The Little Bell That Wouldn’t Ring

Dusíková’s gauzy holiday scenes in a snowy village square bring to mind old-fashioned Christmas cards featuring all-white children, helping to tell the story of how a reluctant church tower bell finds its sound. The tower’s three older residents—gold, silver, and bronze bells—have started practicing for Christmas, but they can’t get the newest, smallest bell to join in. When basic encouragement doesn’t work, tower regular Felidia the dove hears from a feathered friend that “nice words will help.” So begins a sweeping search led by flocks of doves and pigeons to find phrases that might do the trick. After “morning sun,” “cake crumbs,” “Christmas pudding,” “smelly cheese,” and “I love you” all fall flat, a light from Bethlehem seen in the Christmas Eve sky proves the best catalyst. It delivers the special message that inspires the little bell to ring out loud and clear with a message of peace. Conradi’s tale accessibly ties together secular and religious aspects of Christmas. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]