Little Boys Christmas Gift

funkelnagelneu; verschenktauglich; Nichtraucher

Ages 4-8. Set in "the East," this lavishly illustrated story suggests the origin of the Christmas tree tradition. A young boy helps his father tend the gardens of the three wise men. When the brilliant star appears, and the wise men prepare their journey, the boy begs to join them but is told that he's too young and has "no gift fit for a king." The boy secretly follows the caravan, across deserts and fields, watching the kings' entourage increase with humble gift bearers. Finally the crowd arrives at the stable, presents are laid before the glowing child, and the boy steps forward with his own gift: an evergreen beautifully decorated with small gleanings from the journey. The lyrical, cumulative text and young hero will draw children, but the elegant, gold-enhanced art, reminiscent of the work of Flemish masters, such as Brueghel the Elder, is breathtaking, with text pages designed like illuminated manuscripts. An author's note discusses painting influences and the symbol of the evergreen. A fine choice for family sharing.

X-Mas; Weihnachten; Weihnachtsgeschichte; Bilderbuch