Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell and illsutrated by Jason Cockcroft (Margaret K. McElderry 2004) is a gorgeous animal-themed Nativity story. In this wintery story, the Gentle Ox invites the Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse into the warm stable before Tired Donkey and the Baby Jesus join them.
The illustrations are beautiful, with beautiful realistic illustrations of the animals. Sparkling spots overlaid on the pastel toned illustrations give the pages an ethereal feel. The author wisely keeps the text to a minimum with just one or two sentences on each page, including some dialogue between the animals.
The story ends with Jesus born in the stable and the line that “a Little One” came into the world. Those capital letters emphasize the divine role of this little baby.
My only complaint is the lovely Nativity image on the cover is not included inside the text: I love this image of the nativity. I look forward to revisiting this Nativity story time and again.
I love Christmas. I love the daily reminder of Jesus Christ in the decorations and in the gift giving. But I also love the traditions of Santa Claus, the festive holiday songs, the fudge and gingerbread.
This year, I decided to immerse myself in holiday picture books. My son, at one-year-old, won’t remember a thing about this Christmas. But next year he might remember something: I want to know which picture books best bring the spirit of the season in to our home so next year we’ll be ready.
