The Animals Speak: A Christmas Eve Legend

Beaming Books, October 2021

Illustrated by Brittany Baugus

Find it at your local bookseller or order online from:

Published October 2021

Long ago and even today, the story is told of how all the animals in the world, at the stroke of midnight of Christmas Eve, speak.  With their newfound power of speech, the animals rejoice at the birth of Jesus, born humbly in a manger and surrounded by animals.  Singing in treetops, braying in stables, barking in yards—the animals rejoice and proclaim, “The Child has come.”

This fresh telling of a classic Christmas legend will delight readers of all ages.

Reviews

With spare, lyrical text, Newbery Honoree Bauer draws a thread from the Nativity to the present, embracing the legend that all creatures gain speech at midnight on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. … Baugus’s bold color and luminous digital spreads convey a sense of reverence and joy in this calm picture book, which will most appeal to those familiar with its biblical allusions. - Publisher’s Weekly