The Greatest Gift: The Story of the Other Wise Man

Summers retells the story from Victorian writer Henry Van Dyke, based on the legend of a fourth wise man who doesn’t make it to Bethlehem on time. The Zoroastrian mage Artaban is delayed on his way to join the other three magi as they set off to worship a new king. Artaban spends a lifetime seeking the messiah, doing service as he goes about the quarters of the poor and despised, where he is initially sent to look. British illustrator Morris fills her watercolors with absorbing details; on some pages, tiny pictures frame the text. Even while rooted in the traditional Christian story, this lovely book conveys a universal message of the importance of service and kindness. All ages. (Nov.)