BETHLEHEM

French (The Glass Garden, not reviewed, etc.), already known for her use of brilliant and bold colors, this time surpasses herself in a wonderful example of the storytelling role of stained-glass windows. Taking the text from the King James Bible, she illustrates the story of the Nativity in panels that are so marvelously detailed they could be installed in any church. The vibrant colors bring the Nativity to life and give warmth and expression to both the faces and the background. Each panel is filled with tiny details, from the sheep in the fields and the chickens in the stable, to the hay in the manger and the angels in the heavens. Poorer peasants and servants follow the richer citizens into the city to be taxed, each dressed appropriately and surrounded by the buildings and plants found in Bethlehem. This would be a beautiful addition to a holiday collection, and an excellent introduction to the purpose of stained-glass windows. (Picture book. 4-8)