Bruno Merz

I was really looking forward to this Max Lucado book for children about Christmas. Mr. Lucado's books are always beautifully done, artistically, and the message is always wonderfully presented by the author.

In Itsy Bitsy Christmas we have two little mice scurrying about Bethlehem because they heard a king was soon to come to Bethlehem and they wanted to see the king. They spoke to a variety of animals and all said no king would come to little tiny Bethlehem. And then they go back to the show more manger where the animals are and they see a tiny babe and know this is the king they had looked for.

The symbolism is that no matter how little or insignificant you are, the king comes for you. And though this is subtly presented (even says "for me" with an animal speaking), it is there. Jesus is king of all and he is savior of all and he comes for the smallest and most insignificant. This is a truth. It is not a truth that He, the Savior, has come to redeem or be king of the animals. He came to redeem mankind.

I loved the illustrations and they are great for a children's book and the expressions, activities, colors are spot on for the story being told.

What I didn't care for....... this doesn't seem to come up to previous publications by Mr. Lucado and his strong Christian teaching. The story is a bit absurd in places (mice peering inside a donkey's nose?). The story is a bit weak even for the young children for whom it is written. More of Christ's incarnation would have been appropriate and the Biblical importance of Christ's incarnation deserves better than little mice frolicking around Bethlehem.

A cute book, but not a favorite of Chat With Vera.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated. show less

Itsy and Bitsy are two little mice who live in Bethlehem. When a donkey tells them that the King is coming to town, the mice want to meet Him. Their friends at the stable are doubtful. Why would a King come to Bethlehem? But Itsy and Bitsy are determined to find Him. They search everywhere, but the King is nowhere to be found. When they finally return to the stable, the donkey is there with a surprise for everyone, including the littlest of them all.

The Bottom Line: Written with gentle show more humor, the story of the coming of Christ is told from the point of view of two of God's littlest creatures. This holiday read features colorful illustrations by Bruno Merz and is written by bestselling Christian author, Max Lucado. Share it on Christmas Eve with kids ages 5 - 8.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. show less

Itsy & Bitsy hear a king is coming to Bethlehem. They set off to find him only to find the King at home. Cute, inspiring story.

Itsy & Bitsy hear a king is coming to Bethlehem. They set off to find him only to find the King at home. Cute, inspiring story.