Ashley Bryan

A shepherd boy apprenticed to his carpenter father builds a stable and then welcomes two weary travelers from Nazareth.

Hand-selected by Newbery honoree Ashley Bryan, he has, with his masterful flourish of color, shape, and movement, added a visual layering that drums the most impartant message of all to young, old, parent, child, grandparent, and friend alike: You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. As a bonus, one page is mirrored, so children reading the book can see exactly who is loved--themselves!

Ashley Bryan is a 94-year-old creative wonder who skips and jumps in his heart like a child. He served in a World War II all-Black battalion and experienced the D-Day and the racism of a segregated Army. As a result he dedicated his life to creating beauty and joy, spreading love and awe through his art. He's a poet/illustrator of over 50 award-winning children's books, former professor at Dartmouth College, and maker of magical puppets and sea glass...