Every home with littles needs at least one book that introduces the biblical Christmas story in an appealing, age-appropriate way. This colorful, sturdy board book is a good choice.
The simple rhyming text focuses on Jesus as the baby God planned to send. We see the travelers Mary and Joseph approaching Bethlehem, getting settled in the stable, Joseph holding the newborn baby while Mary readies his manger bed, shepherds listening to the angels, and far-off wise men beginning their journey. The last spreads emphasize the love in God’s gift of Jesus to be our Savior.
Throughout, expressive characters and sweet birds and animals fill the illustrations. There’s a lot to look at and talk about with little ones! I love that skin tones are appropriately dark and that the wise men don’t show up at the stable.
What appears to be a pig toward the end of the book is perhaps supposed to be the cat that’s included in other scenes; this probably should have been corrected, since the Jewish people did not eat pork. But otherwise, a great little book!
Good News! It’s Christmas!
written by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Lizzie Walkley
published by Our Daily Bread (2019)
board book, 18 pages, 7 x 0.63 x 7 inches
Making God’s wonders known to the next generation,