The Road to Bethlehem

By Brian Wildsmith

Published by Sophia Institute Press

A few years ago, I read about a sweet Advent tradition on Catholic All Year. You wrap 25 Advent and Christmas books for your children to open on each day of Advent! We did it last year, and my kids loved it! We kept the books in a big basket, and they loved reading then throughout Advent and Christmas. I have gradually added to our collection through the years, and, this year, I will be adding this sweet picture book to the pile: The Road to Bethlehem by Brian Wildsmith.

The Story

The story begins at the beginning: with the Annunciation of the Angel, Gabriel, to Mary. Then, the story gets a little silly. Mary and Joseph need to leave for Bethlehem, but they cannot bring their cat and dog! Now, scripture nor tradition mention Mary and Joseph having any pets, but I did not find the story to be irreverent or inappropriate. My kids and I discussed this and how it is cute to imagine!

In fact, it was quite sweet when the cat and dog leave Nazareth and meet other animal friends along the way. The pets tell the other animals that they trying to find Mary, and the other animals end up joining them on their journey to find Our Blessed Mother. They also meet some sheep and camels which fit into the Christmas story perfectly to tie in the shepherds and Wise Men.

Biblical Truths

After reading this story, even small children will have learned the following Biblical truths and events:

1. The Annunciation
2. Mary and Joseph taking a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
3. that Jesus is the Son of God
4. that Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room at the Inn
5. the star the Wise Men followed
6. the gifts the Wise Men bring
7. Mary is Jesus’ mother

Who Will Enjoy This Book

I think that the simple, silly story and bright, colorful pictures will delight the toddler crowd very much! I think slightly older children would also enjoy it and get a chuckle. I will be bringing this to my Mommy and Me church group to share with the parents and little ones (5 and under).

You can find The Journey to Bethlehem at Sophia Institute Press.