What Star Is This?
K-Gr. 2. Although some purists may balk at the reinterpretation, this Nativity story offers a fresh take on the traditional Christian account: a comet approaches Earth as the time of Jesus' birth draws near, becoming the signal in the sky seen by the three wise men. Evocative illustrations elevate the occasionally awkward rhyming text to an appropriately reverential level. A crackled-varnish finish lends an antique feel to the jewel-toned paintings, and the rich colors of the deep-blue night and the golden comet suit the spiritual topic. The comet's trajectory from nearly empty space, past planets and constellations, and finally over the Earth, populated with people and animals, is reminiscent of the story of Genesis and reinforces the anticipation of the heralded birth. The final spreads showing the Holy Family in the glowing manger, with shepherds and wise men kneeling outside and the comet overhead, offer quietly joyful images of the Nativity.Diane FooteCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved