'A shoot will spring from the stock of Jesse, and from his roots a bud will blossom.' The Book of Isaiah The inspiration for this book was the tradition of carved Jesse trees (and later, stained glass windows), used in some countries to tell people Bible stories in medieval times. Using her skills as a storyteller and her love of the Bible, the author imaginatively blends the story of a craftsman recreating a carved Jesse tree with selected Old Testament stories and the Nativity. The result is a fascinating blend of simple yet evocative retellings and a sensitive contemporary story about the transforming power of love. Bee Willey's stylish, contemporary illustrations vividly capture the mood and characters of the stories. Awarded Star Choice for Christmas by The Children's Bookseller, August 2003