Lullaby for the King

Beginning "one magnificent morning in Israel,/ when the sun warmed the Great Salt Sea," Grimes imagines in reverent, distinctive verse a lengthy caravan of creatures bearing gifts for the Bethlehem-born babe--"the Holy One." From Antelope, who carries a "fragile flask of alabaster/ tied round her neck/ and filled with perfume of myrrh," to Peacock, who "paraded proudly,/ a pomegranate perched atop his head," and Tortoise, who trudges with a tambourine on its back, a menagerie of animals rise wondrously to the occasion, peaceably wending their way to greet the Christ child, whose family is portrayed with brown skin. Carlos uses greens, pinks, and purples in engaging, saturated art, en route to a moving stable denouement featuring a lullaby sung by attendant angels. Sheet music and lyrics conclude. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)

Grimes and Carlos' take on the birth of Jesus celebrates the majesty and diversity of the natural world. As the story opens, the animals learn that the Holy One has been born, and they begin to make their way to Bethlehem, laden with gifts. Antelope brings an alabaster flask containing myrrh, while Lion brings a bronze bowl. Donkey carries dates and dried apricot cakes, while Crane brings a spoon made from ebony, and Jackal the Clever brings a linen sash and frankincense. Goat's gift is a harp, while Leopard's is a crown of electrum. At last, they all arrive in Bethlehem at the stable where Mary and Joseph are waiting with Jesus. All three present as Black; Mary and Joseph have Afro-textured hair, and Mary's hair is in braids. Nightingale gives the first gift to the Holy One: the gift of song, which startles--and delights--the baby. The other animals, inspired, play their own instruments. Grimes' lush verse is brought to life by Carlos' vibrant, ornate art, which depicts the fancifully colored animals striking dynamic poses and carrying sumptuous gifts. The angels, depicted as ghostly white ephemeral beings, contrast beautifully with the multihued animal ensemble. Text and visuals strike a wonderful balance between whimsy and solemnity. Backmatter includes an original song with accompanying sheet music. Masterful prose and exquisite images combine for an unforgettable Nativity retelling. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.