FICTION

The Birds of Christmas

Eerdmans. Aug. 2025. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780802856470.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–Raven is flying home in Bethlehem when a voice tells him that a child has been born this night and that he must go and tell all of the other birds. Raven takes on this duty and visits Wren, Nightingale, and Rooster, who attempts to do his normal cock-a-doodle-do, but instead crows in Latin that “Christ is born!” Each bird says they will bring the child a gift; as Raven goes to the child, Stork beats him there to bring soft feathers for the child’s pillow. A small bird who says she has nothing to give finds that her strength is enough—she fans the flames of the fire to keep the child warm on this cold night. A small, red ember lands on the bird’s chest, and from then on, birds like her are called robins. This gentle book reminds children that they are enough of a gift themselves on Christmas. Hand-drawn illustrations guide readers through the night with calming winter tones and beautiful bursts of red and orange. This is a gentler take on the origin lore of robins, as they are traditionally associated with Christ’s blood, not his birth.
VERDICT An additional purchase, appropriate where Christian faith-based books are popular.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?