On a winter night long ago, a baby boy was born in a stable with only the animals to witness his arrival. But it wasn’t just the cows and donkeys and soft little lambs who were present. Smaller, less loved creatures were there, too: the snake, the scorpion, the cockroach, and others.
Lyrically written by Eve Bunting and luminously illustrated by Wendell Minor, this beautiful book offers a unique and moving perspective on the Christmas story. It reminds us that all God’s creatures, both great and small, celebrated the arrival of the Christ child.
About the Author
Eve Bunting
Eve Bunting has written over two hundred books for children, including the Caldecott Medal-winning Smoky Night, illustrated by David Diaz, The Wall, Fly Away Home, and Train to Somewhere. She lives in Southern California.
Wendell Minor
Wendell Minor is the celebrated illustrator of more than forty picture books for children. His work reflects his deep interest in American history and American landscape and his desire to bring the natural world to children. He lives with his wife, author Florence Friedmann Minor. Visit him at www.minorart.com.
Excerpts
Reviews
"Bunting offers an unusual perspective on the Nativity story. . . .Minor's realistic artwork captures the unusual menagerie in all its scaly, warty, beady-eyed, spindly legged charm." Booklist, ALA
Nativity stories often mention the ox and lamb as humble visitors to the holy stable where Jesus was born. Here Bunting shares the view of seven other creatures that were also witnesses on that special night. . . .The poetry may inspire youngsters to create verses of their own for other "less loved" creatures.
School Library Journal
Bunting's free verse is graceful and accessible.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books