Opening the cover of this large-format book printed on heavy cardstock leads to a surprise: The circular illustration under a die-cut window in the cover changes from a view of the Christ Child in the manger to a close-up of the Three Wise Men. Every other spread throughout the volume uses a similar format, with a gatefold flap on the right edge that opens to make a circular inset change to a related illustration that advances the narrative. The pleasing illustrations in soft-focus pastels provide a traditional interpretation of the Nativity story, with glowing jewel tones and shimmering light from the special star. The text is smoothly retold in contemporary language, although the level of difficulty of the text is not in alignment with the movable-picture feature and cardstock pages, which imply a preschool-aged audience. (Picture book/religion. 2-8)
