Stuff for Kids

 

                           I love Christmas!  Not only do I adore the songs of the season, the pretty lights and decorations, the delicious food, and all the get-togethers; but I love the warm fuzzy feeling inside that I get when I remember the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus.  When I read this book and studied the beautiful illustrations, the warm fuzzies crept in and I'm still basking in the glow. 

They Followed A Bright Star is based on a Spanish poem by Joan Alavedra and is illustrated by Ulises Wensell.  We have all read and heard the wonderful story at Christmastime of shepherds and kings and the bright star they followed to Bethlehem.  But there were many others who saw that bright star that night and what about them?  This books talks about a man guarding the well; a plowman whose field grow wheat for bread; and a couple who grow grapes to make a special wine.  These and others heard the voice of an angel; but they had to work and wait.

I really like this lyrical, radiantly illustrated story.  The illustrations do not have stiffness and the rounded forms are in shaded hues which is really pleasing to the eye.  But my favorite part of the whole book is that it reminds me of the awesome gift of the Christ child.  Like those who had to work and wait to do their important part, we work and wait and continue to tell the beautiful story over and over.

Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season!  This book can be found in the Easy section of Youth Services in the Bartlesville Public Library.