Alliterated Books, S and W by Cameron Semmens
WATER, WINE AND A WONDERFUL WEDDING
Cameron Semmens
HSM Publishing
I think it’s the cheesy grin on the picture of Jesus that most strikes me – aside from the W’s of course. My kids loved the illustrations featuring a ‘modern Jesus’, which though perhaps reminiscent of a Hercules cartoon, nevertheless are eye catching with entertaining facial expressions.
The story is completely swamped with W’s (what a wonderful way to wemember a wedding). Some may find this a little distracting at first, though upon subsequent readings we found it less so. The essence of the Biblical story is captured, naturally with a decent sprinkling of artistic licence. It does bring an element of fun and modern relevance to which children can relate.
The characters come to life with the help of both the words and illustrations. If you look carefully, there is all the drama of the sinister pranksters, the victims, and of course the hero. Jesus seems fixed in a small time warp, with his suit tie and collar overlaying a Roman tunic and sandals (and is it Colgate or Macleans?) It all adds to the wonderful melodrama of this book.
A curious mixture of ancient and modern, this story by Cameron Semmens, together with the illustrations by Rod Allen, create on experience of Jesus’ first miracle that you will not easily forget.
AC
Water, Wine & a Wonderful Wedding
Cameron Semmens
HSM Publishing
Water, Wine and a Wonderful Wedding written by the master of alliteration, Cameron Semmens, and illustrated by Rod Allen is a retelling for children of the wedding feast at Cana. Jesus stars as the wonderworker who transforms the scene from gloom to gaiety when it is realised that there is no more wine. Unfortunately the illustrations, while vibrant and clever, seem to portray the wonderworker as a cartoon superhero.
While this no doubt appeals to the younger age group and could easily be used during a kid’s spot in a church service, some parents could feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of Jesus.
DS
WATER, WINE AND A WONDERFUL WEDDING: JESUS CHANGES WATER INTO WINE IN W!
Cameron Semmens
Rod Allen (illus)
HSM Publishing
Rod Allen’s cover illustrations hint at the wackiness inside this retelling of Jesus’ first miracle at Cana. The author’s page of introductory notes corroborates the fun and mischief to follow, as well as affirming the serious purpose of Jesus’ ministry. Speech balloons cleverly add to the drama, and the crisp exclamatory style of the storytelling captures the miraculousness of the event. A memorable tale that is bound to be read over and over again. NS
WATER, WINE AND A WONDERFUL WEDDING
Cameron Semmens
Illustrator, Rod Allen
HSM Publishing
The story of the miracle at Cana told in a fun, alliterative manner using words beginning with W. As Semmens says, the story is about ‘Wine into water, whinging into worship’. Allen’s cartoon-style illustrations give the story colour and energy. WN
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