Book,  Oldie But Goodies

Room for a Little One A Christmas Tale

5/5 waves

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Book

ISBN: 978-1-4169-2518-7

Word Count: 318

Published: 2004

This story is perfect for ages: 2-4, 4-6

Straight from Aunty LuLav

Room for a Little One is one small slice of the Christmas story. A slow and gentle book, it is perfect for cuddling up to read.  One moment builds upon another until the stable is full of friends and Jesus is born.

On a cold night, Old Dog peers inside a stable looking for a safe place to rest. Kind Ox who lives in the stable, invites him in, as there is “always room for a little one.” 

Stray Cat and Small Mouse also come looking for warmth and safety. Each time, they are invited in to rest. The natural enemies promises no harm, only friendship. They all cuddle up together on the soft hay.  

The last to show up is Tired Donkey. He has frightened Mary on his back. Kind Ox invites Tired Donkey in. 

“Come inside,” Kind Ox called to Tired Donkey. 
“There’s always room for a little one here.”

Joseph makes Mary a soft warm bed on the hay.  And Jesus arrives. 

Scriptural Underpinnings & Positive Themes

The scriptural themes in this precious book call to the heart of all of us.

* There is always room to share what we have with others. Isaiah 58, Matthew 25:37-40

* Peace on earth is also present as the dog and cat and even mouse, pledge friendship to each other, cuddling up to keep warm and rest. Luke 2:14, Isaiah 11

* There is always room in our heart to invite Jesus in. Rev 3:20

* Room for a Little One draws us into the humility of the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:6-7, 16
It reminds me of the line in the hymn -“O Little Town of Bethlehem” –

“How silently, how silently, this wondrous Gift is given…”

* The story is related so naturally that you could almost miss the divinity of Jesus. That is until the last line of the book:

“That cold winter’s night, beneath the star’s light . . . . . .
a Little One came for the world.”

Illustrations

Mystical and soft are the first words that come to mind. Jason Cockcroft’s sensitive use of light creates a warm glow throughout. Colorful sparkles of light gently fill each scene with expectation waiting for the Little One to arrive.

Representation

Mary and Joseph are appropriately depicted as Jewish people of that time period.

The End of the Matter
5/5 waves

Wave your Lulav high and make way for the Little One, born as Savior and King!
This is an Aunty Lulav Oldie But Goodie!

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Book
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2518-7
Word Count: 318
Published: 2004

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *