1In this lovely book, originally published in 1916, illustrator Margaret Evans Price and author Isabel C. Byrum beautifully tell the Christmas story, from the baby in the manger, surrounded by animals, to the arrival of the three wise men. The story, from the point of view of a child, is sweet and sincere and the accompanying illustrations exquisite.

The narrator, Ethel opens the story: "In Bethlehem, I've heard them say, Upon a Christmas morn, Within a stable rough and rude, a tiny babe was born."

We continue in this vein as Ethel reflects upon the feelings of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds awakened by angels, the Wise Men following their star and of course Baby Jesus. The style of the interiors and clothing is more 1910s than Biblical, but so lovely and stylish that we are indifferent to the anachronism.

A Child's Christmas Story is a tender introduction to the nativity story for any early reader, and a perfect holiday gift.