The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola - ISBN: 9798217112166
Board Book
A bird’s-eye view of the first Christmas, full of wonder and joy.

The Birds of Bethlehem

A Nativity Story

$23.66

  • Board Book

    26 pages

  • Release Date

    7 October 2025

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Summary

A perfect first Christmas book

This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird’s-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields–not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.

In…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9798217112166
Author:Tomie dePaola
Publisher:Penguin Putnam Inc
Imprint:G.P.Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers'
Format:Board Book
Number of Pages:26
Release Date:7 October 2025
Weight:283g
Dimensions:15mm x 178mm x 178mm
Audience Age:0-3
A-Format
The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola - ISBN: 9798217112166
178 × 178 mm
B-Format
C-Format
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

  • “The art is classic dePaola… . The effect is as pleasing as the whimsical storytelling, as dePaola offers a refreshingly indirect take on how the news of Jesus’s birth spread to all creatures.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

    “A bird’s-eye view of the Nativity… . dePaola does not disappoint with his charmingly simple illustrations and spare text. An ideal read-aloud.” — School Library Journal

    “The acrylic paintings of the birds and Holy Family are theatrically composed on spacious spreads. The colors of the birds (each, as they are in nature, a different shade from its mate) are a refreshing contrast to the holiday’s usual hues.” — The Horn Book

    “Traces the Nativity story reverently and without sentimentality… . The illustrations are notable for their simplified forms, pleasing compositions, and subtle combinations of colors. An inviting readaloud choice for Christmas.” — Booklist
About The Author

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of more than 200 books for children. He has received the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, a Newbery Honor for 26 Fairmount Avenue, and a Caldecott Honor for Strega Nona. He was awarded the Smithson Medal and the Regina Medal (from the Catholic Library Association), and was designated a “living treasure” by the state of New Hampshire. He lives in New London, New Hampshire.

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