A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book

Enhanced with watercolor illustrations, a read-aloud tale provides readers with the true story of how Christmas came to be with the birth of Jesus in the manger so many years ago.

Ages 2-5. Maccarone retells the story of Jesus' birth in very short, rhyming sentences: "A Newborn cried, His mother sighed. Shepherds feared as angels appeared." The rhyme scheme and rhythm are erratic, and the use of the word trough for manger (because it rhymes with off ) is awkward at best. However, Williams' watercolors, outlined in soft, black pencil, are tenderly expressive, and the details of the setting are caught with accuracy and pleasing simplicity. Young children will especially enjoy the animals--from the playful dog in the market to the awestruck sheep to the amusingly proud camels bringing the Three Kings. Suggested for libraries needing additional Nativity books for this age group. Susan Dove Lempke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved