School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-The concept of a child wishing to give a fitting gift to the baby Jesus is not new, but the whimsical illustrations of Peter H. Reynolds frame this Nativity story in a fresh way. In Heaven, angels inhabit platforms connected by long ladders and consult computer monitors to view Earth below. These angels also have a special ability. They can literally light up. The newest winged one, aptly dressed for flying in a vintage flight cap with goggles, a scarf, and a long coat, considers giving presents to the baby that include wind, rain, and music but admits that those gifts are owned, respectively, by the sky, the clouds, and songbirds. Viewing the world below from a heavenly diving board, the newbie observes that it looks dark and lonely and that the traveling Three Kings appear lost. She suddenly knows what her gift will be and transforms into a star that brightens the dark night for the visitors to gather around the baby. The swell of music at the end conveys the joy of the birth. Sound effects of rain, birdsong, and swirling leaves give depth to this video version of Alison McGhee's picture book (S. & S., 2014). Literal-minded viewers may wonder, though, if all of the stars are former angels and whether the newest one will transform back to her former self. VERDICT Recommended, though the twist on the Nativity story may not appeal to everyone. Its strength lies in the playful illustrations.-Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
News travels quickly in the heavens, especially when it involves the arrival of a baby on Earth in late December. The "newest angel" wants to join in the joyous celebration, but she's stymied when it comes to selecting the right baby gift. Her "aha moment" arrives when she looks down through the vast night sky and sees three "others" on camelback riding through the desert: "They too looked lonely-No, they looked lost!" The angel tumbles down, gathering light along the way, "Until she came to rest exactly where she was needed." McGhee's spare, tender language and light-dark imagery exert a powerful pull on the heartstrings. Reynolds's delicate pen, ink, and watercolor art is accented with gently humorous details (the angel's aviator goggles, the wise men consulting a map) even as it matches the text's emotional intensity. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.