THE CHRISTMAS BELL

This entry in the offerings-for-baby-Jesus genre features a little girl named Rachel, the daughter of a shepherd. She has found a silver bell that’s her favorite possession, and she’s convinced she’s been chosen by God for some important task. When she journeys with her father and the other shepherds to see the Christ Child, she ties her bell to the lamb as a gift. The traditional Christmas story of the angels announcing the birth, Mary and Joseph making their journey, and the stable in Bethlehem are woven into this story, with the addition of a child’s participation in the scene making the story more accessible to young listeners, especially little girls. Appealing watercolor illustrations with a soft focus and muted colors feature midnight-blue skies, snowy scenes of the stable in Bethlehem, and the traditional gathering around the manger. (Picture book. 3-8)