From the annunciation to the first Christmas night, this retelling of the Nativity story reflects the message of peace at the heart of the season. As Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men set off on their journeys towards Bethlehem, the animals that they pass goat, ox, wolf, leopard and lion start to follow out of curiosity. When Mary and Joseph find a place to shelter in the stable and baby Jesus is born, the animals gather around the manger, creating the perfect scene of the `peaceable kingdom' prophesied by Isaiah, in which all creation lives in harmony together and so hinting at the wonders that will come because of that night.

Author Biography

Elena Pasquali worked for some years in children's publishing before becoming an author in her own right. She has a special interest in researching and retelling folk tales from around the world. She enjoys exploring new cultures and learning new languages that will help her understand those cultures better. Giuliano Ferri graduated from the Art Institute of Urbino, Italy, where he specialized in animation. He has since worked as a full-time illustrator and his art has been exhibited worldwide, from the Pompidou Center in Paris to the Itabashi Art Museum in Tokyo. Giuliano lives in his native Pesaro, Italy, where he enjoys the beauty of the surrounding countryside with his wife Francesca, and his dog.