Book excerpt: Children will experience the first Christmas through new eyes in this heart-tugging story of the Nativity, told by the gentle but determined donkey that carried Jesus's parents to Bethlehem. It's a perfect Christmas gift book for snuggling up and sharing. Sleepy but strong, I clip-clopped along to rest in a stable with straw. The wonder of the first Christmas miracle is movingly told with descriptions of scented pine, warm candlelight, fresh hay, and a "sweet angel sound" as a gentle donkey welcomes the baby Jesus. Each page has adorable, moonlit images of the humble farm animals that were there to witness and comfort. This luminous, soothing song of hope, friendship, conviction, and faith is one that families will return to each Christmas for years to come.