Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New Book by Amy Welborn

"Amy Welborn"


To be published in August, but a Christmas book - which means you have plenty of time to take a look at it!

The Amazon page describes the book as being for 7-10 year olds, but really it's a picture book geared at 5-8 year olds.

The idea came from illustrator Ann Kissane Engelhart - she wanted to craft a story around the tradition of children bringing their baminelli - Baby Jesus figures - to be blessed by the Pope on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.  And so here it is!

The Amazon page for the book is here.  From the publisher's description:

Alessandro is staying with his grandparents, who run a small shop that sells figures for the presepe (Nativity scene), while his parents look for work in another country. To help with the boy’s loneliness, his grandfather encourages Alessandro to make his own figure of the baby Jesus. They will bring that figure to Rome in two weeks to have it blessed by the Holy Father on Bambinelli Sunday. Through the events that occur in the time leading up to receiving the blessing in St. Peter's Square, Alessandro comes to see his world in a new way, and receives the best surprise of all in the end.

This book for children ages 7-10 tells a wonderful story about sharing, comfort, generosity, and forgiveness through the lens of a long-standing Italian tradition. The beautiful illustrations and timeless story make this a treasure Advent and Christmas resource for generations to come.