A Gift for Jesus

A Gift for Jesus is a children's religious book, written and illustrated by Joan Summer. Originally published in 1963 by Moody Press (Chicago) as part of the "Tiny Tots" series, it received a second printing in 2002 by Winepress Publishing. It is an illustrated children's book intended for ages 4 to 8.

Storyline

A curious young boy has a worry AbOUT the upcoming Christmas season - what to give Jesus for a present? As he already received spiritual gifts from Jesus, he wonders what he could possibly give Him in return. The rhyming verses and sweet, cherubic drawings show the boy as he imagines himself a pirate, a farmer, a sailor, etc., handing Jesus extravagant gifts. As a small boy, tho, he reaches a much simpler conclusion by the tale's end.

Themes

Summer's books tell stories about the small and large wonders of the world for young children, as from a child's perspective. "A Gift for Jesus," in particular, looks at the tradition of Christmas gift-giving from a Christian perspective. The reader learns that the boy sees Jesus as his Savior. As in Christian theology, as Jesus "gave his life" for the boy, he in turn hopes to return the favor in a very small way. No further theology is discussed, but the book's ending may lead a reading child to additional questions of the Christian faith. As a mother of three, Summer found inspiration for her stories "in the questions of her young children."

Illustrations

With her background as an elementary school teacher, Summer specializes in the drawings of children, revealing their inquisitive nature and their retained innocence. In "A Gift for Jesus" she alternates lively color with black & white illustrations, giving the reader a GLIMPSE of a child's imagination. In 2010 Summer said, “It was really the nice art in others’ children’s books that inspired me.” She has cited the American author/ illustrator Tasha Tudor as an artistic inspiration; as well as the illustrations of Joan Walsh Anglund; and Gyo Fujikawa. Another personal favorite of hers is the famous British author/illustrator Beatrix Potter.

Publication history

"A Gift for Jesus" was promoted as the 2nd book is a series of four children's books called the "Tiny Tots Series", for preschoolers, by Moody Press of Chicago. The series also included "I Wonder Why," "Come and See," and "I Saw a Mother Chicken." The books sold consistently for about 13 years, before they were no longer published. They were first published in hard cover books, and later in paper back, which increased book sales significantly.

The first edition of a "A Gift for Jesus" ended up selling 67,778 copies. The Tiny Tots Series (4 books total) sold a total of 293,017 copies.

Publication information

• 1963, United States, Moody Press paperback then hardcover.
• 2002, United States, Winepress Publishing. ISBN 9781579214210, hardcover.

Literary review

After the initial success of Summer's "I Wonder Why" (eventually selling 78,820 copies), Moody Press published the second title "A Gift for Jesus," written and illustrated by Summer. The books are popular baby/christening gifts, as well have been used as scripts for elementary school's Christmas programs. In 1963 Moody Press reviewed Summer's books in their national magazine "Moody Monthly."

Summer was more recently cited in the "Peoria Arts Magazine" out of Peoria, Illinois in their July/August 2010 issue as a "creative artist" who calls Central Illinois home. The article discusses her passion for art and sources of inspiration. They also state that locally her books are available at Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore in Peoria.

Author/illustrator’s bibliography

• 1963: I Wonder Why, author & illustrator
• 1963: A Gift for Jesus, author & illustrator
• 1963: Come and See, illustrator
• 1963: I Saw a Mother Chicken, illustrator
• 1971: I Like, illustrator
• 1971: The Upside-down Feeling, illustrator
• 2002: 2nd edition of A Gift for Jesus
• 2009: Dark on the Outside Bright on the Inside, author & illustrator

External links

• YouTube video regarding Joan Summer's most recent publication: "Dark on the Outside Bright on the Inside" by Tate Publishing
• Peoria Arts Magazine
• Hoerr's Berean Bookstore in in Peoria, Illinois, USA, as referenced by the Peoria Arts Magazine