Who Was Born This Special Day? [Hardcover]

Eve Bunting (Author), Leonid Gore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

On the magical starlit night of December 24, each animal in the tranquil barnyard is asked this question—Who Was Born This Special Day? At the end of the book, beautiful, heavenly angels finally reveal that it was the Baby Jesus who was born on this day. This ethereal storybook sheds new light on the story of Christmas, and features:

- Soft, luminous illustrations by Leonid Gore
- Gentle, poetic text from Eve Bunting
- And more!

A perfect holiday book to share with young children.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ages 2-6. The narrator of this Christmas poem, which is set in an ethereal, evening barnyard, asks a series of animals the answer to the title question: "Was it you?" Each animal answers in a brief poetic line about its own birth: "No, not I," says the goat. "I was born on a soft, warm night under the white of the moon's pale light." The speaker asks a tree and a stone until finally the answer comes: "The child who lies in the manger bed, / the shine of the star high overhead." Young readers might feel the animal images in Gore's muted, dreamy acrylics, viewed almost as if through a diaphanous screen, are too indistinct in some cases. But the style works well to reinforce the poem's reverent tone, particularly on the final page that features feathery angels looking down into a glowing manger. Suggest this as a holiday bedtime book for very young children. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Eve Bunting is the author of many beloved books for children, from picture books through middlegrade fiction, including Smoky Night, illustrated by David Diaz, which won the 1995 Caldecott Medal, and Atheneum's recent Swan in Love. Originally from Ireland, Ms. Bunting lives in Pasadena, California, with her husband.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689823029
• ISBN-13: 978-0689823022
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,567,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world. Her other Clarion titles for very young readers include My Big Boy Bed, which was also illustrated by Maggie Smith, and Little Bear's Little Boat, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. She lives in Pasadena, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who Was Born this Special Day, November 20, 2000

By 

Deborah E. Thomson (North Lindenhurst, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Was Born This Special Day? (Hardcover)

While browsing through the bookstore with my girls I wanted to see if I could find them a book to read during Advent in order to prepare them for Christmas. I found this book and instantly feel in love with it. The story is sweet with good rhyming patterns that even kept my two year old's attention. I brings out the Christmas Story without swaying to one certain religion. I thought Ms. Bunting did an excellent job helping young children start learning about the birth of Baby Jesus.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Beautiful, September 8, 2011

By 

Jo Ann Robbins "JoAnn" (Left Coast, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Who Was Born This Special Day? (Hardcover)

I first found this book on a private book re-seller's table in the teachers' workroom at the school where I taught. I bought three copies to give as Christmas presents. I gave the last one away last year, but sought a replacement out for myself. The illustrations are lovely, the simplicity of the thought is profound, and the tone fosters mystical wonder. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bunting at her best, February 3, 2011

By 

Indiana Joan "Joan, HS English to Preschool D... (Indiana) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Who Was Born This Special Day? (Hardcover)

As a devout Christian, I heartily disagree with the review criticizing this book as non-Christian. Who else could the author have been referring to but the Babe in the Manger? Bunting, rather than mentioning the Babe's name, allows the reader to "know" who He is. Children love being able to answer the question themselves. The "impressionist" style of the pictures is delicate, soft, and inviting. I have used this book for years in preschool and have given it as gifts for new babies. It's simplicity allows the reader to absorb the awesome gift of the Christ Child.