Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Blog Tour/Review: The Olive Tree by Christine Layton Graham, Carol Layton Ogden and Joan Layton Merrell


Tour Schedule


The Olive Tree: An Artistic Adaptation, by Christine Layton Graham; Illustrations by Carol Layton Ogden and Calligraphy by Joan Layton Merrell
2015, 36p, LDS Family Picture Book
My Rating=4.5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review



Savor a unique scriptural experience with this beautiful book that combines text adapted from Jacob 5 with stunning artwork and calligraphy. A gorgeous addition to any LDS home, it will enhance your understanding of the exquisite symbolism in this significant story.

This is a picture book that the entire family can enjoy! Three sisters have taken the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees found in Jacob 5 in the Book of Mormon and simplified it. They also added illustrations and the text is written in calligraphy. 

While the text is simplified, it's still a bit complex for younger readers. I think it makes a great family read so the message can be explained and discussed. I absolutely love the artwork and think it does a great job adding to the message of the story.

The calligraphy is beautiful, too. There were quite a few different colors used, though, and I found that a little distracting. However, I asked my daughter what she thought and her eyes lit up and she said she loved the different colors, so that probably won't even be an issue for most people.

These sisters did a great job accomplishing what they set out to do. This book is beautiful from beginning to end and will make a great gift! This is a book that I will display and plan to read it multiple times with my family throughout the years!



Christine Layton Graham is a writer, editor, and college English instructor living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her books include When Pioneer Wagons Rumbled West, Three Little Robbers, and Peter Peter Picks a Pumpkin House. She has also had pieces published in the New Era and the Friend. You can learn more about her books here.

Joan Layton Merrell is a professional calligrapher and fiber artist living in Jefferson City, Missouri. She has exhibited regionally and has been represented by galleries in two states. Her calligraphic art has been published in Letter Arts Review and The Calligrapher's Engagement Calendar. You can learn more about her calligraphy here.

Carol Layton Ogden is an artist living in Springville, Utah. Carol studied design at BYU. In recent years she has studied under a variety of artists, including Ann Kullberg and J.K. Richards.

1 comments:

Unknown said...

It looks beautiful. What a great idea for a book :)

Post a Comment