Maud (1890-1971) and Miska (1888-1960) Petersham were a talented and devoted husband-and-wife illustration team, who wrote and illustrated more than sixty books for children, and illustrated over a hundred works written by other authors. The couple received the Caldecott the mystical teachings of jesus Medal for The Rooster Crows—a book of American songs, rhymes and games in the tradition of Mother Goose—in 1946. A single illustrator is chosen each year to receive this prestigious award, and they were also given the 1942 Caldecott (Honor) Award for An American ABC.
The Christ Child, first published in 1931, is one of their most beloved books. The book transports children and adults alike from the prophecy of Christ’s coming and his miraculous birth to the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Brief text taken straight from the Gospels is brought to life in 24 color and 21 black and white illustrations that have become sweet remains for so many families. The Petershams traveled all the way to Palestine to create the art for this book, and wandered around Nazareth and Bethlehem, sitting in fields with shepherds who still live as their counterparts did two thousand years ago.
For thousands of families The Christ Child book has been an important part of celebrating Christmas year after year. It is a timeless family treasure that has been out of print for over 20 years. Wild Vision Studios, LLC has brought this family classic book back into print in a very special printing with unpublished images of the famous illustrating team on the dust jacket flaps. Along with the book there are also LIMITED EDITION greeting cards and geclée fine art prints.