Berry, best known for her award-winning young adult books, here presents a nativity story that links the biblical tale with the early days of a multiracial family in a fairly modern but unspecified time period. The text, which at times is a bit singsong, juxtaposes the two events in words and pictures. As the modern family brings their baby home, saying, "I see a miracle in you," long ago and far away, a mother holds a child: she "wrapped him snug, made his bed in hay / he was her gift that Christmas day." Both families sing to their children, learn from them, and love them. Unless readers are already familiar with the Bible story, a point or two can be obscure imeon and Anna paced the floor," for example t the art offers links, when, with a turn of the page, we see the new child's grandparents. Won's bold pictures are full of energy and delight, and tiny touches ars here, wind chimes there d to the appeal. These families, transcending race and skin color, radiate love.

Berry and Won nimbly interweave a modern infant-s familial reception with the story of Christ-s birth. In consistent end rhyme, text draws on the legendary tale, each phrase ending with an italicized nod to the modern child (-Long ago, and far away/ A baby was born on Christmas Day.../ This wonder was seen by a lucky few./ I see a miracle in you-). Images layer and juxtapose the two stories: in one spread, desert-crossing travelers and camels look out at a guiding star from the left; at right, a skyline represents the modern family-s city home. Won-s dewy illustrations evoke the nostalgic feel of a CGI-animated holiday short film as characters in a range of skin tones move through celestial swirls, the modern family celebrates Christmas amid twinkle lights and decor, and animals celebrate the Christ child. A story of welcome, brimming with joy. Ages up to 3. (Sept.)