About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the pressure of high expectations, or when they feel like a failure because they didn't meet a specific goal. It is an ideal choice for families navigating the tension between following a plan and stopping to help others. This beautifully illustrated retelling follows Artaban, a fourth magi who misses the birth of Jesus because he repeatedly stops to care for the sick and the dying. Through Artaban's thirty-year journey, children see that a life spent in service is never a wasted life, even if the original destination is never reached. The story addresses deep emotional themes of patience, resilience, and the true meaning of success. It is best suited for children ages 5 to 10 who are ready for a more contemplative, sophisticated narrative that explores faith and empathy beyond a simple holiday story. Parents will appreciate how it reframes 'detours' as the most important parts of our journey.
