The Stable Where Jesus Was Born

Greene's (Barnyard Song) cumulative, rhyming story will entice younger readers with its sing-song read-aloud rhythm and attention to the animals in the manger: ""This is the cow in the sweet-smelling hay,/ the cat and her kittens and three mice at play,/ that lived in the stable where Jesus was born."" But adherence to her chosen format makes for a few forced phrases; fans of cumulative holiday tales are likely to prefer Joyce Dunbar and Gary Blythe's 1996 This Is the Star. Gaber (The Brave Little Parrot) layers rich acrylics on sturdy Bristol board, giving her compositions both heft and depth, and capturing the bustle and excitement of the holy night. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)