Angela and the Baby Jesus

When Angela sees the Christ Child lying in his crib at St. Joseph's Church, near her home in Limerick, Ireland, the young girl believes that he must be terribly cold. Determined to spare the child a form of suffering which which she is all too familiar, she steals him, taking him home in order to keep him safe and warm. Her brother Pat discovers her secret, and eventually gives her away to the family, who insist that the statue must be returned to the church. But what will the parish priest and the local policeman do, when they are discovered trying to return him...?

Originally published in 2007 as Angela and the Baby Jesus, this lovely holiday picture-book from Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the memoir, Angela's Ashes, show more was reprinted this year (2019) as Angela's Christmas. I greatly enjoyed McCourt's memoir, many years ago when it was first published, but I never read the sequels, nor was I aware until recently that he had written a children's story, based upon one of his mother's childhood experiences. I'm glad that I have discovered this, as I found the story equal parts humorous and heartwarming, and appreciated both the moving conclusion, and the beautiful artwork by Raúl Colón. Recommended to anyone looking for deeply felt Christmas stories for children, that are both entertaining and poignant. show less

This is a beautiful story very reminiscent of the books for adults by this same author. I love the Irish twists to this story. I found some parts a bit exaggerated (i.e. the little girl out and about alone in the church and at night, the little girl climbing that high straight stone wall). However, the theme of the story, concern and love for others, brought tears to my eyes. I loved the beautiful pastel artwork, in shades of deep charcoal with just a tinge of color, which reflected the cold and somber mood of the setting and story. Ive long since forgotten how wonderful it is to read childrens books. I need to explore more of them even at this stage (60 years of age) of my life. SPOILER--> I also would have changed the ending (at least show more have the priest put a blanket on Baby Jesus). show less

Wonder retelling of a family anecdote about a little girl at Christmas. The church is so cold and when she sees baby Jesus lying naked in the nativity scene her little heart is filled with tory wpity for the poor baby. She knows about being cold and living in poverty so she determines to do what she can to warm Jesus up. When the church is empty she puts him under her coat and runs home. The warmest place where the others won't see is with her in her little bed. But it all comes out when her brother sees and the baby must of course be returned to the church. They arrive at the nativity just i time for the priest and the policeman to see. All is forgiven and when the priest unwraps the baby he is surprised but delighted at what little show more Angela did for Jesus. This sweet story will warm your heart. Brings home the knowledge that Jesus left his throne to the discomfort of being a human child. His destiny was not a soft life but one of sacrifice. Great family read-aloud. show less

"Pulitzer Prize–winner McCourt offers a sweetly sentimental, longer Christmas story about his mother, Angela, who is anticipating the holiday with her family in the Ireland of a past generation. The six-year-old girl feels sorry for the life-sized baby Jesus figure in the crèche at her church because to her he looks cold without a blanket to cover him. Angela takes the Jesus figure home with her, putting him in her own bed to warm him up. Young readers will have to accept Angela’s notion that the baby is somewhat real, while adults will recognize the religious symbolism and the antecedents of the responsive Christ Child figure in other stories. McCourt’s strong narrative voice and Irish cadences and expressions add flavor to his show more well-written story, complemented by humorous dialogue displaying a dry wit. Colón’s lovely watercolor and pencil illustrations in muted tones use subtle lighting and a grainy texture that suggest old photographs, and his sensitive interpretation brings Angela and her family to life. The same story is also available in an edition targeted at adults, with more sophisticated illustrations by Loren Long. " www.kirkusreviews.com show less

This title, about a little girl named Angela who steals the baby Jesus from the nativity scene at her church, ended up being a lot funnier than I anticipated. She takes him because she thinks he's cold, then she absconds with him to her home. One of the funniest parts is when she throws him over the high fence to her backyard and accidentally throws him in her neighbor's yard. Poor baby Jesus! Lolz. Eventually the baby Jesus is returned to his right ful place, but not until Angela is ratted out by her not-quite-right brother. (One of the plot elements is some sort of hinting that the brother is mentally challenged or something - I'm not sure because I've not read any of Frank McCourt's other books about his family. But it's sort of a show more weird element to include without any follow through.)

The illustrations are done in an interesting style that creates a lot of texture. It looks like paint was laid down and then scraped off with some sort of comb or brush. Very visually engaging. Everything looks very soft and scenes are filled with warm light.

The text is definitely too long for a storytime - maybe for an older kids' read aloud? But they'd still have to be pretty patient and non-squirmy! show less

Young Angela is attentive to the crache at the Catholic church she attends. Noticing the beauty of the Christ Child she believes he is cold and is wondering why no one dressed him. She takes pity on him, and brings the baby Jesus to her bedroom where she can keep him warm.

When her brother discovers what she's done, he tells his mother. The family makes the trek back to the church to retain the Christ Child. When they encounter the priest he assures her that Mary the Blessed Mother keeps him warm.

This is a special story to read at this time of year.

I love Frank McCourt's imagery and the way he describes Angela's thoughts. A lovely Christmas book!