One of the most enduring and universal Christmas traditions is the cr�che, or the Nativity scene: a representation of the story of Christ’s birth. This beautiful book reveals the worldwide appeal and custom of the cr�che and the diversity of creative expression displayed in this art form. Cr�che artists featured include a first-generation American firefighter devoted to preserving the Spanish Colonial santos tradition; a woman who served in the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands; a Jesuit who worked with Cambodian landmine victims and who carved a nativity with Khmer features; and a carver from New Zealand whose work is based on Maori traditions.

The 18th-century Neapolitan crèche at the Art Institute of Chicago, which contains over 200 figures arranged in a panorama of street life, represents the pinnacle of a rich artistic heritage. This luxurious catalogue is the first to study the crèche in the context of art and music history. Essays explore the Neapolitan crèche tradition and examine the design of Chicago's example with reference to other important crèches in Europe and the United States. Entries on individual figures identify the characters and types they represent, as well as their social and historical meaning and religious significance. Other entries address groups of figures, animals, and cultural themes present in the crèche. Together the essays and entries highlight the astonishing realism and potent symbolism of these figures, which range from heavenly angels and the Holy Family around the manger to street vendors and revelers feasting, drinking, and dancing in a tavern.

Elaborate and awe-inspiring. Plain and simple. Christmas creche come in as many varieties as there are people. In exploring the mystery of Christmas through art, drama, and devotion this beautiful volume reminds us of God's gift.

An amazing collection of art activities, some familiar, many new, all sure to guarantee complete satisfaction both to teacher and child. Each experience can be set up in an independent art center and enjoyed and explored without adult models to copy. The end result is bounded only by the imagination of the child.

This unique and unforgettable picture book uses rock art and simple text to tell the story of the miracle of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. Through the arrangement of a few rocks and powerful words directly from Scripture, the entire Christmas story is told in A Savior Is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas. Readers will be intrigued by the nature-filled artwork that shows the birth of Jesus and the celebration of the very first Christmas in a powerful and unique way. A Savior Is Born is perfect for: Children ages 4-8 Sharing the true story of Christmas in a new way Advent and Christmas gift-giving Inspiring creative art projects using natural items such as rocks, sticks, and leaves This unique holiday picture book: sparkles and shines with foil, embossing, and spot gloss on the cover features beautiful photographs of the rock art uses the Gospel of Luke from the NKJV translation to tell the Christmas story If you enjoy A Savior Is Born, check out He Is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter.

First Second is very proud to present Nursery Rhyme Comics. Featuring fifty classic nursery rhymes illustrated and interpreted in comics form by fifty of today's preeminent cartoonists and illustrators, this is a groundbreaking new entry in the canon of nursery rhymes treasuries. From New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast's "There Was a Crooked Man" to Bad Kitty author Nick Bruel's "Three Little Kittens" to First Second's own Gene Yang's "Pat-a-Cake," this is a collection that will put a grin on your face from page one and keep it there. Each rhyme is one to three pages long, and simply paneled and lettered to ensure that the experience is completely accessible for the youngest of readers. Chock full of engaging full-color artwork and favorite characters (Jack and Jill! Old Mother Hubbard! The Owl and the Pussycat!), this collection will be treasured by children for years to come.