Time Travel for Christmas

Strangers at the Manger (Chime Travelers)

By Lisa M. Hendey

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Series: Chime Travelers (Book 5)

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Servant (August 19, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1632531003

ISBN-13: 978-1632531001

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

In this exciting new installment in the popular Chime Traveler series for elementary students, Patrick and Katie Brady are introduced to an immigrant family who recently arrived at St. Anne’s Parish. A tinkling bell transports the twins to first-century Bethlehem, where they meet the Holy Family—and come to understand what it is like to be a “stranger at the manger.” This unique retelling of the Christmas story will help children grow in faith and compassion. Illustrations by Jenn Bower. 

 

My Thoughts:

This is the fifth book in a series and, though I haven’t read the preceding books, it was not really necessary to my understanding of the premise that Patrick and Katie have discovered a way to travel through time to witness important religious events.

 

This particular event is one of the most important of all: the birth of Christ. Although these children are church-goers, and know the story well, there is a lesson they must learn about compassion and making room for those less fortunate, and how better to learn it than by witnessing Mary and Joseph being turned away from places of lodging.

 

I know the story well, too, and I still got all goosebumpy when the author described the children looking at the newborn Child.

 

The narrative flows well, and is appropriate for the intended grade level, though those at the higher end might find it a bit dull. While there is a simple conflict, there’s nothing really “exciting” about the book. It is a good way, however, to help modern children think about the religious stories they know.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some people are bothered by people telling Bible stories in ways that aren’t exactly the way they are in the Bible—taking liberties with the history in order to tell a story. There is a little bit of sibling rivalry.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

People who like the Christmas story, religious stories, and scripture stories.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.