A Book Review: Miracle Man by John Hendrix
- thenerdyhammy
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Ages: 5+
Description: Picture Book, Biography
Grade Level: Preschool - Grade 1
Pages: 40
Published: 2016
Location: Israel, Middle East
Time Period: Around 4 BC
Blurb:
“A retelling of the story of Jesus. This book freshly reinterprets some of the oldest and best-known stories in human history and focuses on some of the many miracles that Jesus performed before his crucifixion. Jesus’s miracles are endless. From the large harvest of fish to washing the unclean, healing the sick, feeding the poor, and walking on water, Jesus performs feats that draw in believers that he is the Son of God. Unfortunately it also attracts the attention of nonbelievers, who saddle him with the cross he must bear. After all of his miraculous acts, the book closes with a final wonder for all to see—one that changes faith and religion as the world knows it, forever….” (from the author’s official website)
Review:
This picture book is visually stunning. The art creatively combines lettering and illustration with a result that is striking and bold. The lettering also acts like a bridge between the text and the illustrations themselves. Eagle-eyed readers will also notice small details that reference other miracles, Biblical themes, or other parts of Scripture (such as one of the guards in the Garden of Gethsemane, with an ear peeking out of his helmet, glaring at a fleeing Peter). It may take several re-reads to find them all!
That being said, it is sometimes hard to make out what is lettering and what is art. There were times I accidentally skipped words because I was following the traditionally formatted text.
There are also a few, minor deviations from Scripture. For example, the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus is a girl instead. The text does not directly quote Scripture, as explained in the Author’s Note in the back: “The Words of Jesus and the disciples here are not direct quotations but my own interpretations of his life and teachings on Earth.” All that said, the picture book does stick closely to Scripture and I believe that the author’s interpretations are presented in a simple and thought-provoking way.
I recommend checking out the page in the back titled “Stories Incorporated Into This Book.” The book lists all the major story moments and where they can be found in Scripture.
This picture book is perfect reading for Easter and Passover.
Related Resources:
Another version: Jesus Heals a Paralytic in LEGO
You can find videos, activities, crafts and more that relate to this book on our Pinterest board below!
Content in Summary:
There is an illustration with a little bit of blood and another depicting a disease. Alcohol consumption is also mentioned in the text.
Content in Detail:
Substance Use
At Communion, the text says that Jesus and His apostles are drinking wine.
Violence
In one of the artworks near the end, a small group of women kneel by Jesus’ dead Body. He looks like He is sleeping and His Body is slightly obscured, but small splatters of Blood can be seen on His feet, hand, and on the wound at His ribs.
+Other
The leper, with gray skin and pink spots, has an aura of black snakes to signify his uncleanliness that may be mistaken for worms.
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