About the Author:
MARY HOFFMAN is the internationally acclaimed author of over 100 books for children, ranging from picture books to teenage fiction. Her first picture book for Frances Lincoln, Amazing Grace, has become a classic which, with its sequels in the series, has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. Mary's other picture books for Frances Lincoln include The Colour of Home with Karin Littlewood and An Angel Just Like Me with Cornelius van Wright, as well as the hugely successful The Great Big Book of Families, The Great Big Book of Feelings, and Welcome to the Family, all with Ros Asquith. Their next title together will be The Great Big Body Book. Mary Hoffman lives in Oxfordshire. For more information about her books visit her website: www.maryhoffman.co.uk Jackie Morris lives in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with children, dogs and cats. Ever since leaving college, Bath Academy of Art, at least one cat has watched over her while she works. Big cats and small are a passion in her life, and it was while reading and watching her cat Pixie sleeping in winter that the idea for I am Cat came about. Among her many books for Frances Lincoln are The Ice Bear, The Snow Leopard, Tell me a Dragon, and How the Whale Became by Ted Hughes. To visit Jackie's website click here
From Publishers Weekly:
Hoffman (Amazing Grace) adapts eight parables for children in this intimate, thought-provoking picture book. By their nature, the story-lessons, or parables, attributed to Jesus have traditionally been among the most accessible parts of the Bible. But Hoffman steps beyond mere retellings, taking great care to explain or imagine Jesus' intent behind these "stories with two meanings" and to gently challenge readers to see both sides, especially when the lessons are, as Hoffman says, "uncomfortable." Each parable bears a simplified new title (the Prodigal Son is transformed into "The Jealous Brother"; The Good Samaritan becomes "Neighbors"), and a few plot details are slightly updated, making them more accessible to contemporary kids. The stories open with brief introductions that promote introspection and identification with the characters ("You know what it's like to feel jealous" or "Do you like parties?"). Finally, the author closes each parable with a short summation, showing how the plot works to demonstrate God's love for his people. Hoffman's friendly yet reverent voice and solid pacing are sure to captivate her audience. Morris's (The Fourth Wise Man) warm and earthy palette depicts earnest-faced people of the ancient Holy Land in a vivid landscape dotted with lush palm trees and vineyards as well as dusty roads and fields. Laid out with many vertical panels and 1/-page facing art, the illustrations often seem to enfold readers with the text. The comfortable blend of text and art helps these favorite stories shine anew. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
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