The Gifts of the Animals - by Carole Gerber (Hardcover)

About the Book

With a beautiful narrative by author Gerber and intricate art by renowned Japanese artist Shimokawara, this work shares the miraculous offerings the humble animals in the manger gave to the baby Jesus.

Book Synopsis

The gentle beasts of sky and earth

prepare their stable for Christ's birth.

With a beautiful narrative by author and poet Carole Gerber and stunning and intricate art by renowned Japanese artist Yumi Shimokawara comes one of the most anticipated Christmas gift books ever published. The Gift of the Animals shares the miraculous offerings the humble animals in the manger gave to the baby Jesus.

The birds on the roof of the lowly shed

prepare a pillow for His head,

with feathers pulled from downy breasts . . .

mice carry them to where He'll rest.

Celebrating the Savior's birth, this full-color, gold-embossed hardcover is must-have addition to a family's Christmas library and Christmas Eve traditions.

Review Quotes

"The Gifts of the Animals, loosely based on an old Latin hymn, tells the sweet, fictional tale of how animals in the stable where Jesus was born went about preparing it for His birth. The author shares theKing James Bible verses describing Christ's birth after concluding her story. The beautiful illustrations and rhyming text combine to give this book the potential to become a family favorite. I can't wait to share it."
- Jane Mouttet, librarian and blogger, Library Lady's Kid Lit Reviewer

"Carole Gerber once again crafts a beautiful tale with rhyme and rhythm. The Gifts of the Animals: A Christmas Tale gently shows how the animals prepare a manger for the birth of Christ, and the subsequent celebration of His arrival. Yumi Shimokawara's muted color palette and realistic illustrations are stunning, and a lovely accompaniment to Gerber's text. A perfect Christmas book for young readers worldwide."
- Terry Pierce, author of over 20 children's books and a UCLA Extension Writers' Program instructor

"Carole Gerber's new Christmas book is stunning! I have always admired her skill for writing verse, which shines in this beautiful story. Her words are brought to life by Yumi Shimokawara's gorgeous watercolors. Readers will enjoy pouring over each page to savor all the details."
- Christina Wald, illustrator of over 50 picture books and illustration professor at the Cincinnati Art Academy and Northern Kentucky University

"A handsome, imaginative volume for Christmas bookshelves."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Gerber's gentle rhyme flows seamlessly, while Shimokawara's softly hued art sets a peaceful, sleepy scene, making it ideal for bedtime reading."
- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Poet and author Carole Gerber has written sixteen picture books, three chapter books, and more than one hundred elementary science and reading texts for major publishers. Her most picture recent book, A Band of Babies, was named a 2017 Best Book for Children by Amazon editors. She holds a BS in English education and an MA in journalism from Ohio State, and has taught middle school and high school English as well as college newswriting and factual writing at OSU. Learn more at www.carolegerber.com.

Yumi Shimokawara is an illustrator, picture book writer, and animal lover living in Japan. Yumi studied Japanese literature in college and then studied painting while doing various jobs.