Look Inside the Time of Jesus by Lois Rock; Illustrated by Lorenzo Orlandi - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Kregel Publishers)

A fascinating flap book full of bustling scenes from the time of Jesus that will keep inquiring young minds busy. Detailed depictions of Bible history are enhanced by a glimpse behind the scenes with flaps to lift on every page. Brief text explains the setting of the picture, and references events and stories from Jesus’ life. The captivating pictures and to-the-point text make this book especially useful for encouraging reluctant readers. The book covers the first Christmas, a synagogue and carpenter’s workshop in Nazareth, fishing in Capernaum, farming and shepherding in the hills of Galilee, homes of the wealthy and everyday people, the temple in Jerusalem, the way of the cross, and the first Easter.

My Thoughts:

From a stable in Bethlehem to a Garden Tomb, this is a rich flap book that will keep your children entertained for hours on end!  Each picture is exploding with details!  The most memorable of the details are enriched further by lifting the flap and being able to view the picture from a more intimate, “inside” view.  The story line focuses more on the highlights of Jesus’ earthly ministry and includes the Rich Man’s Feast, The Temple in Jerusalem and A Roman Trial.

The concentration is more on the cultural details of the era and not on the truth of Jesus ministry.  I was rather disappointed at the ending, because the book ends with the frightened disciples left behind at the ascension and never progresses to the spreading of the gospel!  So, one more page would have left readers with hope and purpose!  But, children will learn a lot about the culture in which Jesus lived and ministered, and this will give them a greater understanding of the gospel.

I think this would be a great addition to any child’s library!

About the Author:

Lois Rock has established an international reputation as a children’s writer. Specialising in Bible stories, prayer books, and information books, her books have been translated into over 30 languages with sales approaching 4 million copies. She draws on her experience as a mother of three, and as a leader of church children’s groups.|Lorenzo Orlandi graduated at the School of Applied Art of "Castello Sforzesco", in Milan, and has since worked with magazines, advertising agencies and publishers. Specialising in illustration of nature, history, science, and agriculture, he is also an expert in military history and costumes from ancient populations to the First and Second World War.  

About the Illustrator:

Lorenzo Orlandi lives and works in Milan. He works for magazines, advertising agencies, Italian and foreign publishers of adult and children’s books. He likes projects which lets him illustrate books about nature - from dinosaurs to living animals and plants, their evolution history as well as man’s prehistory. He has experience as an art director and has in-depth knowledge on the subjects of military uniforms, history and ancient costumes.