The Thornbush
A sad, neglected little thornbush grows near a grand palace, its thorns too sharp and flowers too small to be admired. But one day a gentle-eyed man passes by, pushed by a crowd, his hands tied. His kind gaze warms the bush in a way it has never experienced. Little does it know, it will be inextricably linked to this man for all time before the day is through. Soon, another man comes and cuts off some branches, and shortly thereafter, the gentle man returns, this time carrying a cross and wearing--can it be? Yes, on his head is a crown made from the dismal bush's thorns. The thornbush is ashamed of the pain its spikes cause, and refuses to bloom for two days. But on the third day, a woman runs through the streets, crying, "He's alive! Jesus is risen!" and the bush makes peace with its part in the terrible--and wondrous--events.Seen through the eyes of a thornbush, this original perspective on the ancient story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection has a fresh sweetness that will be welcomed by readers of any age. Richard Stergulz's rich paintings fill the pages with color and tenderness. (Ages 4 to 8)--Emilie Coulter