Across the great desert, the caravan follows the eastern star to Bethlehem. To everyone's astonishment, though young Ameer has no jewels or marvels to present, his gift of the heart outshines them all. Full color.
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Across the great desert, the caravan follows the eastern star to Bethlehem. To everyone's astonishment, though young Ameer has no jewels or marvels to present, his gift of the heart outshines them all. Full color.
Read Less
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Seller's Description:
Floyd Cooper color illustrations. New in New jacket. Book CONDITION: NEW 2006 Philomel Books/Penguin hardcover (pictorial boards) & dust jacket, first edition, first printing. Beautiful color illustrations by Floyd Cooper. CONTENT: Ameer is a poor, third-assistant kennel keeper traveling in his king's caravan to visit the Christ child. Arriving in Bethlehem, he feels ashamed of having no gift to give and decides to wait outside the stable instead of going in to view the newborn. In the chaos of the moment, however, he is swept along by the crowd and into the presence of the holy family. Inspired by the serenity he feels, he resolves to give the only thing that is precious to him-his dog and best friend, Ra. The king advises against it, but Mary praises Ameer for his sacrifice, calling it the most precious gift of all. As a result, the boy's life is blessed, Ra sees Jesus and his family safely to Egypt, and, over time, the Christmas star fades and is replaced by the Dog Star. This touching story is simply yet elegantly told. Cooper's artwork is finely rendered and evocative. The grainy textures complement the desert scenery and provide a fitting dreamlike quality that is well suited to the text. This lovely book will help balance collections heavy with holiday frippery. Grades 1-3.
