The Birds of Bethlehem

No stranger to holiday stories, dePaola (Strega Nona's Gift; The Night Before Christmas) offers a bird's-eye view of the Nativity. Pairs of excited, colorful birds share the strange occurrences they've noticed ("We were roosting in a tree on the hill.... We saw an extraordinary thing," says the red bird and his mate). The art is classic dePaola: the simple shapes of the birds, rolling hills, and stable are delineated by soft lines painted in opaque acrylics of vivid teal and orange-red, and muted by a soft patina. The effect is as pleasing as the whimsical storytelling, as dePaola offers a refreshingly indirect take on how the news of Jesus's birth spread to all creatures. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)

K-Gr 3--A bird's-eye view of the Nativity. Early one winter morning in Bethlehem, some colorful birds gather for breakfast and recount the unusual and spectacular sights they have seen over recent days-people streaming into town, a full inn, a man and his wife led to a stable, an angel bringing tidings of joy, and heavenly hosts singing "Glory to God" in the night sky. Avian observers agree to follow the shepherds where they behold the most miraculous sight of all. dePaola does not disappoint with his charmingly simple illustrations and spare text. An ideal read-aloud.--Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library