"Taking a liberal approach intended to reach a potentially broad audience that includes non-Christians, Gunney presents a sweeping look at Jesus’ life. The author focuses—employing summarized parables and other lessons—on Jesus’ role as an accessible and very human teacher rather than on his divinity as the son of God. Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection are mentioned briefly in the accepted Christian contexts, including Christmas Day and Easter. But rather than a Biblical timeline, young readers will likely come away with a more general sense of how Jesus might have lived as a man sharing new ideas about kindness, love and respect. The simple presentation can serve as a discussion starter and impetus to further explore either the Bible or other texts. Conteh-Morgan’s cartoonish ink-and-watercolor illustrations keep the overall tone of this volume cheery and light. Bible passage references are included. Ages 4-8."
- Publishers Weekly (June 25, 2007)
"I found Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher to be absolutely terrific. It fills a tremendous need in educational material on religion for children. I can't wait to read it to my twin grandchildren!"
- John Shelby Spong, author of Jesus for the Non-Religious
"This small book presents the life of Jesus, from his boyhood until his death, and includes a number of his teachings and parables, all in clear, simple language. After the story of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, a few pages at the end explain that Jesus' followers have carried on his teachings, some saying that he was resurrected as the son of God, and others considering him a wise man who taught love, justice, and peace. The book concludes that the best way to celebrate Jesus' life is 'by trying to live as he did, with full hearts, loving words, and kind actions.' Ink-and-watercolor illustrations in a naive style brighten every double-page spread. Biblical passages are referenced in red type at the bottom of each page, with the full texts of those verses printed in an appended section. Clearly written, this offers an unusually good, simple introduction to Jesus and his teachings."
- Carolyn Phelan, American Library Association Booklist (Oct. 1, 2007)
"Finally -- a book on 'the historical Jesus' for children and their families. This book is an excellent conversation starter, with its invitation for parents and kids to tell each other more about what they know (or have heard) about Jesus and to talk about how they might follow his teachings in their daily lives. The 'Questions to Think About' section is excellent. I would definitely recommend this book to parents and to libraries. With its non-proselytizing approach, it would also be useful in elementary school settings, as part of a series on religions and spiritual leaders. Definitely recommend."
- Amazon.com review by Colleen M. McDonald, author of What if Nobody Forgave?
"Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher is a children's picturebook that recounts simple tales from Jesus' life, the parables he taught, and the important moral lessons to be learned from him. Though especially recommended for Christian children, Meet Jesus places emphasis upon the benevolent teachings of Jesus rather than religious dogma concerning his divinity. 'Some people say that Jesus was the son of God. They say that after Jesus died, God resurrected him, or brought him back to life. They celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Some people say that Jesus was a wise and beloved teacher, whether or not he was the son of God. They say it is important to remember him because he taught us to treat people with love and to stand up for justice and peace.' Simple color illustrations add a child-friendly touch to this picturebook especially recommended for church libraries."
- Midwest Book Review (Feb. 8, 2008)
"Lynn Tuttle Gunney has created a marvelous tool for conveying the essential message of love that Jesus came to Earth to teach. Her book will engage the hearts and minds of children with his bottomless compassion and help them see how they, too, can know the peace and kindness he fostered."
- Phil Catalfo, author of Raising Spiritual Children in a Material World
"Lynn Gunney uses clear non-proselytizing language to engage young children in her introduction to Jesus and carefully references the Bible verses that support her text. She presents Jesus as a good man who as a child 'loved to sit among the teachers at the great temple, listening to their lively conversations'; in fact he amazed his teachers with his facile absorption of their lessons. She briefly describes his Jewish heritage and upbringing but otherwise does not name specific religions. There is no specific mention for example of any of the miracles; although when the author describes how Jesus fed 'those who were hungry', the relevant bible verse about feeding the multitudes is cited and then provided in an appendix. Instead, she focuses on Jesus' love of God and his desire to spread a new message of 'love and forgiveness'. Two of his parables that demonstrate his style of teaching are recounted: one about the shepherd who lost a lamb, and the other about the Good Samaritan. Jesus' death is mentioned, however, it is carefully described without any pictures of the crucifixion; instead an illustration shows his mother and friends grieving. The belief that Jesus was the Son of God is acknowledged; but is balanced with the statement that, 'Some people say that Jesus was a wise and beloved teacher, whether or not he was the Son of God'. Christmas is described as a 'day of joy and generosity' that celebrates the birth of Jesus and the text ends with a reminder to honor him 'by trying to live as he did, with full hearts, loving words, and kind actions'. The bright colorful and uncomplicated illustrations effectively enhance the text; lucent visages are simple yet still expressive. Included at the end of the book are thoughtful 'Questions to Think About', a letter from the author to parents and teachers, and the full text of the referenced Bible passages. This book is a great choice for parents and teachers to share with children, preschool - 2nd grade and for libraries to offer to their patrons."
- Amazon.com review by Kirsten Cutler, children's librarian, Sonoma County (Calif.) Library and member of the American Library Association's 2007 Newbery Award Committee
"Gunney’s book presents a straightforward and balanced approach to a very difficult subject for children. Meet Jesus will help parents and teachers who want to bring the biblical Jesus into a contemporary context for their children. The text is clear and easy to comprehend, the illustrations are expressive and inviting. Great read!"
- Etan Boritzer, author of What is God?
"For the first time in decades, here is a book for young children that offers a Unitarian Universalist view of the historical Jesus. Winsome illustrations and clear prose introduce Jesus as a Jewish boy who grew up to be a “beloved teacher” whose “lessons of love and kindness still bring hope and joy to people all over the world.” The book includes core teachings about forgiveness, peacemaking, and helping the sick and the poor, and retells the parables of the good shepherd and the good Samaritan. It addresses theological differences about Jesus with a simple acknowledgment that “some people say that Jesus was the son of God” while others “say that Jesus was a wise and beloved teacher, whether or not he was the son of God.” An appendix includes the biblical passages that inspired the book. Author Lynn Tuttle Gunney teaches religious education at Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California."
- UUWorld review by Christopher L. Walton
"I'm delighted with Lynn Gunney's Meet Jesus. I'm so glad that children can have a book of their own to learn about Jesus from a liberal religious point of view. Meet Jesus belongs in every UU church."
- Charlene Brotman, author of The UU Kids' Book and The Kids' Book of Awesome Stuff
"Meet Jesus is a welcome addition to a liberal religious education library, as well as a thoughtful gift to families with young children. The story of Jesus’ life is simply told and includes three, well-known parables. Author Gunney sets out to convey the importance of kindness and its embodiment in Jesus’ life and teachings and certainly succeeds. The New Testament documentation at the bottom of most pages and referenced at the book’s end will be of interest to older children and parents, and the Questions to Think About page is useful for reflection and discussion. Conteh-Morgan’s warm illustrations complement the book’s text. Currently, our Timeless Themes class uses this book as a very accessible supplement to the New Testament stories of Jesus in its curriculum, but the book could also work well as a stand alone title, especially for younger children."
- Kathy Strawser, director, Lifespan Faith Development, West Shore UU Church, Rocky River, Ohio
"This story opens a door for understanding and having conversations with children about Jesus. Our children are growing up in world of increasing diversity. They hear conflicting ideas and views about Jesus. They need to have information and conversations with trusting adults as they begin to explore the many images and stories they see on TV, read in the media, and hear in the school yard. This book will help parents and teachers engage with the issues.
We feel the book fills a real need."
- Roberta and Christopher Nelson, Authors of Unitarian Universalist parenting curricula including Parents as Spiritual Guides, Parents as Social Justice Educators and Parents as Resident Theologians
