Above, the cover of the picture book about Jesus by Kevin Graham and Jennifer Yoswa. Below, art from the page about the letter "Q."

Denver author and publisher Kevin Graham had written 10 books on environmental topics for adolescents before trying something different: Jesus.

Graham had heard a friend complain that he couldn't find a good children's picture book on Jesus, and something clicked with him.

Graham, of Windom Publishing, and Denver illustrator Jennifer Yoswa created "Jesus from A to Z."

The hardback book is a series of short blocks of text, discussing topics from angels to Zaccheus, offering biographical sketches, parables, miracles and other short scenes from the three-year ministry that changed the world.

The text blocks float in reproductions of the 28 lush oil paintings Yoswa completed for the project. Kirkus Reviews called them "stunning."

"People comment that the figures have more of a multicultural look," Graham said. "The content is neutral, with the idea that each parent and grandparent who reads this to a child can put their own family's imprint on the stories."

As with most literary projects, the devil was in the details.

"It was an intriguing process to work so closely with an artist," Graham said.

He and Yoswa labored over each component, from the position of a hand to the brightness of the sky. He deliberated over whether to write of the prodigal son's "mistakes" or "sins." He chose "mistakes."

"Q" is always the hardest letter, Graham said. It turned out to be one of the loveliest vignettes in the book:

"Q is for quiet," says the book, which shows a young boy, dog at his feet, contemplating fields and mountains.

"Most kids know about quiet time. It is a time to calm down, rest and be still. This quiet time can happen after someone gets in trouble. Quiet time also can be a time to think of God and Jesus, and be thankful for everything we have on earth."

Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com