Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing

Young Alessandro loves his grandfather, but he wonders when he’ll see his parents again (they are abroad looking for work) in the compelling start to Welborn’s (Wish You Were Here) Christmas story. Set in Naples and Rome, the tale describes Alessandro’s and his grandfather’s journey to bring a tiny clay “bambino”—an infant Jesus—to receive the Pope’s blessing on the third Sunday of Advent. Engelhart’s watercolor illustrations in soft primary colors depict daily life in contemporary Italy in vivid detail. After a careful setup, the story concludes a bit too quickly, although the ending satisfies. Ages 7–10. (Aug.)