“The text is spare and lyrical, with hushed tones that underscore the significance of the momentous event.  It’s the evocative watercolor artwork, however, that really stand out, effectively and beautifully suggesting the different worlds of then and now.  The lovely, youthful Madonna and Child on the jacket will attract parents and others looking for a lovely seasonal read-aloud.”

Booklist

“Many young children have a difficult time understanding the historical orientation of long ago and far away.  Aided by innovative design and Nolan’s light-filled illustration’s, this thoughtful, understated story skillfully contrasts some of the differences between modern children in a snowy, rural setting with the Nativity scene in Bethlehem, in terms even very young children can understand.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A lovely imagining of the first Christmas, in a “balmy season, bright with star”.  Dennis Nolan’s watercolors - blue-tinted, dimly lighted desert scenes - are powerful and evocative.”

New York Times

“Nolan effectively emphasizes the contrast, shifting his gorgeous watercolors from modern blue-white snowy landscapes to the sandy stone buildings, palm trees and dunes of long ago Bethlehem.  Luminous portraits of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and attention to period detail have the effect of transporting readers to that glorious Christmas moment.”

Publisher’s Weekly