Happy birthday, Christmas child! A counting nativity book

Toddler-PreS--In a cozy little stable full of happy animals, Mary and Joseph, expecting a baby, gratefully find respite on a dark night. Everyone knows something special is happening, and visitors, both animal and human, come from near and far to welcome the travelers. Excitement builds as the baby kicks and a choir of angels announces his birth. Stars glow and love flows to express a very Happy Birthday to the special Christmas Child. This is a charming, five-spread board book; the youngest of readers can count a stable, mice, spiders, bales of hay, shepherds, angels, and more. The text is simple and rhyming and tells the Nativity story in a manner that young children will enjoy. The expressions on the faces are happy and calm, and the whole scene evokes a sense of safety, serenity, and joy. The color palette consists of deep blues, warm browns, and bright yellow, wrapping the story in warmth and presenting it with a lovely glow. The secondary characters play important supporting roles and represent a diversity of sizes, ages, and color. VERDICT A fun and engaging introduction to the Christmas story.--Amy Shepherd