FICTION

The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men

by Isabelle BRENT
illus. by Isabelle Brent. 28p. World Wisdom. Oct. 2016. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781937786618.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–3—This reimagined telling of the wise men's journey to meet baby Jesus is narrated by the horse Safanad. Along with a camel and elephant belonging to the other two wise men, Safanad and his master set off on a difficult trek through snowy mountains, rivers, and desert to reach the place under the star. Many times the animals are called upon to use their strengths to assist their human companions. After arriving at the stable and presenting their gifts to the haloed newborn, the group head home with the quiet knowledge that they have witnessed the first Christmas. Bible verses and a historical note help shed light on the true elements of the story, but images of birds "connected through legend with…Christ" lend a strange air to the already complicated tale.
VERDICT The formal and elaborately bordered paintings may not appeal to younger readers, but the historical notes add a layer of interest to the story.
Reviewed by Rita Law, Los Angeles Public Library , Oct 01, 2016

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