When the King Was Carpenter

When the King Was Carpenter by Maria von Trapp

142 pages 

Non-Fiction / Historical Fiction

Originally published in 1976. Short novel about the life and times of Jesus Christ as a child. Mostly non-fiction, with a blush of historical fiction. Maria's writing is personable and conversational. This was an easy and fast read.

I just recently discovered that Maria von Trapp (from Sound of Music fame) was a prodigious writer. I found several of her books and this is the first one I've read. It is so cool to think about her as an actual person and author!

Maria began gathering historical information on the childhood of Christ after one of the children (Martina) asked what Jesus ate for breakfast. She didn't know. But she began extensive research, including trips to the Holy Land and conversations with biblical scholars. The end result was this book, which covers Jesus's childhood - breakfast and all.

Much like the use of nativity scenes (first created by St. Francis after a trip to the Holy Land), reading this book brought me closer to the earthy and relatable Holy Family. I learned a lot about Jewish life and culture at the time of Jesus's childhood.

Recommended For: People wishing to understand more about the Holy Family. Interesting for adults but also suitable for children - similar to Little House on the Prairie in style.