From Publishers Weekly
" 'Who is coming to our house?' 'Someone, someone,' says Mouse." In trusting anticipation, the animals ready the stable, cleaning, sweeping, stacking hay, and lining a crib. The visitors are, of course, Mary and Joseph, as weand the animalslearn in the book's closing pages. Simple, cleanly rhyming verses give the text a pleasing cadence, while Wolff's accomplished block prints convey the gentle friendliness and generosity of the occasion. A quiet, understated rendering of the Nativity, this well-crafted picture book resonates with genuine warmth and spirit. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1 A beautiful book with an insubstantial text. In a simple story told in rhyme, stable animals ask ``Who is coming to our house?'' `` `Someone, someone,' says Mouse.'' With anticipation, each animal helps to prepare ``their house'' for the unnamed guests. By nightfall, the stable is readied and the animals welcome Mary and Joseph. A double-page illustration shows the animals gazing upon the baby Jesus cradled in his Mother's arms. Wolff uses the same linoleum block and wash technique so effective in A Year of Birds (Dodd, 1984) and A Year of Beasts (Dutton, 1986). As in the earlier titles, the unusual perspectives and figures breaking through the black-lined boundaries add to the visual drama. Here, rich earth tones give a sense of the natural humility and love of the stable birth. Preschoolers and some toddlers will easily recognize most of the animals portrayed, but unless children already know the Christmas story they won't appreciate the importance of the human visitors, since Mary and Joseph are identified only by name. This may not be an obvious first choice as a holiday book or an animal identification book, but it is worth consideration for either shelf. Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, Wis.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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