LITTLE ONE, WE KNEW YOU’D COME

A brief, poetic text and stunning illustrations flow together with magically successful pacing in this exquisite retelling of the Nativity story. The rhythmic text effectively uses the title words as a gentle refrain, along with the phrase “on the day that you were born.” Simple words told from the joint viewpoint of the two parents offer rich images of “silver stars and golden moon,” echoed by gold-leaf highlights in the art, as well as tender thoughts for their new baby, with kisses for “those tiny toes” and plans to “softly sing a lullaby.” Superb watercolor illustrations in Morris’s distinctive style are filled with deep, rich colors, swirling patterns and tender expressions between Mary and Joseph and their child. Woven throughout the illustrations are symbolic images from nature (flowers, butterflies, birds, fruit and shells) that have been seen in paintings of Mary and Jesus through the ages. Though this is a Nativity story, its message of awe and transcendent love will also touch new parents welcoming their own babies or expectant parents awaiting a miracle child of their own. (Picture book. 4-7, adult)