It would be very easy to over-read this book, and see too much meaning in the actions of the different animals, but I will try to avoid doing so.
[a:Joseph Slate|116082|Joseph Slate|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png]'s simple but effective reading of the traditional nativity story is succinct and accessible, and forces the reader to reconsider their approach. Unlike [b:The Story of the Other Wise Man|1992710|The Story of the Other Wise Man|Henry van Dyke|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1320494842s/1992710.jpg|2757985], this story does not spend extensive paragraphs in painting different landscapes, but tells its message, with wide but basic illustrations, and leaves the reader to ponder its meaning.

A simple story of the animals preparing the barn for the arrival of Mary and Joseph. I especially liked "Sweep the earth," says Chick.

Awkward rhymes. Clunky rhythms. Not at all a smooth read-aloud to my toddler (who loves rhyming books). We'll keep searching for better Christmas books about the nativity.

Another one of our daily reads and rereads. Annie loves to "moo" for the cow and point to the baby at the end.

Christmas told from the Point of view of the barn heard animals. Beautiful sentiment and detailed pictures.

Sneak attack of the holy family.

One of our favorite books to share at Christmas!

Good fun going through and naming the animals

I remember reading this with my mom as a child. Such good memories.

Childrens book are best and I love the story and make me say wow when my girlfriend said to me to read this short story on Booksale. Someday I will buy this for my children.