Joseph

Rating:
Summary: A visually appealing introduction to the biblical account!
Review: Award-winning children's book illustrator, Brian Wildsmith, lends his pen and water colors to the well-known and beloved story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. As would be expected from Wildsmith, these illustrations of Egyptian palaces, hieroglyphics and royalty in full regalia are a feast to behold. By comparison, Joseph's nomadic sheepherding father, Jacob, and Joseph's treacherous brothers live rather humble lives in the desert.

Unfortunately, the text of this version of the emotionally compelling biblical account is rather dry and matter-of-fact. It would be easy to call this the condensed version. So, enjoy this visually appealing book with your children, but let it be an introduction the richer version found in the Book of Genesis. Be sure to check out Wildsmith's companion volume, "Exodus."

Rating:
Summary: Finely detailed illustrations with beautiful color
Review: The illustrations of this over-sized children's picture book are almost overwhelming due to the detail of the fine point ink drawings. The tiny strokes that make up the Egyptian hieroglyphics, the plant leaves, and the wall decorations are unbelievable. Great care and thought was given to both the drawings and the painting. The painting of the background of the pages and of the skies contain beautiful combinations of color.

Unfortunately I don't think the writing matches the quality of the illustrations. The story itself could have been made more exciting or more lyrically descriptive.

My five year old really enjoyed this story and he asks me to read it over and over.