"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." ~ C.S. Lewis
About the book:
Jesus for Children
a trilogy of short stories
Reviewed By Gail Kamer for Readers’ Favorite:
Jesus for Children by Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox contains a trilogy of religious stories. The first two stories are told through rhyming verse. The last story is shared through prose from Mary’s point of view. In “A Miracle in Bethlehem,” a hyena captures two bunnies but the glow of a star attracts them to a stable where a precious newborn then captures the hyena’s heart. In “A Passover Blessing,” the story of twelve-year-old Jesus getting lost and being found in the temple is told. All the stories are familiar to children, but told with a twist that gives them an extra connection.
The artwork in Jesus for Children by Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox is simply beautiful! From the black and white illustrations to the pictures left for children to color themselves, they draw the reader and listener in. Because the stories are best shared between an adult or independent reader and a child, a special bond between them will be created. Great conversation about Jesus and His life will develop into lasting memories, especially the story written from Mary’s point of view.
D’Alessandro-Cox includes personal accounts about how she wrote each story, which adds a personal touch and assists the user in knowing that God is involved in their personal life, thus encouraging the reader/listener to include God in their daily life. I recommend this book for any family collection and for home school libraries. Not only are the religious themes significant, but connections to the life and times of Jesus, as well as animal habitats can be researched in a home school setting.
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Review by P. Dryfus January 25, 2021
Jayne Cox's "Jesus for Children" is a charming collection of three short illustrated pieces with religious themes. "A Miracle in Bethlehem," written when Jayne was still in high school, is a sweet-natured fable about forgiveness and rebirth featuring, of all things, a compassionate hyena.
Many years later Jayne, now married with two daughters, wrote "A Passover Blessing" describing a miracle that Jesus performed as a 12-year-old boy. The subject matter is familiar but Jayne's gentle words and deep religious faith make it seem new again.
The final story, "Happy Birthday, Precious Lamb," takes a more unusual approach, presenting the Christmas story as a memoir by Jesus's mother and portraying Mary and Joseph as a very human, loving couple. The treatment of Joseph, who tends to have a very minor role in most Christmas stories, is especially vivid and believable here as a caring husband and new father. The Magi are also shown in a fuller and more complex way than merely as three wealthy travelers bearing gifts.
All told, this is a tender and quietly devoted little volume, perfect for reading bedtime stories.
Story: A Miracle in Bethlehem
"O nce upon a night so clear
the little animals heard with fear
the hungry growl
of Tina, the hyena..."
Based on Bible verse: Luke 2:14
"Peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests."
And, so begins the tender Christmas story, in poetic form, of a feared and friendless hyena who comes face to face with the newborn Jesus. Under the glowing star of Bethlehem, Tina's heart is healed forever as the field animals watch the life-changing experience that only a Savior can bring.
What readers are saying about this story...
“Jayne is a very creative person and a mom extraordinaire. The beauty of her soul comes through in this wonderfully original story.”
~Antonio Perez, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company
“What a wonderful addition to family and small group read-along time. The characters and rhyme are an invitation for a simplistic, yet generous helping of love and hope.”
~Bonnie W. Reynolds, Director, First Presbyterian Preschool, Charlottesville, VA
"As a former Montessori preschool teacher, I believe that children will delight in this Christmas poem. For adults, it may serve as a reminder that His touch does soften the hardest of hearts."
~Sister Sheila McIntyre, OP, St. Mary of the Springs, Columbus, OH
"A Miracle in Bethlehem brings charming verse to children, attractive illustrations, and the recognition of the impact of Christ's coming on the entire cosmos, which happens to include a little hyena named Tina."
~Sheila Richardson, Precept Bible Teacher, Charlottesville, VA
Story: A Passover Blessing
"A twelve-year-old boy
had just wandered away
from his mother while shopping
one warm summer day..."
Story based on Bible verse: 1 Samuel 1:27
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."
As young Jesus walks through Jerusalem on Market Day, He passes a little girl begging for money. Taking pity on her, Jesus gives her money for food, and continues on to the temple, where He captivates His audience with the power of His speech. The story teaches about God's love through faith, and the power of prayer.
What readers are saying about this story...
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story, A Passover Blessing. The author's easy and gentle style bring along readers, young and old alike, and each to a better place."
~Pete Hartwig, Pastor, City Church, Charlottesville, VA
"With lyric and verse, Jayne Cox has captured the image of the boy, Jesus. What a beautiful picture it creates in the mind of the reader! It will be a joy to share this story with my students."
~Jane Sykes, Early Childhood Teacher, First Baptist Church School, Charlottesville, VA
"Beautiful poetry and biblical images surround the young Jesus as He mesmerizes elders in the temple, while an afflicted child listens on. A Passover Blessing is a wonderful gift for children learning about the love and grace of Jesus Christ."
~Jane DeSimone Dittmar, Partner, Positive Solutions Group LLC, Charlottesville, VA
"Jayne Cox presents a playful and tender re-telling of a well-known biblical story in A Passover Blessing. Her rendering brings a fresh perspective to the compassionate young Jesus. Reading A Passover Blessing transported me back to old Jerusalem, as I walked the cobblestone alleys and the dusty roads towards the temple, surrounded by the busy sounds of the market place. It filled me with a longing to feel the very hand of God on my own face and watch Him at work amongst His people. It made me want to search for the needy, the hurting and often overlooked members of society, and left me yearning to appreciate the beauty and value in all of God’s creations. "
~Vaden Conner Cox, Singer-Songwriter, Charlottesville, VA
Story: Happy Birthday Precious Lamb
"Over the past weeks, I have been writing a memoir of your birth. As if it were yesterday, those memories remain indelibly impressed in my mind and burned into my heart.."
Story based on Bible verse Micah 5:2
"But you Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small amongst the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
As Jesus' 33rd birthday approaches, His mother wants to give Him the perfect gift when He returns home to Nazareth. Mary lovingly prepares a memoir of His birth, a gift she knows He will surely cherish. Her magnificent journal tells the beautiful story of the events leading up to His birth, the birth of the Redeemer, Christ, in stunning and unforgettable detail.
What readers are saying about this story...
“Jayne Cox offers us a spiritual glimpse through the window of the heart of the most blessed woman that ever existed since the beginning of time. The mother of God documents the loving and poignant memories of her son Jesus’ glorious birth. Powerfully written, this memoir opens the hearts of all mothers, as they reflect on their own personal experiences and memories.”
~Elena Maria Miller, Catechism Teacher, New Port Richey, FL
“Every once in a while I read a story that takes me beyond the words I am reading. Happy Birthday Precious Lamb is one of those stories. It is beautifully written by a mother, appreciating a mother’s perspective in one of the most blessed events in all of history.”
~Jeff Villio, Pastor, First Christian Church, Charlottesville, VA