(The Book of Isaiah)
The inspiration for this book was the tradition of carved Jesse trees (and later, stained glass windows), used in some countries to tell people Bible stories in medieval times.
Using her skills as a storyteller and her love of the Bible, the author imaginatively blends the story of a craftsman recreating a carved Jesse tree with selected Old Testament stories and the Nativity. The result is a fascinating blend of simple yet evocative retellings and a sensitive contemporary story about the transforming power of love.
Bee Willey’s stylish, contemporary illustrations vividly capture the mood and characters of the stories.
GERALDINE McCAUGHREAN, author of over 100 books for children of all ages. She received the Whitbread Award for A Little Lower than the Angels and the Blue Peter Award for her retelling of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Her earlier collections of Bible stories include God’s People and God’s Kingdom.
BEE WILLEY’s distinctive illustrations can be seen in a wide range of children’s books including Legends of the World (Orion) and The Poet Cat (Bloomsbury).
Reviews
'Geraldine McCaughrean and Bee Willey make a marvellous pair, the one an expert crafter of stories, the other a magical maker of pictures... This is a very rich book.'
School Librarian Journal, Spring 2004 Vol 52 No 1
'This book is an outstandingly successful demonstration of McCaughrean's skill at retelling traditional stories for contemporary audiences. Bee Willey's bright illustrations bring out both the vividness of the stories and the poignancy of the developing bond between the old man and the child.... The book provides a delightful refresher course on salient points of Bible history... Highly recommended for readers of all ages.'
Books for Keeps, March 2004
'The Jesse Tree would make a wonderful addition to any school library... Geraldine McCaughrean demonstrates her talent as an experienced story teller in The Jesse Tree which is accompanied by the compelling artwork of Bee Willey.'
RE News, Spring 2004
'This is a lovely book, with wonderfully poignant illustrations designed to be read by children of 8 years + or by adults to younger children.'
CLC Bookshops Book Reviews, January 04
'A fascinating retelling of the Bible stories and is an excellent introduction to the tales for young children, with bright illustrations throughout.'
Evening Echo, 20th December 2003
'This book grabbed my attention at first glance... captivating. The illustrations are very satisfying, the whole book a delight.'
www.thegoodbookstall.org.uk, December 2003
'Superb new children's book... Superbly illustrated by Bee Willey, it manages to straddle contemporary times and Bible times in a thoroughly charming and meaningful way. Excellent.'
Christian Herald, 29th November 2003
'McCaughrean (is) an extraordinarily accomplished storyteller... McCaughrean's book... is highly wrought, subtle and compelling.'
Ian Hislop, Sunday Telegraph 21st September 2003
'McCaughrean could rewrite the shipping forecast and make it sound riveting...'
Sunday Telegraph
'STAR CHOICE "There are many readable retellings of Bible stories, but his stands out...This is vivid and fresh, and Bee Willey's illustrations add further character and style.'
Children's Bookseller Supplement, 15th August 2003
‘In this finely crafted anthology, McCaughrean weaves lively retellings of Bible stories into a clever overarching narrative framework that will keep readers hooked... McCaughrean’s tales have a leisurely pace and accessible language and tone. Her consistent inclusion of realistic, sometimes-testy exchanges between carpenter and boy adds a level of immediacy and keeps the collection compelling. Willey’s dramatic spot art toggles between Biblical and modern scenes, emphasizing the colourful scope of the carpenter’s project.’
Publisher’s Weekly
- View other titles by Geraldine McCaughrean. Illustrated by Bee Willey.
- Send us your review of The Jesse Tree
ISBN: 9780745945774 0745945775
Catalogue code: N/A
Publisher: Lion Hudson - published 19/09/2003
Format: Hardback 96pp