Starred Review for Publishers Weekly (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Luminous, realistic paintings light the way through this hushed and graceful Nativity story; a confetti-like sprinkling of colors over the spreads foreshadows the festive event. On Christmas Eve, Kind Ox welcomes Old Dog and other wayward critters to rest in his stable, assuring them, "There's always room for a little one here." He invites in Tired Donkey, who carries Mary, as well, and Joseph makes a warm bed in the straw. "And so Jesus was born with the animals around Him." Eloquent, accessible and moving in its simplicity, this volume, like <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Asleep in the Stable (reviewed above) is an ideal introduction for the family bookshelves. Ages 3-7. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Oct.)

ALA Booklist

'Tis the eve of Christmas--a cold winter's night--when Kind Ox offers to share his stable by the inn. Assuring each tentative visitor that there's always room for a little one, he first gives shelter to Old Dog, then, in quick succession, Stray Cat, Small Mouse, and Tired Donkey, who is accompanied by Joseph and a weary Mary. As predators and prey gather together in the peace of a stable, they learn lessons about tolerance and generosity. Finally, they bear witness to the birth of the most wondrous Little One of all: the baby Jesus. Waddell, the author of the popular Little Bear series illustrated by Barbara Firth and many others, delivers another winner here. Quiet, meaningful, and ideal for the youngest readers, Waddell's simple text in large, easy-to-read type is rendered magical by Cockcroft's glowing acrylics. A majestic addition to any holiday collection.

Horn Book

An old and gentle ox welcomes a string of stray animals into his barn for shelter. When Mary and Joseph arrive to give birth to their "little one," the creatures extend their hospitality. The gold, brown, and blue hues in the soft illustrations match the dreamy, repetitive text. Toddlers will enjoy the warmth and love conveyed in this familiar story.

Kirkus Reviews

The old concept that all the animals were welcomed with kindness into the stable in Bethlehem is the theme of this evocative exploration of the Nativity story. Kind Ox is the original inhabitant of the stable, and one by one, he invites Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse inside with the reassuring refrain, "There's always room for a little one here." Tired Donkey, Mary, and Joseph are also welcomed into the warmth of the stable, and all the animals watch as a new little one is born into their midst. Softly luminous illustrations suggest a foggy Christmas Eve and a quiet atmosphere of anticipation. Widely varying perspectives add to the dramatic tension, as each spread is different in perspective: the dog is silhouetted in the stable door; the cat is seen from the mouse's view; all the animals around the manger are seen from above. The poetic patterned text with just a few, well-chosen lines is quietly powerful and will be accessible to little ones just learning about the Christmas story. (Picture book. 2-7)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-On a cold winter night, Kind Ox invites one visitor after another into the shelter of his stable-Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse, who rest together in harmony. When Tired Donkey appears, he brings with him Mary and Joseph, and all of the animals welcome Jesus when He is born. The slightly fuzzy yet realistic acrylic paintings are dappled with multicolored blurry dots that add a touch of magic to the scene, although young children may simply assume that it's snowing. The very short and simple text, the catchy refrain, and the lovely illustrations make this title a fine choice for young listeners.-E. M. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.