One Night in a Stable

[This review first appeared in the "Ephrata (Pa.) Review."] This book's folkloric illustrations, in soft pastels, evoke mystery, comfort, even whimsy, and are so captivating that it takes a while to get around to the words! The story, also delightful, takes place in Bethlehem. An old, lonely ox is hoping for a visit from his master. One windy night, he invites various stray animals to stay warm in the barn with him. He ends up hosting special human guests as well. This is an English-language edition of the Italian original, published by Edizioni Arka in Milan in 2003.