Quick Look
- This Christmas story is sumptuously illustrated by Hélène Muller, with marvellous details of the Holy Land
- Adapted for younger children from Gunhild Sehlin's classic chapter book
- The story ends with the wonder of the birth of Jesus, and the little donkey's promise to keep looking after his new family
A beautifully illustrated picture book edition of this much-loved classic Christmas tale.
Description
A long time ago in the Holy Land lived a scruffy little donkey who hated hard work. And then he met gentle, kind Mary, and his world changed forever. When Mary and Joseph have to travel the long journey to Bethlehem, who can they rely on to get them there safely?
This is a unique version of the traditional nativity story, told from the child-friendly perspective of the little donkey, who grows in confidence and pride as Mary and Joseph place their trust in him. The story ends with the wonder of the birth of Jesus, and the little donkey's promise to keep looking after his new family.
Adapted for younger children from Gunhild Sehlin's classic chapter book, this Christmas story is sumptuously illustrated by Hélène Muller, with marvellous details of the Holy Land.
Reviews
'This new edition has beautiful new illustrations that are full of details that bring the story to life. [...] This is a nice addition to religious holiday books.'
--Youth Services Book Review
'When Joseph buys a scruffy, lazy, little donkey for Mary he does not realise how useful and helpful it will become. Told from the perspective of the donkey, this story gently carries the reader along to the stable in Bethlehem. Although a picture book, the text is full and detailed, which, together with the wonderfully precise clean illustrations, bring interest and appeal to this beautifully refreshing version of the traditional story of the first Christmas.'
--Carousel
'Widely translated since its original 1962 publication, this Swedish “spin-off” Bible story has now been abridged and beautifully illustrated in a realistic style, rich with detail... Uplifting, child-friendly holiday fare with a religious bent.'
-- School Library Journal
'Soft-focus illustrations in muted colors provide interesting details of the journey, with particularly appealing animal characters.[…] A readable, pleasant story for patient listeners.'
--Kirkus
'Adapted for younger children from Gunhild Sehlin's classic chapter book, and sumptuously illustrated by Helene Muller, with marvelous details of the Holy Land, 'Mary's Little Donkey' is especially recommended for children ages 4 to 7 and is certain to become an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library Christmas picture book collections.'
--Midwest Book Review
'Muller’s richly detailed illustrations emphasize Mary’s humility and serenity'.
--Publisher's Weekly
' This is a story of the Nativity for younger Children. It is translated from the Swedish and then it has been abridged. The illustrations are sympathetic to the tale and evoke the feel of the occasion. A lovely version to read to young children.'
--Margaret's Reading Shelf
Author
Gunhild Sehlin (1911-97) was a teacher in the south of Sweden, and then worked with children in Jerusalem and Amman. Mary's Little Donkey has been widely translated into many languages.
Hélène Muller was born in Paris in 1957. The daughter of acclaimed illustrator Gerda Muller, Hélène studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and has illustrated numerous books for children.
