A GIFT FOR THE CHRIST CHILD
by Tina Jahnert & illustrated by Alessandra Roberti & translated by Sibylle Kazeroid
The well-worn theme of bringing gifts for the baby Jesus receives a new twist in this gentle Christmas story, because the giver of this gift is a little girl named Miriam. She is the young daughter of the innkeepers in Bethlehem who tell Joseph and Mary that they have no more rooms. Miriam has been asking her mother to be allowed to help with the family business as her older brother does, and she receives her wish when she's allowed to show Mary and Joseph the way to the stable. Later that night Miriam gives her own red blanket to the newborn Christ Child, finding her sense of self-worth in her generous act. The simply told text has a soft, tender tone that reflects Miriam’s loving relationship with her mother and her secure place in her world. The soft-focus illustrations extend this peaceful feeling with a muted palette of glowing colors. The illustrations of curly-haired Miriam help bring her character to life: a barefooted little girl with a lamb, a doll, and a blanket, and a wish to be important to her family. (Picture book. 3-7)