M Is for Manger

In this Christmas abecedary, Bowman and McKinley use sturdy rhymed couplets, accompanied by Biblical quotes and citations, to retell the nativity story both chronologically and alphabetically. On left-hand pages framed by tidy botanical borders, Keay paints large capital letters and the people or events discussed (Joseph takes a hammer to the letter C on an early page); Bowman’s rhymes and Bible verses appear opposite (“A carpenter named Joseph/ chose Mary for his wife./ The news that Mary told him/ would soon change Joseph’s life”). Concrete, nativity-specific words (inn, manger, wise men) share space with terms (king, ruler, savior) that emphasize Jesus’ role: “Though he was just a baby,/ he was born to be a king./ Jesus will reign forever,/ and heaven and earth will sing!” Doll-like characterizations and a soft pastel palette bolster this soothing introduction to the story of Jesus’ birth. Up to age 6. Illustrator’s agency: Advocate Art. (Oct.)