuminated letters to commence each section. I found that the more I read, the more this particular style was deeply suitable.
The arrest of Jesus and reaction of Peter is particularly poignant, depicting Judas embracing our Lord on a bridge. The soldiers crouch behind ready with rope in hand. Peter is standing astride rocks below the bridge, sword raised high. The moon shimmering in the water between himself and the high priest's servant.
The book ends with the beautiful exhortation: -
'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world'.
'Easter' by Jan Pienkowski (Heinemann)
£8.95
written by Lynn Winter
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page last updated 1 APRIL 1998