I used this beautifully and simply written book, with my kindergarten class. It does not tell about Mary's entire life, only the annunciation and nativity of Jesus. The book has gorgeous illustrations full of details that the kindergarteners enjoyed discussing. The story brought tears to my eyes. ( )

I do agree with some of the early reviewers that at first this book starts off unusual and as though you had missed a page. However, once you have read through the story, you realize that you are listening to the voice of Mary and possibly her perspective of what the night of Jesus' birth was like for her. I admit, I was more mesmerized by the lovely illustrations, than I was the story at first. I was preparing this book for my granddaughter's Christmas advent books to read, and I know she will enjoy the artwork, the stable animals, and the animal sounds. But then I thought of another family member who recently experienced an unexpected early delivery and did not have the chance to hold her baby immediately and how she would likely relate to this song of Mary, who maybe just wanted to sing a lullaby to her newborn child. It occurred to me that this story really is a unique one than can tie in a mother's love for her child, who she is holding on her lap and reading this story, and the love that Mary was wanting to express to Jesus, in the midst of all the interruptions that came to her that night. Together, mother and child can be enveloped in the awe of the First Christmas with the reading of this book.

Mary's Song
Summary:
"Mary's Song" by Lee Bennett Hopkins is a story that tells about the birth of Jesus, but it explains Mary's point of view on what was going to happen to her and how she will have a child named Jesus.

Personal Reaction:
I love the pictures and how they are very colorful. I absolutely would read this book around Christmas time.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1.I would read this book to my students around Christmas time and kinda teach them about why we celebrate Christmas.
2. I would have the kids color pictures of animals.

This book has beautiful illustrations, but the beginning doesn't really make sense. It turns out it is quite poetic, and after reading it a time or two the reader can understand she it is going, but I don't think children would "get it". However, it's so quick to read and lovely to look at that it may not matter to kids. ( )

I really liked the illustrations for this book. They are in a style I like, not strictly realistic, but enough so that kids can easily see what they are. I'm not as attached, however, to the actual story. As an adult I was a bit confuse by the beginning (I went back to make sure I hadn't missed a page) and I don't think a young child will really "get" the story. It would make a nice addition to a collection of Christmas stories, but it isn't the first book I'd get. ( )