Birth of the Chosen One - by Terry M Wildman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Every year at Christmas, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus--the Chosen One. This unique retelling is an Indigenous translation that recounts the Creator's Story following the tradition of Native storytellers' oral cultures. Discover the Christmas story afresh with the kids in your life.

Book Synopsis

2025 American Fiction Awards Winner - Children's Religious

2025 Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award Winner (K-2nd Grade)

2025 Children's Book Council Librarian Favorites Award Winner (K-2nd Grade)

2025 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite - Childrens: Holiday

2025 Illumination Award Gold Medal

2024 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner

A Classic Christmas Picture Book from the Pages of the Bestselling First Nations Version

Experience the story of Christmas in a fresh and meaningful way with Birth of the Chosen One, a captivating retelling of the birth of Jesus adapted from the Gospel of Luke in the First Nations Version, an Indigenous translation that recounts the Creator's Story--the Christian Scriptures--following the tradition of Native storytellers' oral cultures. With this dynamic equivalence translation, readers will experience the story of Christmas in a fresh and new way!

This fully illustrated picture book celebrates the sacred event of Christ's birth with the vibrant voice of Indigenous oral storytelling. Featuring stunning artwork by Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan, children and adults alike are invited to immerse themselves in this unique retelling of the birth of Jesus, the Chosen One.

What you'll find in Birth of the Chosen One:

• Fresh retelling of the Christmas story: A unique adaptation of the birth of Jesus told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers
• Special author's note: A thoughtful message to encourage deeper conversations with children
• Cultural richness and appreciation: Indigenous traditions and perspectives that foster understanding and inclusivity for readers

Discover Birth of the Chosen One and share with children the beauty of the Christmas story told in a fresh way. In the Christmas season and beyond, get your copy of Birth of the Chosen One today and bring this fresh and meaningful retelling of the Christmas story into your home or ministry!

Review Quotes

"Birth of the Chosen One weaves together Indigenous artwork and storytelling in a beautiful way that encourages our youngest siblings to know the love of Creator Sets Free. This fresh presentation of a familiar story inspires imagination, worship, and awe, especially during the seasons of Advent and Christmastime. Native American names and images invite all to the circle to join the drumbeat celebrating the arrival of the Chosen One."

--Amy N. Allan, PhD student with NAIITS, An Indigenous Learning Community, and hospital chaplain at Northwestern Medicine

"Birth of the Chosen One will make a family's bookshelf complete by adding a seldom heard or read retelling of the Christmas story all ages will find interest in. This would also be great for any children's library in any school or public library. It will bring hope to Indigenous children to read a book with artwork of the main story characters that look like them or their ancestors. This is also a great addition to church or Sunday school libraries!"

--Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson, Indigenous poet, writer, researcher, and educator

"It is a gentle, smooth account of Jesus' birth. I pray it reaches a vast audience encouraging each one's effort to search deeper."

--Warren D. Petoskey, elder of the Waganakising Odawa and Minneconjou Lakotah nations and author of Dancing My Dream

"It was such a delight to read Birth of the Chosen One to my daughter! This Native American retelling of the birth narrative sparked new questions about the story of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) for my daughter and about our own Choctaw heritage. We deeply appreciated the intricately designed regalia that clothed the biblical characters. After finishing the story, my daughter emphatically asked for more stories of Creator Sets Free and for me to read the story again. This book is sure to find its place among Christmas traditions across Turtle Island."

--T. Christopher Hoklotubbe, director of graduate studies of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community and assistant professor of classics at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa

"This artful retelling captures the wonder of the birth that changed human history. We commonly read the nativity story with mental pictures shaped by Western culture and traditions. What a joy, then, to read the story afresh through First Nations eyes! Through the gentle cadence of Terry Wildman's storytelling and the soft pastels of Hannah and Holly Buchanan's illustrations, we discover new and beautiful treasures in the story of the Chosen One's birth. This book will bless young and old alike!"

--L. Daniel Hawk, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Ashland Theological Seminary

About the Author

Hannah Buchanan is an artist and member of the Miami Nation of Indiana. Hannah is pursuing an MFA in art, and in her spare time she enjoys painting, being outside, playing in local concert bands, and spending time with family.

Holly Buchanan is an artist and member of the Miami Nation of Indiana. She is working on a PhD in art history. In her free time, she enjoys painting, being outside, playing in local concert bands, and spending time with family.

Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Yaqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. Terry lives with his wife, Darlene, in Arizona.