The Christmas Quest by Janet Surette. Illustrated by Cesar Samaniego

In this buoyant rhyming board book, very young children will be drawn into the thrilling discovery and adventurous journey of the Magi and their entourage as they follow a brand-new star and, finally, worship the Christ Child. True to the biblical narrative, The Christmas Quest relates how the Magi set out on a long journey; arrived in Jerusalem and asked about the new king; confronted the ignorance of the religious leaders and the suspicious disapproval of Herod; received instructions to come back and tell Herod if they found the king; and, finally, traveled the last short leg of the journey: “So off to tiny Bethlehem— / a mini journey more! / And look! Above that house right there— / the star we saw before! / We bow and gladly give our gifts, / Our hearts could burst with cheer! / Though we were very far away, / Christ Jesus drew us near.” 

Illustrator Cesar Samaniego’s animated portrayal of both people and animals—eyes wide with delight, discovery, fear, uncertainty, anticipation, and worship—enliven author Janet Surette’s lilting poetry that celebrates the gospel truth that, through Jesus, all who are far from God may be brought near to him. ‎(B&H Kids)