On Angel Wings

By Michael Morpurgo

Book Overview

A young boy gets his wish after the other shepherds leave him behind, in this golden, heartwarming holiday tale from a leading author and a beloved illustrator. Full color.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763634662
• ISBN13: 9780763634667
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Candlewick
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.3" x 0.4" x 6.4"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

terrific story

My 5 yr old daughter got this for Christmas from her Grandmother. I was really impressed by the pictures; they are bright and imaginative. The story is compelling, fun and rich.

Amazing

In one week, this little book has become the one begged for nightly by our children. With Mr Morpurgo's recrafting of the Christmas story from the p-o-v of a shepherd boy, we are transported, too, on angel wings and reminded that God cares for all of us and is with us right where we are. On Angel Wings is charming, and will be one excitedly pulled down from the shelf year after year.

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