The Story of Christmas

Delicate paper-cut illustrations provide a lovely, solemn backdrop to the King James Bible's account of the Nativity story. Strongly influenced by Renaissance artwork, Dalton's illustrations are very much in keeping with her work in her first children's book (Katherine Paterson's Brother Sun, Sister Moon). As shepherds, wise men, and angels gather to honor the birth of Jesus, Dalton sets her tableaus against black backgrounds, which both focus attention on the story's major players and make logical sense given the nocturnal setting of much of the story's events. The iconic nature of Dalton's scenes is ideally suited to the traditional Biblical translation used. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Dec.)