The Twelve Books of Christmas, December 28

This is the 4th Day of Christmas, and, for some of us, a day when we remember the Holy Innocents, those babies killed after Jesus was born, while Herod was looking for him.  So, today's recommendation is perhaps an unusual one, the book "Refuge".  This books touches on the beginning of the Christmas story, and tells all of it from the donkey's point of view.  The donkey brought the man and woman to Bethlehem, where they found refuge among strangers.  The shepherds and the angels came, of course, and then:  the man had a dream:  a dream of danger, and the little family was on the road again.

They pass the shepherds and sheep on the way, and they take comfort from one another until they reach their refuge:  Egypt.

It is really a simple and beautifully told story.  There are some things that are over-simplified, of course -- it sounds like the wise men came shortly after the shepherds, when in reality, that happened somewhat later.  But the focus of the story is that the Holy Family has to flee.

Most of the illustrations are in black and white, with flashes of color interspersed.  It tells a part of the story we don't usually think too much about.

But this is Christmas too:  Danger -- and Refuge. Telling this story helps keep our sentimentality in check, and remember that there are children all over the world who are still in danger, and families who still need refuge.