PPBF: Father and Son: A Nativity Story

Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Father and Son: A Nativity Story


Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrator: Fabian Negrin
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Date: 2006

Ages: 6 to 10 years old, but concepts better understood by children up to 12.

Themes: Christmas, Nativity, Father-Son relationship, Jesus, God, Biblical Fiction.

First Lines: "After the star had set, after the angels had roosted, after the shepherds had hurried back to their sheep, there was one person still awake in the dark stable."

Why I like this book: We read so often of the Christmas story from Mary's point of view, but it's a rare book indeed that mentions Joseph. This unique telling of the nativity story shares the doubts and dreams Jesus' earthly father as he pondered his role in raising the Son of God. It is a true revelation of who Jesus actually was from a Biblical point of view. I guarantee you have read nothing like it!

Unfortunately, this is no longer in print, but is available at libraries and as a used book online. Geraldine is a prolific writer, and has done many fabulous classic retellings of historic events, which we have read in our homeschool history classes. Check out her website here.

This link seems to have everything you would need for celebrating and learning about the Christmas story.

Information about the Biblical/Historic Joseph here.

FYI: There will be no Perfect Picture Book Friday post next week, in honor of Christmas, but, stay tuned for a week of contemplative posts reflecting on the Nativity Story.