School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-"This is the stable where Jesus was born" begins a rhythmic verse told in the fashion of a modified "House That Jack Built." Greene introduces Mary, Joseph, and other characters involved in the Nativity. As an angel spreads the news, shepherds and families gather to welcome the newborn baby. Skillful use of words provides for a text that is beautifully simple and maintains a natural rhythm, perfect for reading aloud. The tale and pictures eventually come full circle, after taking readers out into space to see "the earth all round and bright/that glimmered with hope that first Christmas night ." The acrylic on Bristol board illustrations are full of earth tones and soothing shades of blue. They have a folk-art quality and rustic appeal. There is a pervading sense of warmth in the softly rounded rocks, the gentle hugs and greetings of the people, and the golden straw that cradles Jesus and surrounds his family.-M.M.H (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Greene's (Barnyard Song) cumulative, rhyming story will entice younger readers with its sing-song read-aloud rhythm and attention to the animals in the manger: "This is the cow in the sweet-smelling hay,/ the cat and her kittens and three mice at play,/ that lived in the stable where Jesus was born." But adherence to her chosen format makes for a few forced phrases; fans of cumulative holiday tales are likely to prefer Joyce Dunbar and Gary Blythe's 1996 This Is the Star. Gaber (The Brave Little Parrot) layers rich acrylics on sturdy Bristol board, giving her compositions both heft and depth, and capturing the bustle and excitement of the holy night. Ages 3-6. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
