Reading List
Title/ISBN Publisher Date/Summary Author Illustrator Catalog search term(s)
The Old Shepherd’s Tale Christopher Nye Henri Sorensen Nativity—Fiction
091309885X Housatonic Press 2004 Domestic animals—Fiction
In this story the gentle creatures in the stable on the night of Jesus’ birth bring a fresh perspective to this momentous event. Their gifts and messages and the example of the old shepherd who cares for them can help children develop a respect and gratitude for all animals whose work and lives sustain us.
The Friendly Beasts Robert Davis (carol lyrics) Sharon McGinley Carols, English—Texts
0688172413 Greenwillow 2000
In this version of a traditional Christmas carol whose tune goes back to 12th Century English or French, the friendly beasts tell of the gifts they have given to the newborn Jesus.
All Those Mothers at the Manger Norma Farber Megan Lloyd Domestic animals—Fiction
006021869X Harper & Row 1985
Rhyming text about animal mothers gathered around a Mary at Jesus’ birth in a stable let her know that no mother is a stranger to another anywhere.
Song of the Stars A Christmas Story Sally Lloyd-Jones Alison Jay Nativity—Fiction
9780310722915 ZONDERkidz 2010
The entire universe is breathless with anticipation and all of nature, featuring many diverse animals, spreads the joyous news of Jesus’ birth and praises the new born Rescuer.
Humphrey’s First Christmas Carol Heyer Carol Heyer Nativity—Fiction
9780824956165 Ideals Children’s Books 2007 Camels—Fiction
A camel, grumbling about losing his favorite blanket then having to carry a heavy load, meets a special newborn baby who fills him with love, joy , and generosity.
The Stable Where Jesus Was Born Rhonda Gowler Greene Susan Gaber Jesus Christ—Nativity—Juven. Lit.
0689812582 Atheneum Books for Young Readers 1999
Rhyming verse introduces the people who appear in the story of the birth of Christ in astable with a cow, a cat and her kittens and three mice. Ilustrations featuares cow, goat, donkey, sheep, birds.
Christmas in the Stable Astrid Lindgren Harald Wiberg Nativity—Juvenile Lit.
698300424 Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. 1963
A mother retells the Nativity to a chld who understands about stables and animals. They wonder about the horse, cow and sheep understood the new mother’s needs and gave fresh straw, milk, and warmth.
The Donkey’s Dream Barbara Helen Berger Berger Jesus Christ—Juvenile Fic.
0399212337 Philomel Books 1985 Donkeys—Fiction
A donkey has fantastic dreams while crossing the desert as he carries a lady. Rich symbolism visually portrays the significance of the donkey’s precious cargo. At the end of the day the lady who has been riding on his back gives birth in a cave to a very special baby, the baby Jesus.
Santa’s Favorite Story Hisako Aoki Ivan Gantschev Nativity—Juvenile Literature
0590444549 Scholastic 1991
Santa tells the forest animals the true meaning of Christmas as he retells the Nativity story.
The Old Shepherd’s Tale Christopher Nye Henri Sorensen Nativity—Fiction
091309885X Housatonic Press 2004 Domestic animals—Fiction
In this story the gentle creatures in the stable on the night of Jesus’ birth bring a fresh perspective to this momentous event. Their gifts and messages and the example of the old shepherd who cares for them can help children develop a respect and gratitude for all animals whose work and lives sustain us.
The Friendly Beasts Robert Davis (carol lyrics) Sharon McGinley Carols, English—Texts
0688172413 Greenwillow 2000
In this version of a traditional Christmas carol whose tune goes back to 12th Century English or French, the friendly beasts tell of the gifts they have given to the newborn Jesus.
All Those Mothers at the Manger Norma Farber Megan Lloyd Domestic animals—Fiction
006021869X Harper & Row 1985
Rhyming text about animal mothers gathered around a Mary at Jesus’ birth in a stable let her know that no mother is a stranger to another anywhere.
Song of the Stars A Christmas Story Sally Lloyd-Jones Alison Jay Nativity—Fiction
9780310722915 ZONDERkidz 2010
The entire universe is breathless with anticipation and all of nature, featuring many diverse animals, spreads the joyous news of Jesus’ birth and praises the new born Rescuer.
Humphrey’s First Christmas Carol Heyer Carol Heyer Nativity—Fiction
9780824956165 Ideals Children’s Books 2007 Camels—Fiction
A camel, grumbling about losing his favorite blanket then having to carry a heavy load, meets a special newborn baby who fills him with love, joy , and generosity.
The Stable Where Jesus Was Born Rhonda Gowler Greene Susan Gaber Jesus Christ—Nativity—Juven. Lit.
0689812582 Atheneum Books for Young Readers 1999
Rhyming verse introduces the people who appear in the story of the birth of Christ in astable with a cow, a cat and her kittens and three mice. Ilustrations featuares cow, goat, donkey, sheep, birds.
Christmas in the Stable Astrid Lindgren Harald Wiberg Nativity—Juvenile Lit.
698300424 Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. 1963
A mother retells the Nativity to a chld who understands about stables and animals. They wonder about the horse, cow and sheep understood the new mother’s needs and gave fresh straw, milk, and warmth.
The Donkey’s Dream Barbara Helen Berger Berger Jesus Christ—Juvenile Fic.
0399212337 Philomel Books 1985 Donkeys—Fiction
A donkey has fantastic dreams while crossing the desert as he carries a lady. Rich symbolism visually portrays the significance of the donkey’s precious cargo. At the end of the day the lady who has been riding on his back gives birth in a cave to a very special baby, the baby Jesus.
Santa’s Favorite Story Hisako Aoki Ivan Gantschev Nativity—Juvenile Literature
0590444549 Scholastic 1991
Santa tells the forest animals the true meaning of Christmas as he retells the Nativity story.