Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden

Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, written and illustrated by Jane Ray, is a basically a retelling of the story in the book of Genesis. However, although the author includes all the elements of the Biblical creation story, this version differs from the Biblical story. As the publisher says in a blurb on the book's jacket flap: "Jane Ray's beautiful version of the familiar story takes into account creation myths the world over." Thus, her story includes features never mentioned in the Bible, such as a fountain in the middle of the garden. Also, in this version there are two trees called the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life; the Bible says there was one tree called the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. After Adam and Eve are banished from the garden, the text says: "God gave Adam and Eve warm clothes to wear. He handed them some seeds and cuttings from the garden. Then God sent them out into the world." When they leave the garden it says, "IN the bear earth beyond Eden, Adam and Eve planted anew garden for their family." The illustrations in this book are truly beautiful. They provide a feast for the eyes with a plethora of colors and shapes. All of the pages have borders, some of which are greatly detailed with line drawings, pieces of musical scores, etc., giving the edges a quilt-like effect. What I Like: The artwork is my favorite part of the book. Be warned, though, it might be considered by some to be a bit sophisticated or inappropriate for children, as both Adam and Eve are clearly naked until they are removed from the garden. In one of the illustrations, one of Eve's naked breasts is rather prominent. What I Dislike: I like the different approach to the creation story, but I'm uncomfortable with the idea of the author using ideas from different "creation myths" for the book, as this implies the Biblical story is not true, it's just a myth. Overall Rating: Good. Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Revew

Ray's illustrations are lovely - colorful and luminous, with gilded touches to make everything everything in Eden seem newer, shinier, and more wondrous. Certain pages are framed with smaller, detailed pieces including maps, old-fashioned line drawings from scientific illustrations, and pieces of musical scores - that give them the appearance of sophisticated story quilts. Ray's people and animals are a wonderful example of the naive art style. The story follows Adam's creation, the formation of the Garden, the creation of the animals as (not entirely satisfactory) companions for Adam, Eve's creation, and then the Fall and exile Adam and Eve's separate punishments are lumped together and made less sexist and more palatable: "Now you will learn what it is to be sad as well as happy," God said. "You will work your fingers to the bone growing food to eat and raising your children. And when you die, you will return to the earth from which you are made." Interestingly enough, the book's final illustrations make Adam and Eve's eventual fate look not as bleak as traditionally pictured with the two of them venturing off into a dull, dusty earth and making a respectable home of it for themselves - a garden outside of the Garden or a piece of Home - a redemptive task in and of itself. Adam and Eve are nude - and funkily enough, tattooed - throughout (except in the final pages), but they blend in naturally with the varied patterns and coloration of the numerous animals surrounding them. Perhaps I myself fall a little on the laissez-faire side as regards nudity, but I think any parent who gets upset at the tiny peek we get at Eve's nipple here has perhaps a few issues to work through. In any case, my three-year-old son likes it and I think it's beautiful and well told, so thumbs up from us.

Another Jane Ray book full of artwork that delights the eyes and the soul.

This book is beautifully illustrated and the story of Adam and Eve is touchingly told including their Fall from God's grace. However, be aware that there are several pictures that show some things that may be inappropriate for younger children. For instance Eve's nipple is quite apparent in one picture and there are several naked back-sides. Overall though this book is beautifully done with some of the prettiest illustrations of nature I've seen.