Lullaby for the King

Word has spread through the animal kingdom that the Holy One has been born. Animals from far and wide are bringing gifts to the Little King, forming a long caravan that wends its way through the desert. Antelope carries a fine flask made of alabaster and filled with myrrh. Camel brings a cedar chest with a zither inside. Hippo carries olive oil and Goat has a finely-tuned harp. A golden crown sits atop Leopard’s head, while Raven has a ruby ring tucked into his feathers. Lamb brings a spool of creamy yarn. All these and many more make their way to a stable in Bethlehem to honor the Babe.

Author Nikki Grimes has written a fresh telling of the Christmas story filled with all kinds of different animals, exotic and ordinary, to delight little listeners. She writes this story in beautiful, lyrical free verse. She stays away from religious references, and simply tells the story of the animals honoring the birth of Christ. Every page is filled with absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Carlos in rich colors and filled with delightful details which will keep youngsters’ eyes on the pages as they listen to this sweet book.