Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard?

Jane Dyer's sweet illustrations grace this "getting ready for Christmas" story. Animals spread the word that a child has been born... Not for those who like their Christmas stories to be tightly religious, or those who fuss about zoological accuracy (yes, I know, many of the animals pictured would not have been found in the Holy Land! :) ). Instead, this is a simple, sweet children's story which shows how everyone in the world, including "all creatures great and small", can be excited and happy about learning the good news of Christmas. Lovely to share with young picture-book readers, who will enjoy the illustrations of a wide variety of friendly, gentle animals.

Hurry! Hurry! is a great seasonal book for little ones and can be enjoyed beyond Christmas. Jane Dyer's illustrations are soft and inviting; one immediately feels a quiet presence in the snowy woods with the animals gathering to see the sweet baby Jesus. Grandparents and parents will enjoy sharing this book with their special little people.

My niece was delighted with the rhyming story and the illustrations of this beautiful Nativity tale. She loved the adorable animals dressed in winter finery. I think the idea of using a woodland setting gives the story a unique twist and adds to its timlessness and universality. I particularly liked the message that this special Child's love extends to the smallest of creatures, or by inference perhaps, to those among us who are less powerful and fortunate.