Only a Star

Facklam lends her considerable scientific expertise to this quiet tale about the first Christmas and the reverberating power of nature. On the night Jesus was born, there were no such things as Christmas ornaments and tinsel, only the light of a star. But one little star had a big impact: in Carpenter's (Masai and I) shadowy paintings readers can see radiant starlight transform dew drops, bird eggs, hay and even insects into glistening trimmings fit for the newborn King. An illustrated endnote provides facts about the creatures mentioned in the story. Science, nature and religion fit together nicely here, forming the framework for a respectful and deftly delivered story. Ages 4-6. (Oct.)