Book excerpt: In this gentle retelling of the Christmas 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. Bernadette Watts' evocative illustrations bring the message of Christmas to life. "This story stresses that Jesus welcomes even the most lowly, and Watts' watercolors overlaid with crayon-like texture are appealing and rustic." –School Library Journal