Martin Waddell

Kind Ox welcomes a series of animals in need into his stable in this gentle Nativity tale, as each one—Old Dog, Stray Cat, Small Mouse—helps to make the next more comfortable. When Tired Donkey arrives, led by Joseph and bearing Mary, the Holy Family too are welcomed in, and the Christ Child is born, surrounded by this group of outcast animals, now no longer outcast...

I have read a number of other picture books from Northern Irish author Martin Waddell, but Room for a Little One: A show more Christmas Tale is my first encounter with the work of English illustrator Jason Cockcroft. I found his acrylic paintings here quite lovely, appreciating the use of color and light, and the way the animals' expressions were captured. The narrative is sweet, and I liked the way each animal welcomed their traditional "enemy" into the fold, mirroring the peace that should prevail on Christmas. Recommended to picture book readers looking for animal-centered Nativity tales. show less

"I don't like the dark," said Little Bear.
"What dark?" said Big Bear.
"The dark all around us," said Little Bear.

In this tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave, Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. When all the lanterns in the cave aren't enough to quell Little Bear's troubled emotions, Big Bear offers--in a final loving gesture--nothing less than the bright yellow moon and the twinkling stars! show more More comforting than even the best of lullabies. show less

“Once there was a duck who had the bad luck to live with a lazy old farmer.” The farmer stays in bed all day while the duck does all the chores! Eventually, the animals tire of this and hold a meeting. Early the next morning, they kick the farmer off the farm and from then on they care for the farm themselves. I think children will respond with satisfaction to the restoration of justice, but it delights me as a hilarious mash-up of “Shaun the Sheep”, the British stop-motion show more children’s animation, and Animal Farm. show less

“Once there was a duck who had the bad luck to live with a lazy old farmer.” The farmer stays in bed all day while the duck does all the chores! Eventually, the animals tire of this and hold a meeting. Early the next morning, they kick the farmer off the farm and from then on they care for the farm themselves. I think children will respond with satisfaction to the restoration of justice, but it delights me as a hilarious mash-up of “Shaun the Sheep”, the British stop-motion show more children’s animation, and Animal Farm. show less