Wildman, Terry. Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations retelling of the Christmas story. Illustrated by Hannah and Holly Buchanan. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Kids, 2024.

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Summary

2024 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Winner

A Classic Holiday Picture Book from the Pages of the Bestselling First Nations Version!

Adopted from the Gospel of Luke, Birth of the Chosen One is a unique retelling of the birth of Jesus told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers.

Featuring stunning Native American art, Birth of the Chosen One is a powerful picture book that illuminates the Christmas story in a fresh and new way.

Purchase Birth of the Chosen One on Amazon – https://amzn.to/48rVZfz

My Kid Review

Birth of the Chosen One is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story. I will say that I struggled with the reading of it from the aspect of years (and years) of hearing and reading the original version. I can see where Birth of the Chosen One could be a good introduction to Christianity for First Nation Peoples or Native Americans.

I appreciated that Terry Wildman has both Ojibwe and Yaqui heritage. I also appreciated that the illustrators are members of the Miami tribe. Experience as a tribal member gives these three the authority to present a Native American version of the story. 

The book closes with a note from Terry Wildman that will help readers keep track of the Native American names in the story. 

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations retelling of the Christmas story would be an excellent addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library, especially if you serve a Native American audience. 

I received a complimentary copy of Birth of the Chosen One. This is my honest review.

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