Lullaby for the King

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 4—This book teases the imagination to envision the role of the natural world in the Christmas story. Creatures from near and far gather their special gifts and travel to honor the birth of a sacred child. An enchanting menagerie hears the exciting news and begins the journey to deliver their offerings to celebrate the occasion. Antelopes, jackals, ostriches, and crocodiles are a few of the creatures who figure prominently in bringing gifts to the king. Readers might enjoy trying to predict what gifts each animal will bring, and then revel in the stunning contributions of each: grains of mustard, shofars, and zithers are among the glorious offerings. Readers of all ages will be drawn in by the exotic creatures and vibrant colors that enhance this lovely tale. The illustrations in this beautiful book are sumptuous. While it is certainly a soothing visual treat for bedtime, the story also offers amazing vocabulary-building opportunities for growing readers, with words such as gamboled, electrum, and narcissus. VERDICT Another winner by Grimes that is sure to become a new classic.—Darby Wallace