An old story retold with the freshness of a child's first telling. Here is the story of the Nativity presented through the gentle simplicity of a children's Christmas pageant and rendered with a refreshing charm in the loving artistry of Caldecott Honor-winner Tomie de Paola.

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT reawakens the silent wonder and true meaning of Christmas. How easily the years cloud our appreciation of the beauty of the Christmas story! Here the joy of that bright moment of God's sharing is rekindled. In the poetically simple language of a child and in the whimsical full-color illustrations of an artist children love, that story glows with a new light.

An enchanting book for children of all ages to read and reread each Christmas. A treasured telling of Christ's coming that parents will cherish and share with young children.

Let this birth of Love have new meaning for us all. Let the pageant begin . . .

From the dust jacket