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Janine M Fraser lives on Phillip Island in Victoria for most of the year, and three months of the year in Manhattan, New York. She loves books, writing and travel and looks for stories wherever she goes. Her previous books have been short-listed for the CBCA awards, the NSW Premier's Award and the WA Premier's Award. Janine is also a published poet. Sarah's Two Nativities is her first book with Black Dog Books. Helene Magisson began her artistic career as a painting restorer in Paris, where she was also trained in the art of medieval illumination. Helene has lived all over the world, including Africa, France and India. She loves to discover other cultures through their arts and customs. She now calls Australia home and has begun a new career of illustrating picture books, some of which have been CBCA Notables. Sarah's Two Nativities (written by Janine M Fraser) is her first book with Black Dog Books.
A book created by Janine Fraser and Helene Magisson, Sarah's Two Nativities shares an important message in a simple way, one that young children will understand. A perfect story for families everywhere to read at anytime, but especially at Christmas. * Kids' Book Review * Sarah's Two Nativities has a timely release, ready for Christmas. It is a story that will help children understand that there are many different customs and beliefs, but listening and taking time to understand people's differences will help us find the things we have in common. It is so very important. In a world where we have more and more distrust for those we see as threatening our way of life, it helps us realise that we are all able to live together if we just listen to each other's stories. This is a story suitable for children aged 4 and above. It would be a great catalyst for a good discussion in a classroom, especially in a world where teachers need to be careful to be inclusive of different faiths. * Glam Adelaide * Sarah's situation is not an uncommon one - there are many families where there are differing belief systems, and these are often highlighted at this time of the year. Similarly, in our classrooms where we share stories about the Nativity with children who might hear a different version at home. How can the two be reconciled? Grandmother Azar provides an answer that satisfies Sarah and celebrates the richness of the two cultures her family straddles. This is a beautifully illustrated story that is sensitively told and acknowledges that this is a special time of year for many, not just Christians, and that there can be bonds that are stronger than anything else. * The Bottom Shelf * Fraser deftly introduces the reader to both stories of Christ's birth while discreetly demonstrating that understanding difference is the best way to appreciate and accept it. By showing Sarah that both stories are in essence the same, her grandmothers allow her to embrace both as her favourite. Magisson's luxuriant illustrations saturate each page with deeply hued royal blues, muted greens and golds. They shimmer and sparkle reflecting hope and joy whilst fusing ancient times with contemporary expectations. The significance of celebrating faith, family and culture surges powerfully through both words and pictures yet is gentle enough for even the very young to marvel at and absorb. Highly recommended reading. * Dims Write Stuff * A gentle, peaceful, informative book with a spare, straightforward text, stylised but expressive doll-like characters and lots of intriguing background detail. * SA Weekend *
