The countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun and we've been looking at several Christmassy-themed picture books lately, starring Father Christmas, snowmen and giant reindeer, amongst other things. It was nice to get back to the true meaning of Christmas though in this traditional retelling of The Nativity - The Story of Baby Jesus, by May Elliot, with illustrations by Richard Johnson.
We're not a particularly religious family but I still think it's important for the Madhouse Mini-testers to discover the main Bible stories, such as the Nativity and Noah's Ark, from a cultural point of view if nothing else.
This picture book is a lovely child-friendly but traditional version of the story. Certain parts, such as the shepherds watching their flocks by night, made me want to burst into song, but it will be great for the Madhouse Mini-testers to recognise the story in the carols they hear.
Another aspect that appealed to me is that, although there are angels in the story, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus all look totally normal so it's easier for children to relate to and understand the story.
Whether you've already explained the real story of Christmas to your children or if they're unaware of the Nativity story, it's a lovely way to approach it with simple texts and beautiful illustrations.
star rating : 4.5/5
RRP : £5.99
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Picture Corgi (24 Oct 2013)
- Language: Unknown
- ISBN-10: 0552567620
- ISBN-13: 978-0552567626
- Product Dimensions: 26 x 23.2 x 0.4 cm
Disclosure : We received the book in order to write an honest review.
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A beautiful book. We're also a non-religious family, but it is important to know the basic Bible stories. Eddie's discovered the song "Mary had a baby recently", and sings it as people came to wash him (worship him). :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Very cute !!
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