Mary Alice Jones

This book consists of four previously published (presumably) children's books: The Baby Jesus, Jesus and the Children, Jesus Who Helped People, and Friends of Jesus. These books were originally published in the 1960s between 1961 and 1964. (IF I read Roman numerals correctly.) The first story, as you can surmise from the title, is the Christmas nativity story. The other three titles are thematically grouped narratives. Jesus and the Children focuses in on passages of scripture in which Jesus show more interacted with children. Jesus Who Helped People has the broadest narrative. Readers get a series of vignettes. Friends of Jesus tells two stories. First it tells of the calling of [early] disciples Peter and Andrew. Second, it tells the story of Zacchaeus.

The first two books seem to go together well. The last two books seem to go together well.

I bought the book because I have a weakness for vintage children's books. The books have a narrative style that reads vintage or old-fashioned. For better or worse. I'm not saying it is always, always, always better. But it's definitely not for the worse in this instance in my opinion. The books almost have the same narrative flow as Dick and Jane. These are books meant to be read by kids.

First paragraph of The Baby Jesus,

Mary and Joseph were going to Bethlehem. Mary was riding on a little gray donkey. Joseph was walking, leading the donkey. Soon it would be dark. Mary was tired. She knew it was time for her baby to be born. She drew her shawl closer about her to keep warm. "There," Joseph said. "There is Bethlehem. It is not far now." Mary looked up and saw the town. "We are almost there," she said. Mary and Joseph came to the town. They went to the inn where the travelers stayed. The door was closed. Joseph knocked at the door. He knocked again and again.
I appreciate older texts and seeing snapshots of the times.

I know there can be some debate among Christians on if [artistic] illustrations are a violation of the second commandment, but, for those that are not so convinced [at least not in regards to bible story books for children as opposed to art hanging in sanctuaries or icons] vintage art can be quite delightful. The first two books in particular I really enjoyed the artwork. show less

Tell Me About Jesus. Mary Alice Jones. Illustrated by Pelagie Doane. 1944. 72 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars] [children's picture book]

First sentence: Bobby and his mother had been for a walk. On their way home they passed their church.

Bobby asks his mother to tell him ALL about Jesus. The book is NOT an illustrated bible story book. The title might be ambiguous on that. This is a book of family conversations of a parent and child ABOUT the christian faith. In each "chapter" Bobby and his show more mother talk about Jesus. The book also features Bobby's younger sister, Mary, who is a toddler.

Deuteronomy 11:19 reads as follows, "You shall also teach them to your sons, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up." This book brings that sentiment to life: a parent giving spiritual instruction to a child.

This is a VINTAGE children's book. It is illustrated. There are sixteen "chapters" or sections. These are sixteen conversations or scenes between Bobby and his mother. They take place over many months. It was first published in 1944. It features colored illustrations AND black and white illustrations. show less

This book teaches children the ten commandments. It describes each commandment so children can understand it. It is sad that I cannot read this book to my students because of the laws. It is a great book for ages pre-k through third grade.

Possibly the most precious book I own. I read it when I was very young and wanted to know God more deeply. He is still good!