The Christmas Star

This book has great artwork and is good to read to young children as a start to understand the Christmas story. It attempts to tell the story of the Christ Childs birth, but gets some of the facts wrong.In the Biblical story Luke 2 the shepherds saw an angel who spoke instructions to them to go the town of David (Bethlehem) and find the lying in a manger. Many angels then appeared to them giving praise to God. They then went directly to Bethlehem to find the infant Christ.The Wise Men or Magi did see a star that guided them, but most likely arrived about 2 years after the birth of Christ. If you read the Matthew 2 account you will see that Herod questioned the Magi as to the timing of the birth and then gave orders to kill infant boys under two years of age to eliminate the new King. Most likely the shepherds and the wise men did not visit the Christ Child at the same time.

(original review: Sept. 4, 2004) I looked high and low to find a Christmas book for my nephew's first Christmas. Several of them had fine points. Whether it was the lush illustrations, funny stories about Santa or that they told truly heart warming stories. The problem was that I wanted a children's book that focused on why we celebrate Christmas, without adding "characters" or being told from an animal's point of view. This book does just that. I think younger children will be drawn to the glittery stars and the Kings treasures and it will be a nice read for them as they get older.(update: January 30, 2006) I would like to clarify that my original review was based on the hardcover edition of this book ISBN: 1-55858-203-7, not the board book. I am not familiar with the board book version and do not know if it contains the same text as the hardcover version, which is intended for children 4 - 8 years of age. The title is "The Christmas Star" but the star is not the focus of this book. The Star of Bethlehem is on most of the pages but that is because it is leading everyone to the Holy Child. This book is not about Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, instead, the focus is on the pilgrimage that took place because of His birth. Not sure if this book is for you, check your local library for a copy....then buy five copies, as I did!

I ordered this book for my grandchildren and they really like it. The illustrations are wonderful and it adds to the real meaning of Christmas.

I like to have a great selection of magical Christmas books on hand during the season, and for as much as I'm obsessed with creating a sense of wonder around Santa Claus, etc., I want to also make sure my kiddos have an even greater sense of wonder about God and Christ himself. This book helps create the magic, but it isn't teaching any major lessons either. It's perfect for 1-4 year old lap reading.

This is by far my favorite children's Christmas book. It's true to the biblical story. I am a children's director at a church, and I read this to the children in front of the church at our Christmas Eve service. I received several compliments about the story. My daughter loves reading the book at home as well.

Love this book! Beautiful Christmas story of the wisemen following the Christmas Star. I had this as a child and bought it for a niece. Great illustrations.

As expected, quick delivery.

Story beautifully told.

Pfister versteht sein Handwerk!Das Büchlein habe ich meinen zweisprachig aufwachsenden Neffen besorgt.In der Annahme ein identisch übersetztes Werk vorzufinden, musste ichjedoch feststellen:Die deutsche Originalversion ist definitiv die Schönere und umfangreichere!Well!