MY VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS

This collection of short stories set in large type will work well for younger children as a read-aloud or for beginning readers who are ready for something longer than a standard-length easy reader. The first three stories cover the Annunciation to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity sequence and the visits from the shepherds and the Wise Men. The next six chapters are retellings of traditional stories that relate to Christmas, such as “The Tree of Bethlehem,” “The Fourth Wise Man,” “Baboushka” and “Good King Wenceslas.” In “The Little Juggler,” a monk juggles in front of a statue of the Christ Child, and in “The Baker’s Christmas,” a baker’s loaves turn into dough children who inspire a change of heart in the baker. Simple illustrations in cut-paper collage use bright colors and uncluttered design to unify the volume. Each story has a defining icon at the top of its pages to help children see when the story has changed to the next subject. A glossary defines key words relating to Christmas used throughout the work. (Picture book. 3-8)