The Child in the Manger

Blocks of bold color, loose black line, and plenty of smiling faces make Slegers's paintings a fine pairing for her simplified retelling of the Nativity story. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, "The shepherds and kings were amazed. They could see the newborn Jesus! The shepherds gave him a cuddle. The kings gave him their gifts." Such childlike freshness and accessibility should give this joyous volume broad appeal. Up to age 3. (Oct.)