Review by Booklist Review
The world was about to change forever, begins this retelling of the story of Jesus' birth. The opening two-page spread pictures a pastoral scene inside the arc of the curved earth, and blends text and illustration beautifully. The personified world creates a veritable chorus rife with alliteration leaves rustled with a rumor, winds whispered, wild stallions drummed it to the ground alerting all that It's time! He's come! as they gather around the bed and gaze upon the illuminated baby. Children will be charmed by the image of a dozen snouts of various animals circling baby Jesus; adults will notice in that circle the hands of Mary offering the gift to the world. Jay's vivid paintings have a cracked appearance that appropriately adds an old-time feel to this fresh take on the Christmas story.--Austin, Patricia Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Lloyd-Jones (How to Get a Job... by Me, the Boss) refreshes the Nativity story by placing it in the context of the animal kingdom, and not just the familiar sheep and cows at the stable. White whales sing, salmon leap, every single blade of grass around the world "squeak[s] and hum[s]" the news of the coming of "the One who made us." Jay (I Took the Moon for a Walk) offers spread after spread of animals in motion, as they make a beeline for the manger, where they form a protective circle of snouts, noses, bills, and beaks around the baby. Jay's paintings have her characteristic craquelure finish, adding an antique element to this fresh, circle-of-life take on the Christmas story. Ages 4-up. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-A subtle, yet satisfying story about the impending arrival of the newborn King. Creatures great and small respond to a whisper of a "song" heard around the world and eagerly spread the news. "It's time! It's time! Get ready! Be glad!" Lloyd-Jones's lyrical language ("the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor") and repetitive refrains make the text suitable for reading aloud. Jay's signature-style, crackle-varnish paintings are bright and effective in conveying a sense of eager anticipation and movement among the animals. Every scene includes an increasing glow in the sky, ultimately culminating in a single bright star whose light shines down on Heaven's Son. A charming addition to most collections.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A wide variety of animals from diverse environments feels the excitement of the impending event in Bethlehem, and many of them hurry along, crowding around the manger to welcome Baby Jesus.The poetic text focuses on the mysterious, powerful forces that created a feeling of anticipation in the natural world at the time of the first Christmas. Animals, flowers, the wind, the skies and the sea all know that something miraculous is about to happen. The brief story effectively emphasizes the excitement of the animals and the involvement of all the natural forces in the important event. However, from a theological viewpoint, some of the text surrounding the birth of Jesus is beyond the developmental level of the intended audience. ("The One who made us has come to live with us!") Large-format illustrations in Jay's striking, signature style are presented in alternating formats across two-page spreads, in half circles, rectangles and ovals, effectively varying the presentation. Her paintings use a crackled overglaze that impart a folk-art look, along with slightly exaggerated proportions and flattened perspective.The emotion-filled text conveys the excitement and wonder of the Nativity story, but Jay's stunning illustrations are the volume's best feature.(Picture book/religion. 3-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
