ASLEEP IN THE STABLE

From their perch high in the rafters of the stable, Baby Owl and Mama Owl look down on the manger scene in this delightful introduction to the Nativity story. Baby Owl asks a series of innocently humorous questions beginning with “WHOOOO is that baby sleeping in the nest below?” All-knowing Mama Owl answers each question, patiently identifying the characters in the stable and explaining some beginning theological questions as well (such as the distinction between Jesus’s earthly and heavenly fathers). The story ends with a tender exchange between Mama Owl and Baby Owl before the mother flies off to find breakfast for her child. By focusing on the owls as narrators and observers of the Nativity scene, the author skillfully imparts some key Christian concepts for young listeners, while at the same time creating a satisfying and simple story of a caring parent-child relationship. Hillenbrand’s mixed-media collage illustrations are just as successful as his text, with pleasing variance in perspective and appealing owl characters. (Picture book. 3-7)