Product Description

One cold Christmas night, a shepherd recounts the magical story of how he came to be the first visitor to the newborn Christ child - ahead of the other shepherds, and in complete secret. A deftly wrought re-working of the nativity story, Michael's tale is rich in human detail. Quentin Blake's watercolour illustrations ooze energy and atmosphere and perfectly complement this poignant story.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15075 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 48 pages

About the Author
Michael Morpurgo, the last Children's Laureate, has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. He is a tireless champion for children's books and was recently created Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. Quentin Blake's illustration has now taken on iconic status and is famous throughout the world. The inaugural children's laureate, he is one of our best-loved advocates for everything to do with the children's book.

Customer Reviews

A magical Christmas read
Fantastic book bringing together the true Christmas story and fantasy. It's a story of what happens to the little shepherd boy who is left behind to look after the sheep when the grown up shepherds rush off to see the new baby King Jesus. He thinks it unfair that as the smallest, he never gets to do exciting things like his older brothers, but his adventure turns out to be the best of all with help from the angels!
When you've finished wrapping the presents and decorating the tree and find yourself with 15 minutes to spare, get yourself and any spare children comfortable on the sofa with hot chocolate, a mince pie and this wonderful book and give yourselves a pre-Christmas treat.

A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS STORY


There have been countless retellings of the Christmas story but few as tender and touching as this. While intended for young readers it will appeal to all ages with its unique narrative and irresistible illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Few of Grandpa's relatives really believe his story but they always look forward to hearing it on Christmas Eve. He tells it in the same way each time, beginning with "When I was very little....."

As a boy he tended sheep with his father, uncle, and older brothers. One cold, starry night they were visited by the angel Gabriel who told them of an amazing birth, and invited them to come and see the baby for themselves. Well, of course, someone had to stay with the sheep while the other shepherds went over the hill to Bethlehem. Since Grandpa was the youngest he was left behind.

Oh, how he cried and wailed as he watched the others disappear into the night. He shouted, "It's not fair!" And then Gabriel made a return visit, offering to carry the boy to Bethlehem.

Young readers will be delighted with the outcome of this story, and adults may wish they could believe it. Whatever the case, "On Angel Wings" is sure to become a family Christmas favorite.

- Gail Cooke