This reissue of the classic Christmas story is a celebration of nativity plays everywhere and a tribute to those who perform miracles with wire coat hangers and stripy towels.'The charmingly comical Inkpen, as always, hits the spot.' The Guardian'Nick Butterworth is one of the best picture book writers alive.' The Independent
There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published in 2013 by Hachette Children's Group .
Mick Inkpen was born in Romford in 1952 and still lives in Essex with his wife Debbie and their two children. Mick is one of the most popular author/illustrators in the world, his stories have been translated into over twenty different languages and his books have sold over 4 million copies. Kipper, perhaps his most popular character of all, is now the star of his very own TV series while Wibbly Pig, Penguin Small and Threadbear continue to delight young readers - and their parents! He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children's author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children's picture books. They also worked in children's television. In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children's picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. "Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it's true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself". Mick has won numerous awards world-wide including The British Book Award for Penguin Small, The British Book Award for the best illustrated book, for Lullabyhullabaloo, The Children's Book Award for Threadbear, The Parents and Munch Bunch Play and Learn Award and The Right Start Petit Filous Best Toy Award for Where, Oh Where is Kipper's Bear? Kipper won a BAFTA for best animated children's film in 1998, and Kipper's A to Z won the silver medal in the 2001 Smarties Prize. For most of Mick Inkpen's published work he is both author and illustrator. Nick Butterworth was born in Kingsbury, North London in 1946, but moved to Romford in Essex with his parents at the age of three. They moved to run a sweet shop, so Nick found himself fulfilling every child's sugar-coated dream of growing up right inside the proverbial chocolate factory. Having intended to go to art college after leaving school, Nick decided to take a job as a typographic designer in the printing department of the National Children's Home at the last minute instead. He went on to work for several major London design consultancies before moving into freelance graphics. He has also worked as a television presenter on the TV-AM children's programme Rub-a-Dub-Tub and produced a regular illustrated story called Upney Junction for the Sunday Express magazine. At present, Nick concentrates on writing and illustrating his phenomenally successful children's books. Percy The Park Keeper first came to life in One Snowy Night in 1989, which The Sunday Times described as, 'a tremendous and well-deserved success' and The Independent called, 'a heart warming bedtime tale. ' It wasn't just the reviewers who loved Percy and the world of his park - children, parents and teachers alike fell in love with the kind hearted park keeper. More Percy adventures followed and the range now includes 6 hardback books, paperbacks, audio tapes (read by Richard Briers) and a range of activity books. The latest Percy book, Percy's Bumpy Ride was published in October 1999.
This book contains the following story:
The Nativity
The Nativity, also known as the birth of Jesus Christ, is a well-known biblical story found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It recounts the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Here is a summary of the plot:
Annunciation to Mary: The story begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, a young woman in the town of Nazareth. Gabriel informs her that she has been chosen by God to conceive a child through the Holy Spirit and that her child will be the Son of God. Mary humbly accepts this divine calling, saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word."
Joseph's Dream: Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, who initially had concerns upon learning of Mary's pregnancy. However, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, assuring him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing him to proceed with the marriage.
The Journey to Bethlehem: Due to a census ordered by Caesar Augustus, Joseph and a pregnant Mary had to travel to Joseph's ancestral town of Bethlehem. The journey was challenging, as Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy.
Birth in a Manger: Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph found no available lodging. They sought shelter in a humble stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, as there was no crib available.
Angelic Announcement to the Shepherds: In the nearby fields, shepherds were tending their flocks at night. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. A multitude of angels then appeared, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. The shepherds decided to go and see the newborn child.
Adoration of the Shepherds: The shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the stable, just as the angels had said. They worshiped and praised God for what they had witnessed, sharing the news of the miraculous birth with others.
Visit of the Magi: After Jesus' birth, wise men from the East, known as the Magi or the Three Wise Men, saw a special star and followed it to Bethlehem. They arrived bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing Jesus as the newborn King and offering their homage.
The Nativity story symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecies and the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. It highlights the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, emphasizing God's presence in the midst of simplicity and poverty. The Nativity serves as a reminder of God's love for humanity and the hope and joy brought by the birth of Jesus Christ, who would become the Savior of the world.
