The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas

Author Jonathan Maltz & Christopher Poch (Illustrations by Jago)
Publisher CHP £4.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781405291

This delightful book will be an ideal present for very young children at Christmastide – prepare to intrigue your children and grandchildren with an imaginative ‘bird’s eye’ view of the traditional Christmas nativity story.  The grumpy owl – solitary in his barn in Bethlehem – strongly resents the intrusion of two strangers, including a heavily pregnant young woman.  He flies out to gain peace, only to meet noisy shepherds and then strange travellers from the east.  After deciding he is better off in his barn, he arrives back to find a new-born baby, who seems to radiate peace and joy.  The owl’s grumpiness vanishes as he gazes down on the child and perceives a spiritual answer to all his angst.  A particular strength of this book is the excellent series of illustrations by award-winning artist Jago, especially his panoramic views of the nativity, which provide a kind of divine perspective.  These help to emphasise that God indeed ‘came to earth as a tiny child’.  I warmly recommend this bright and joyful stocking filler.

Reviewed by KATE BURTON

Advent, Nativity