  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 10/01/2014 PreS-Gr 1—In the heavens, the angels are excited; a baby is about to be born. There are to be lots of gifts for the infant, but the littlest angel can't figure out what she should give him. Wind? No, that's a gift of the sky. Rain? No, that's a gift of the clouds. Finally, she thinks of the perfect gift for anyone who might be lonely or lost, and she transforms herself into a very bright star in the dark sky. The pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations depict a traditional first Christmas on Earth, with wise men, camels, and shepherds against the backdrop of a dark Bethlehem night. But up in heaven, the angels are multiethnic winged children dressed in long white split-tailed jackets, waistcoats, and culottes, frolicking on shiny platforms and consulting flat-screens on stands to get news from below. The newest angel is a small, red-haired child who sports an old-fashioned pilot's helmet with goggles. Somehow, this works—the angels do indeed look otherworldly, and the winsome style of the illustrations complements the simple, sweet text. A different and quietly charming take on the Christmas story.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/15/2014 The angels in heaven are excited because, as the Herald newspaper puts it, “Good News: Prince of Peace on His Way.” People on earth are also getting gifts together for the baby, which catches the eye of the newest angel. She would like to bring a present, too. But like the little drummer boy, she seems uncertain as to the suitability of anything she could give. Watching the activity below—specifically the Magi, who are lost—she realizes that the best gift she can give is light in the darkness. McGhee’s text is trim and precise, matched by Reynolds’ spare yet expressive illustrations. The angel herself is depicted as a barefooted child in aviator goggles and scarf, and her transformation from sky-diving cherub to Christmas star manages to be dramatic and gentle at the same time. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Loading...
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