El Regalo del Pastor

PreS-Gr 2-The quiet text of this lovely story is complemented by radiant and tranquil illustrations. A young shepherd seeking a lost sheep follows its lamb to a distant stable. Here he finds a humble couple with their newborn baby. Transfixed by the aura that emanates from the family group, he wants to be near them. When the baby looks at him, the shepherd is overwhelmed by feelings of love and offers his lamb as a gift to the child. Although readers are told that the baby's name is Jesus, the Nativity story is otherwise subtle. The focus of both the text and the gentle illustrations is a sense of peace and well-being. The text is rendered smoothly in Spanish. A natural selection for holiday story time. Recommended for public libraries and bookstores. M.O.B.