A SMALL NATIVITY

Translated from the work of a Venezuelan poet, with finely wrought illustrations redolent both of medieval manuscripts and Venezuelan folk art, this version of the Christmas story is charming. The volume itself is hand-sized. Maria and José, dressed in contemporary clothing, are very young and very tired. Many turn them away, but finally a shepherd’s wife takes them in and brings wine and cheese and allows Maria to lie down on “the fragrant hay, and like a slender rose her saintly body bends.” The child is born, and on the final pages, the Three Wise Men come through on their horses while playing musical instruments. The colors are jewel-bright, and many of the motifs, both medieval and Venezuelan, are explained in the extensive illustrator’s notes. While one doesn’t need those to appreciate its beauty, they are fascinating to read. A worthy addition to the mountain of Christmas picture books. (Picture book. 4-8)