cover image The Fourth King: The Story of the Other Wise Man

The Fourth King: The Story of the Other Wise Man

Ted Sieger, . . Candlewick, $15.99 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-7636-3121-5

Good King Mazzel would have been in Bethlehem to greet the baby Jesus with the other three Wise Men, but between the freak sandstorm, misguided caravan and a number of other bizarre detours, he didn't make the main event. Luckily, God's not hung up on timing: He recognizes Mazzel's good heart through his good deeds. At once absurdly silly and heartwarming, Sieger's spry, comically illustrated picture book is the offbeat Nativity tale of the season. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)