About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to introduce the story of Christmas through a lens of quiet wonder and nature rather than a dense religious text. It is perfect for winding down during the busy holiday season, offering a peaceful moment to reflect on the joy of a new arrival. The book follows a flock of colorful birds as they notice unusual things happening in Bethlehem. Through their simple, observational dialogue, children experience the journey of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus from a unique perspective. This gentle retelling is highly appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, focusing on the themes of curiosity and community. Parents will appreciate Tomie dePaola's signature folk-art style, which makes the story feel like a timeless fable. It is an ideal choice for families looking to explain the Nativity in a way that feels accessible, grounded in the natural world, and emotionally resonant.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
This is a religious retelling of the Nativity. The approach is metaphorical in its use of animal witnesses but direct in its depiction of the Christian Christmas story. There is no conflict or peril, and the resolution is joyful and hopeful.
Ideal Reader
A 3 or 4-year-old child who is fascinated by birds and nature, and whose family wants to introduce the Christmas story in a way that emphasizes beauty and observation rather than complex theology.
