From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2–Originally published in 1952 (HarperCollins) and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, this simple and lovely interpretation of the Nativity story is now large enough to share with a good-sized audience. Brown's text remains unchanged–a lilting rhyme filled with snippets of familiar carols ("Away in a manger, no crib for his bed/What child is this who lays down his sweet head?"). Although the narrative clearly describes an "ancient" barn, Goode's light-filled illustrations depict a relatively modern, snowy farm, making it uncertain if this is actually the holy family, or another man and woman who happen to be giving birth in a barn. Despite this quibble, this is a worthy addition to holiday shelves.
–M. A. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
PreS-Gr. 2. In the 1952 edition of this Christmas picture book, illustrated by Barbara Cooney, color spreads alternate with black-and-white ones. Here Goode provides all new illustrations in full color. The text, in verse, relates a simple, rustic version of the nativity story, telling of an unnamed man and woman who find shelter among the farm animals in a barn, where their baby is born. Goode sets the action in snowy New England with a big red barn for shelter, and depicts the local shepherds as wise men. The warmth and grace of the understated verse are reflected in the moving ink drawings, glowing with gentle color washes. A pleasing new interpretation that brings the story closer to its young audience.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
