Jesus

Grün, a German Benedictine monk and the author of more than 300 books for adults on spirituality, retells the life of Jesus in his first book for children. Dreamlike pastel illustrations by Italian illustrator Ferri (Jonah’s Whale) invite young readers to imagine Jesus’ world while Grün sticks to the key points of his birth, death, and resurrection (he also covers Jesus’ miracles and his call to the disciples). Although concepts like virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection will likely require further explanation on the part of adults, Grün succinctly summarizes Jesus’ life without trivializing or sentimentalizing it in any way; this is both a dignified and visually lovely account. None of Ferri’s blurry, soft illustrations has graphically violent content (the crucifixion is not depicted), and he keeps the overall tone reassuring and warm. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)