About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the mix of jitters and excitement that comes with participating in a holiday performance or their first school play. Tomie dePaola, a master of gentle storytelling, follows a classroom of young children as they prepare to stage the Nativity story. While it centers on the Christian tradition of Christmas, the emotional core focuses on the process of working together toward a shared goal. It captures the quiet magic of rehearsal, the pride of wearing a costume, and the sense of accomplishment that follows a successful performance. It is a comforting, low-stakes introduction to public speaking and school events for children aged 3 to 7, perfect for building confidence before the big night.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is explicitly religious (Christian), depicting the birth of Jesus through the lens of a school reenactment. It is handled with reverence and warmth, focusing on the community aspect rather than heavy dogma.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler or kindergartner who is nervous about an upcoming school holiday program or a child who enjoys 'behind the scenes' glimpses of how things are made and performed.
