“B is For Bethlehem”
by Isabel Wilner, illustrated by Elisa Kleven.
Worthy Ideals, Nashville, Tenn., 2015, 32 pages, K-3 and Adults loving Christmas.
Alphabet books are some of the most enjoyable texts in children’s literature. They usually have a pattern and rhythm that is like poetry or music.
Excellent picture books teach valuable lessons to children through their structure and style. They can also be easily enjoyed by older children and even adults.
Isabel Wilner has written such a book. The entire Christmas story is told with a metered text and through beautifully drawn illustrations. The name of this lovely book is “B is For Bethlehem.”
We begin our Christmas journey with the Letter A. Represented by a compelling picture of Augustus, Emperor of Rome, readers see that a worldwide census is to begin. With this, the Letter B is shown. St. Joseph must take Mary to Bethlehem for he is a descendant of David.
C is represented by the crowds of people hurrying to their hometowns. The letters continue to tell the events of Christmas. The shepherds worship at the manger as Mary lovingly holds the Christ Child.
The Three Kings come with their prophetic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold represents the kingship of Jesus, the frankincense tells us that He is God and the myrrh represents the ointments that will be placed on His body after the Crucifixion.
Toward the end of the alphabet, the author draws us into contemporary times and makes pointed connections to our lives and to current events. In all the letters, readers experience the beauty of the Nativity and the loving adoration of the people mentioned in the Bible.
This is simply a lovely, beautiful account of the birth of Jesus. It was meant to be shared with younger children in your family. The pictures are eye-catching for their color and their simple elegance.
Younger children will be drawn to the story so simply but completely told. This book will help children develop a loving relationship with Christ as well as teaching them the Infancy Narratives from the Bible. Adults will enjoy the book as much as children. The colors of the pictures and the joyful responses of the people in the story hold your heart.
This is one of the finest books of its kind on the birth of Jesus. It can be found in most public libraries.
Do yourself and your family a favor: buy a copy of the “B is For Bethlehem” and read it out loud on Christmas. It may become a treasured moment for you and your family. I hope that you and your entire family have a blessed Christmas.
