Star of Wonder: Stories and Poems of Promise, Joy, and Hope for Christmas

. Lion Publishing Corporation, $19.99 (1pp) ISBN 978-0-7459-3684-0

A shepherd boy's wish for ""something interesting"" to happen comes true when a glorious angel appears, bearing news of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem. Though the text suffers from a few extraneous descriptions, Hartman serves up an otherwise nicely paced story about the Savior's humble beginnings, and of the simple lives of shepherds. Jonke achieves a fine balance between light and shadow in his creamy pastel artwork. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)

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