The Animals' Gift

The tale here is a familiar one, but the perspective is fresh-and intentionally secular. Ashba, a small donkey, works with his owner, Ishmael, in the vineyards outside of Bethlehem. One cold winter evening, boy and donkey notice a brilliant new star in the sky. In front of the stable where Ashba and Ox sleep stand a man and woman-Joseph and Mary-who need a place to spend the night.... Given the book's subject, the splash of sentimentality in both the narrative and the softly focused watercolor art is easily understood. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)