ALA Booklist

Baynes, best known for illustrating the Narnia series, visually interprets the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian beliefs written in 325 C.E and used by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestant churches today. To children who hear a modern translation of the creed in church every Sunday, the traditional version used here may sound a little different, but not enough to be confusing. The last page of text gives some history of the Nicene Creed. The artwork is imaginative and energetic as well as reverent. Reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, the richly colored illustrations frame phrases from the creed with formal compositions, which are softened by sweeping lines of trees, flowers, and flowing water. Within the designs are small scenes from Christian stories and church history as well as odd little details featuring creatures such as spiders, birds, fish, dragons, and, yes, devils.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

The text of this handsome, compact book is the Nicene Creed--a statement of belief used by many Christian denominations. Baynes's detailed illustrations are reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts with large decorated initial letters, mythical beasts, and gold accents and are well-suited to the material. A brief concluding note explains some of the history and origin of the Nicene Creed.

School Library Journal (Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 2003)

Gr 3 Up-Baynes takes this fundamental statement of Christian doctrine line by line and points to its organizing narrative and its role in the world. Framed by ebullient leaves, flames, mandorlas, jambs, and arches, miniature vignettes of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are linked to Church icons and rituals, and scenes of abundant nature, daily life, and the coming Judgment. However, Baynes portrays the world of faith as if she were a giddy Gothic illuminator. Her palette, with its slightly acid greens and dusty pink and gray, says "today." The pleasures of this work lie in the clever mimicry of medieval style, the delights of design, and the rewards of hunting through the exuberant faux-capitals for the hidden animals, symbols, architectural elements, and humans. Baynes knows when to stop: this is not a Book of Kells labyrinth, but a clear celebration of the pre-Renaissance world and its gift of faith. Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI