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MYSTERY IN THE STABLE by Lisa Flinn

MYSTERY IN THE STABLE

by Lisa Flinn & Barbara Younger & illustrated by Judi Niernberger

Pub Date: Aug. 1st, 2006
ISBN: 0-687-49336-6

Children who like following a trail of clues will enjoy this approach to the Nativity story, narrated by a young brother and sister from the town of Bethlehem. Jacob and Anna live near the inn, and they watch from their rooftop as travelers pass by on their way to their hometowns to be counted for the census. As the children observe and discuss the stream of visitors, a man and woman arrive at the inn with a donkey and, after talking to the innkeeper, enter the stable. Jacob and Anna take note of some unusual activities and supplies being taken into the stable: a blanket, a lamp, food and water. The children receive permission to sleep on their roof that night so that they can try to solve this “mystery.” After observing the arrival of three shepherds, the children visit the stable themselves, where they meet Mary and Joseph and discover the solution to the mystery: the Christ Child. Sun-washed illustrations in a warm palette of gold and lavender suggest the hot climate of the area, and careful research is evident in costumes and setting. (Picture book. 5-8)