THE CHRISTMAS BABY

A charming, poetic text is marred by Cowdrey’s over-sweet illustrations in this Nativity story that celebrates the miracle of birth, not only of the Christ Child but of all babies. The story is told in traditional, linear fashion as Mary and Joseph find their way to the stable, and the illustrations for these initial spreads are polished and professional. Several later spreads show the assembled animals breaking into wide grins like an animal chorus line, followed by floating cherubs with blissful grins and oversized halos and wings. These illustrations of the animals and the angels detract from the text rather than enhance it, though some readers won’t object to the appeal to Cute. The concluding pages connect the birth of a modern baby, with all the attendant joy and family celebration, with the birth of the Christ Child. (Picture book/religion. 3-5)