Book excerpt: In this timelessly beautiful story, a little donkey sets out on the long journey to Bethlehem. Along the way he is sneered at by a camel and laughed at by the other animals. Feeling worthless, he begins to stumble and lose heart until a great light guides him to his destination. There he is rewarded for his courage and faith, and learns that the new king loves all creatures. Gerda Marie Scheidl’s gentle retelling and Bernadette’s evocative illustrations bring the message of Christmas to life.