Publisher Description

Children will experience the first Christmas through new eyes in this heart-tugging story of the Nativity, told by the gentle but determined donkey that carried Jesus's parents to Bethlehem. It's a perfect Christmas gift book for snuggling up and sharing.

Sleepy but strong, I clip-clopped along
to rest in a stable with straw.

The wonder of the first Christmas miracle is movingly told with descriptions of scented pine, warm candlelight, fresh hay, and a "sweet angel sound" as a gentle donkey welcomes the baby Jesus. Each page has adorable, moonlit images of the humble farm animals that were there to witness and comfort.

This luminous, soothing song of hope, friendship, conviction, and faith is one that families will return to each Christmas for years to come.

Author Biography

JACKI KELLUM is a painter and writer who works from her studio in the Ozark Mountains. The Donkey's Song is her debut picture book. See more of Jacki's work at jackikellum.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @jackikellum.

SYDNEY HANSON is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang. Sydney was raised in Minnesota alongside numerous pets, and her illustrations and paintings still reflect a love for animals and the natural world, in picture books such as The Donkey's Song, Panda Pants, and Hugo and the Impossible Thing. In addition to her book illustrations, Sydney is an experienced production artist who has worked for animation companies such as Nickelodeon and Disney Interactive. Follow Sydney on Instagram at @sydwiki.

Review

"Utterly adorable."—Kirkus

"A sweet and gentle introduction to the nativity story."—Publishers Weekly

"Kellum uses short, lyrical stanzas to describe the sights and scents of the manger, such as the flicker of candlelight and the smell of pine. . . . Illustrations seem to glow with soft light, which gives each spread a cozy warmth."—School Library Journal

Review Quote

"Utterly adorable."− Kirkus

Details