Three Wise Women [Paperback]

Mary Hoffman (Author), Lynn Russell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 2005 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

One evening long ago, three women in three very different corners of the world are struck by the light of a bright new rising star, and each feels compelled to follow it. The three women meet on a path of starlight, and together they walk through the hills to a small thatched stable, where a baby lies in a makeshift crib, surrounded by expensive gifts. The women have nothing to give except gifts from the heart.

Mary Hoffman’s beautiful story, enhanced by Lynne Russell’s glowing artwork, gently reminds all readers of the contributions women have made to Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A touch of girl power imbues Hoffman's (Amazing Grace) magical tale of three women from vastly different lands and cultures who find themselves united by the glorious event of Jesus' birth. Each compelled to follow the intense light of a special star, the three wise women reach Bethlehem not bearing extravagant material gifts like those of their male counterparts, but gifts from the heart: freshly baked bread, a story, a kissAgifts that will inspire Jesus throughout his life. The forceful and rich oil pastels provide a reverent yet mystical setting. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-This variation of the Bible story describes how three women from different parts of the world travel to see the baby Jesus. Each of them is unsure why she feels compelled to follow the bright star, or even how she made the journey, but they all end up in a stable looking upon the sleeping infant. Each woman is moved to offer a gift-one gives a loaf of bread, one gives a story, and one gives a kiss from her young son whom she has carried with her. Readers are told that Jesus never forgot their gifts: he showed the world the joy of sharing fresh baked bread, he told wonderful stories, and he taught that the greatest gift is love. The lovely, luminous oil-pastel illustrations add richness to this flat, primarily message-driven story.-T.T.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (November 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845074475
• ISBN-13: 978-1845074470
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,004,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas gift from my 9 and 11 year old daughters!, January 19, 2000

By 

Parish Nurse "Carol T." (Iowa City, IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Wise Women (Hardcover)

Three Wise Women, in its simplicity and color, retells the story of the visit by wise persons to the baby Jesus and the bringing of gifts that are human & practical...The gift of bread, of storytelling, and love shared! I am especially touched by this book because my 9 and 11 year old daughters found this book in our local bookstore and decided it was the perfect gift for their mother who is going on sabbatical. They recognized within its short reading that the women of the story are on a shared journey of the spirit. The illustrations,done in beautiful dark mystical colors, also lead you into this journeying. I am always looking for books for my girls and I to read that have strong female characters that look at life wholistically. Three Wise Women continues that collection for us. We also have a collection of Christmas books that have a home under the tree each year. The tradition of pulling them out each year and rereading the memories has made the stories become part of our collected memories of the season! Thanks for an excellent addition!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, February 6, 2010

By 

Retired and loving it "oui, oui" (Manchester, NH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Three Wise Women (Hardcover)

After reading this book last year, I knew I just had to purchase two copies for my granddaughters. The three women who journey from various parts of the world to bring gifts to the newborn Child, truly understand the real meaning of Christmas. Their gifts, unlike the rich gifts of the Magi, are home baked bread, a kiss for the baby and a story . . all gifts that Jesus would use on his journey. It's definitely a must have for anyone's Christmas collection.