Tiny Baby Jesus

In Tiny Baby Jesus, author Dandi Daley Mackall presents us both with a glimpse at Jesus' birth and a peak at what his whole life was about. Written in rhyme, the book begins in not so different a manner than a thousand other children's Christmas books: "Tiny, tiny fingers touch a piece of hay./Tiny baby Jesus born in Bethlehem today." But the next page takes a less expected turn: "Now those very fingers,/grown so sure and strong-/Jesus is a carpenter,/working all day long."

The book continues in this manner, first mentioning Jesus' tiny baby kicks, then how, when his feet were bigger, he walked across the sea; how he cuddled against his mother's shoulder, but later allowed leapers to lean on his shoulders; how his baby mouth was soft and sweet, and later the same mouth spread the Gospel; how his baby eyes were clear and bright, and later saw the needs of mankind and offered them true peace; how baby Jesus reached out for his mother, and how later Jesus passed out bread and wine to his disciples; how once barn animals crowded around him, but later he was alone in a garden, praying. Then:

"Heart as big as heaven - Savior is your name.
Jesus died and rose again - that's why Jesus came.

Tiny gift from heaven,
sent to us on earth.
God's Son wrapped for Christmas
in a miracle of birth."

What I Like: This is a unique way to move beyond the mere telling of Jesus' birth and explain how important his whole life - and death - were. Nice job, Ms. Mackall!
What I Dislike: Although the illustrations by Julia Noonan aren't bad, they aren't terrific, either. Noonan is certainly an experienced illustrator and has worked with many fine children's book authors, but I would have preferred an artist who was more expert at drawing people.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0310717997; hardback, $16.99
Special Info: Some parents will object that adult Jesus' face is depicted in this book. Check out our other reviews of books by Dandi Daley Mackall.
Buy Now at Amazon.com for $13.25
OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $12.99