Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher

Features

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 40 pages
• Published by: Unitarian Universalist Association June 19, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1558965246
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1558965249
• Book Dimensions: 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 7.2 ounces

Product Review
"Taking a liberal approach intended to reach a potentially broad audience that includes non-Christians, Gunney presents a sweeping look at Jesus life. The author focuses employing summarized parables and other lessons on Jesus role as an accessible and very human teacher rather than on his divinity as the son of God. Jesus birth, death and resurrection are mentioned briefly in the accepted Christian contexts, including Christmas Day and Easter. But rather than a Biblical timeline, young readers will likely come away with a more general sense of how Jesus might have lived as a man sharing new ideas about kindness, love and respect. The simple presentation can serve as a discussion starter and impetus to further explore either the Bible or other texts. Conteh-Morgan s cartoonish ink-and-watercolor illustrations keep the overall tone of this volume cheery and light. Bible passage references are included."
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Product Description
Meet Jesus is a picture book that introduces young children (ages 4-8) to Jesus and his lessons of love, kindness, forgiveness and peace. Meet Jesus emphasizes the humanity rather than the divinity of Jesus, giving the story broad appeal for liberal or progressive Christians and non-Christians alike. The text includes Bible references with corresponding Bible passages in the back of the book.

Reader Reviews
Gunney, Lynn Tuttle, Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher, Skinner House Books, 2007 Lynn Gunney uses clear non-proselytizing language to engage young children in her introduction to Jesus and carefully references the Bible verses that support her text. She presents Jesus as a good man who as a child " loved to sit among the teachers at the great temple, listening to their lively conversations"; in fact he amazed his teachers with his facile absorption of their lessons. She briefly describes his Jewish heritage and upbringing but otherwise does not name specific religions. There is no specific mention for example of any of the miracles; although when the author describes how Jesus fed "those who were hungry", the relevant bible verse about feeding the multitudes is cited and then provided in an appendix. Instead, she focuses on Jesus' love of God and his desire to spread a new message of "love and forgiveness". Two of his parables that demonstrate his style of teaching are recounted: one about the shepherd who lost a lamb, and the other about the Good Samaritan. Jesus' death is mentioned, however, it is carefully described without any pictures of the crucifixion; instead an illustration shows his mother and friends grieving. The belief that Jesus was the Son of God is acknowledged; but is balanced with the statement that, "Some people say that Jesus was a wise and beloved teacher, whether or not he was the Son of God". Christmas is described as a "day of joy and generosity" that celebrates the birth of Jesus and the text ends with a reminder to honor him "by trying to live as he did, with full hearts, loving words, and kind actions". The bright colorful and uncomplicated illustrations effectively enhance the text; lucent visages are simple yet still expressive. Included at the end of the book are thoughtful "Questions to Think About", a letter from the author to parents and teachers, and the full text of the referenced Bible passages. This book is a great choice for parents and teachers to share with children, preschool- 2nd grade and for libraries to offer to their patrons.