Monday, June 15, 2020

Review of The NIght of His Birth by Katherine Paterson


Sing out, my soul, the wonder . . .

Mary’s baby has arrived, and she can’t contain her joy! As Joseph sleeps, she examines her newborn’s tiny mouth, his wild hair, his little hands. Yet what’s most wondrous is that this child is not just Mary’s own but a gift that God has shared with everyone.

Poetic text by Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson and striking images by Lisa Aisato reveal the intimacy of that unforgettable night long ago, when the mother of Jesus was the first to welcome him into a world he would change forever.

The Night of His Birth is a Junior Library Guild Selection.


Book Links
Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound
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**My thoughts**

I'm most familiar with Katherine Paterson because of her book Bridge to Terabithia, which was one of my favorites as a kid. I had no idea that she wrote picture books as well!

This is the story of Jesus' birth told from the point of view of Mary, which is a unique perspective I have not come across in children's literature. Paterson imagines the conflicting thoughts that could have been in her head as this story unfolded. It also touches on the doubt that I have always believed others in Mary's life would have initially had as well. But it does so in a gentle way that is not going to cause children to doubt Mary's story. 

It is the ultimate love letter from Mary to her precious son. And the words are illustrated with magical, beautiful pictures that echo the enchantment. They are absolutely stunning. I think this is one of my new favorite Christmas picture books.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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