A friend of mine asked me other day about the book Destination: Bethlehem that was was published last fall. I just learned of it myself, after seeing so many bloggers' recommendations as well as the excellent review in the latest issue of Mater et Magistra.
After considering Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels and Bartholomew's Passage I decided to order Destination: Bethlehem to see if we would like to add this book to our ever-growing advent traditions after hearing that the other books might be a bit on the scary side for young children.
A book that we have read several years in a row that I can recommend is Mary's Little Donkey and the Flight to Egypt. This sweet twenty-one chapter book was first published in Swedish and translated to English in 1979. The Nativity story is told through the eyes of Mary's donkey, from the time he first joined the holy family, through the birth of Jesus, the Epiphany, the Flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth. Our children have enjoyed this story from the time they were about four or five. They were all looking forward to reading it again until I told them we would be giving Destination: Bethlehem a try.
The next few days here at Pinewood Castle will be enjoyed with a field trip to Cabela's, grocery shopping, crafts, baking, Enchanted Learning pages, hosting Thanksgiving dinner for grandparents, a visit to the new Benjamin Franklin exhibit at the MHS, a turkey class at the nature center, the putting away of autumn decorations, setting our advent displays and deciding just when to set up our Christmas tree. This will actually be a nice change of pace from last week's activities consisting of one piano recital, two violin lessons, three play rehearsals, two performances of the play Rescue in the Night (Daniel and the Lion's Den) and one First Mass (in the U.S.A) and reception for a friend's brother who was recently ordained for a Benedictine order in Norcia, Italy. Can you tell I am happy to be feeling better and able to get out & about?
Happy Advent planning to you all and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings to you!
