Book Review: 'Christmas in the Barn' by Margaret Wise Brown

✰✰✰½ Two travelers seek shelter in a barn after being told there is no room at the inn. The barn is warm, and there are many animals, but they are safe all together. Soon a baby is born and a bright star guides three wise men to the barn. Shepherds and sheep also arrive to see the child sleeping in the hay. Everyone is safe in that ancient barn, and all is well.

The Bottom Line: First published in 1952, bestselling children's author Margaret Wise Brown retells the story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Christ as perhaps a child would. Loosely illustrated paintings in oil, pastel, pencil, and marker accentuate this spare story with rhyming text. This simple story of the Nativity is ideal for ages 3 - 6.

Details: Christmas in the Barn written by Margaret Wise Brown & illustrated by Anna Dewdney. Newly illustrated edition published by Harper in 2016. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-237986-3