This is such a perfect Christmas story picture book. First published in 1963, the 50th anniversary edition is a beautiful white and gold hardback – and just as charming, simple and endearing as the first time round.
It tells the traditional nativity tale, illustrated with classic Dick Bruna imagery. What I love almost as much as the captivating illustrations is the fact that whilst it is without question a picture book, there is no over-simplification of narrative – it is a beautiful, mature script.
It is unashamedly telling the bible version of the nativity, so expect angels singing glory to God, and wise men travelling to leave gifts for the baby Jesus, and the Shepherds leaving to spread the good news.
Whilst I presumed it would be a little young for her, my mature chapter-book-reading 6yr old loves it. We must have had it for bedtime reading 5 times in the last two weeks – we read a page each, and she never fails to smile at the sheep and the wise men.
Just lovely – and I can imagine he taking the book through the years, and it becoming a Christmas tradition with her own children.
Available from all good book shops – or £7.50 from Amazon here.
