The concept of miracles becomes more accessible in Mary Hoffman’s new book Miracles: Wonders Jesus Worked (Frances Lincoln pound;10.99). Nine of Jesus’ miracles, including the Feeding of the Five Thousand and the Wedding Feast at Cana, are retold with clarity and warmth. This is a companion to Parables: Stories Jesus Told, published last year. Both are powerfully illustrated by Jackie Morris, whose combination of soft, rich colours, bold shapes and expressive faces, brings to new life the drama, depth and emotion of these Christian stories.
Lion Children’s Books has brought out a new Bible in time for Christmas. The Lion Bible: Everlasting Stories (pound;14.99, pound;25 gift edition) presents the major stories of the Old and New Testaments, retold by Lois Rock in 100 digestible episodes. The decorative and dramatic illustrations by Christina Balit have the jewel-like tones of an illuminated manuscript.
Schools tackling Shakespeare will find excellent resources in two new titles, both illustrated by James Mayhew in a spirited celebration of the English pastoral, full of light, movement and colour. In Shakespeare’s Storybook: Folk Tales that Inspired the Bard (Barefoot Books pound;8.99), storyteller Patrick Ryan reworks tales including “Cap-o-Rushes” (King Lear), “The Flower Princess” (The Winter’s Tale) and “Ashboy” (Hamlet). He offers details of their history and prevalence in other cultures, and insights into local traditions and political issues that may have influenced the plays. To Sleep, Perchance To Dream: A Child’s Book of Rhymes by William Shakespeare (The Chicken House pound;10.99) is a gem of a book, full of poetry from the plays that sings through the ages.
