Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards
It’s Christmas Eve when a knock comes at the door of Paul’s family farmhouse. A small family is stranded due to a broken-down truck and seeks shelter for the evening. Paul’s grandfather not only welcomes them in, but offers them dinner and a bed for the night. Even though it is a season of giving, Paul’s heart is not filled with charity. It’s the height of the Dust Bowl and food is scarce. Why should he share what little he has with strangers? Worse, in order to help the sick baby, Paul will have to sell his beloved calf to buy a part to fix the truck.
Angry, he retreats to the barn, where he sleeps and dreams of faraway Bethlehem. In his dream, he visits Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The family offers Paul food and shelter and warmth—extending to him the love and charity he lacks and teaching him of the true meaning of Christmas.
My review: I love Christmas books! I love the feeling you have in your heart after you've read one. I have read many and have many in our home to read to our children. I have to say that this book is one of my favorites that I have read.
I love the illustrations. They are simply beautiful. I love the story that goes with it, the ending of this one brought tears to my eyes. I love the simple lesson that was taught to Paul on that Christmas long ago, but also to us now as we are able to read this book and learn the true meaning of Christmas. I love the selflessness that both Paul's grandfather and Paul are able to show in this short story.
Make sure to take the time to read this great Christmas story, you'll love it!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author & Illustrator Ben Sowards
Ben Sowards is the illustrator of many well-loved picture books, including A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Seven Miracles that Saved America, and Christmas Oranges.
Ben Sowards teaches others to paint both traditionally and digitally at Southern Utah University, where has directed the illustration program since 2001.
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Labels: Ben Sowards, Christmas picture book
