A donkey narrates this spare, eloquent story of a man, a woman, a baby born in Bethlehem, and what happened next. Shepherds came, followed by kings. But after the visitors left, the man dreamed of danger, and it was time to go. “And we set off … hoping for the kindness of strangers. Again.” They travel through shepherds’ fields, and across a desert landscape. They rest. They journey on. “And we entered into Egypt … and we found refuge.” Soft washes and a subdued palette add to grace of a book that emphasizes kindness, compassion, and connections. (The UN Refugee Agency will benefit from the sale of each copy.) (Ages 4–8)

This timely gift book offers a moving new perspective on the nativity story-evoking the struggle of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus as refugees traveling in a strange land, seeking the protection and kindness of strangers.

Everyone may already know the story of how Jesus was humbly born in a manger, but Refuge is a lyrical depiction of what came next: the new family's travels through the desert, fleeing Herod's soldiers in order to find a safe place to welcome their son into the world. A poetic and refreshing look at the classic Christmas story that's never been more relevant, Refuge asks readers to consider the modern day implications of being forced to flee your home country.