Description

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A gorgeous, poetic new version of the Nativity story

Wondrous things are happening in this humble little stable. The animals are gathering round. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.

Illustrated by artist Delana Bettoli in the gorgeous tropical hues of the region and told in lyrical verses perfect for reading aloud, Cynthia Cotten's This Is a Stable is a retelling of the Nativity that will be treasured for many a Christmas to come.

About the Author

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Cynthia Cotten has written several books for young readers, including This Is the Stable, Abbie in Stitches, At the Edge of the Woods and Snow Ponies. She grew up in Lockport, New York, a small town on the Erie Canal. She didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer—she dreamed of being a teacher, a marine biologist, a U.N. interpreter and a jockey—but she always loved reading. “My idea of the perfect summer vacation,” she says, “was to go to the library once a week, check out as many books as I could fit into my bike basket, and spend the rest of the week sitting someplace cool, reading.” Cotten lives in Montclair, Virginia.

Delana Bettoli studied art at Boston University and in Los Angeles. This is her tenth book for young readers. She lives at the foot of Oregon’s Cascade Range.

Praise For…

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"With a gentle, perfectly rhyming text, this cumulative tale presents the Nativity story in a beautifully illustrated version just right for younger children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This lovely picture book combines beautiful artwork and a seamless, thoughtful ‘The house that Jack' built style to tell the story of the Nativity. The rhyme is sweet but never forced. . . . A gentle, comforting selection.” —School Library Journal

“The pace is just right for participatory read-alouds, and Bettoli's attractively patterned, gem-colored paintings amplify the sense of devotion and joy in scenes of winged angels and stars beaming love and light.” —Booklist