cover image Rufus and the Very Special Baby

Rufus and the Very Special Baby

Carla Barnhill, illus. by Natasha Rimmington. Sparkhouse Family, $12.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-5064-1762-2

In this addition to the Frolic First Faith series, Rufus, a pudgy pup with a beloved red cape, joins his posse of anthropomorphic animal pals on a nighttime journey to locate “a special baby sent by God.” Ava the sheep and Jo the goat gather wool and hay to bring as gifts, but as they join other friends along the way, Rufus worries that he has nothing worthy to give. After saying a quick prayer, Rufus finds the strength to part with his “very favorite something,” his red cape, to comfort the shivering infant, whom Rimmington portrays with brown skin and big, sleepy eyes. Accessible language, notes for parents about faith connections, and chipper artwork add up to an upbeat Nativity retelling that puts an emphasis on generosity. Ages 2–5. (Sept.)