Samson's Gift

A lamb explains how his fine wool proved fit for a king in this tenderhearted Nativity tale, published by the author/artist. Orphaned during a wolf attack that killed his mother, Samson was rescued by shepherds and adopted as the favorite of one shepherd's daughter, Tedra. The lamb's unusually rich coat%E2%80%94and Tedra's pleas%E2%80%94earn him protection from an early shearing, a circumstance that puts him in good standing as he and Tedra accompany the three traveling kings seeking "a new baby king" in a nearby stable. Upon seeing the infant wrapped in rags, Samson sacrifices his special wool "to protect the baby from the prickly straw." Diederich's rough textured, neo-Impressionist style paintings blend watercolors and acrylics in softly lit tones, creating an idyllic setting. A closing page of "Sheep and Wool Fun Facts" is included. Ages 5%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)