An earthly host of creatures heralds the arrival of a special baby born in a manger in this beautifully realized volume. Rooster and sheep, cat and mouse, wren, owl, spider and others all bear witness to the baby and the joy. Even fish weigh in (“Despite / the world’s / sudden glee / we cannot leave / our home — the sea …”). Lee Bennett Hopkins’s picture book anthology features the work of fourteen poets who each offer the perspective of a different animal. Helen Cann’s lovely illustrations — each painting carefully composed and yet part of a larger whole — are the perfect complement to the words of this seasonal treasure. (Ages 3–10)

There is a legend that describes how, at midnight on Christmas Eve, all creatures are granted the power of speech for one hour. In this rich collection, Lee Bennett Hopkins and a dozen other poets imagine what responses they might offer. The poems represent a diverse group of animals, but all come together with one singular purpose: celebrating the joy of the miraculous event.

This collection of graceful poems provides readers with a Nativity story unlike any other -- at times gently humorous, at times profound, but always inviting readers to appreciate the wonder of Christmas. This book is a perfect gift for the holiday season.

Includes poems by...

• Lee Bennett Hopkins
• Joan Bransfield Graham
• Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
• X. J. Kennedy
• Jude Mandell
• Marilyn Nelson
• Jane Yolen
• Ann Whitford Paul
• Prince Redcloud
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich
• Michele Krueger
• Alma Flor Ada
• Alicia Schertle