J is for Jesus: The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Crystal Bowman and Claudine Gevry team up again with J is for Jesus: The Sweetest Story Ever Told. This over-sized, die-cut boardbook relates the legend of the candy cane through simple rhyme and colorful pictures.
Families gathered to see something new at the candy store. The candy maker was eager to share his newest treat, but also the story behind it. While telling the story of Jesus' birth, he points out how his candy cane will help us remember.

• It's shaped like a 'J' for Jesus, God's Son.
• When you turn it upside down ... "It looks like a staff that the shepherds used. They were the first to hear the Good News."
• The stripes are to help us "remember the day that Jesus washed all our sins away." The red symbolizes his blood; the white is because once forgiven, we are made white as snow.

What I Like: It's a sweet story (no pun intended). The size and strength of the book are perfect for toddlers. The illustrations by Claudine Gevry fill every page with color and friendly characters.
What I Dislike: The rhyme seems forced, lacking a consistent flow. Also, there's not a ton of action in the illustrations. It's mostly the candy maker talking inside his store.
Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: 3 and above (according to the publisher), but I think children as young as 1 will enjoy this short, colorful book.
Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2005; ISBN: 0310708915; Boardbook; $6.99
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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by Crystal Bowman.