The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men

Writing in the chipper voice of Safanad—a white horse belonging to Melchior, one of the Three Wise Men—Brent (Saint Anthony the Great) imagines the roles that animals played during the journey to Bethlehem. “I was excited to meet Caspar’s camel, Gamali, and Balthazar’s elephant, Simbalo,” says the horse, anticipating the arrival of the other Magi. Brief biblical passages provide prompts as Safanad chattily reveals how each animal facilitates the trip: the elephant shields the horse and camel from a sand storm, moves boulders blocking their path, and miraculously calms a river’s current so they can cross; the camel leads them through a mirage-filled desert; and Safanad offers encouragement. Framed by vivid borders, Brent’s images highlight the diverse terrain the travelers cover and showcase the cooperative efforts of the animals, though her human characters are less polished. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)