Mary’s Little Donkey

Adapted from the late Sehlin’s 1962 chapter book and translated from the Swedish, this Nativity story centers on a donkey—“very lazy and very dirty,” but also friendly—that Joseph buys to help Mary fetch water from a well. Mary grooms and cares for the animal that carries her on the arduous journey to Bethlehem. Sehlin embellishes the trip with elements not included in scripture: the couple is guided along by an angel, birds from their Nazareth garden join them, and they spend one evening with a trio of robbers who later vow “they would never steal again.” But while Mary’s faith is evident and her child is referred to as a future king, Jesus’s name never appears, nor is he described as being the son of God. Muller’s richly detailed illustrations emphasize Mary’s humility and serenity, even if the story’s theological oddities may mean it has trouble finding a natural audience. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)