From Publishers Weekly
Young readers spend some time in Mary's shoes in this quietly inspirational story of how the young woman accepted the immense challenge and blessing of being Jesus' mother. In fluid rhyming text, Mackall depicts Mary in all her humanity, as she experiences shame, doubt, fear and pain, ultimately calmed by her strong faith.

REVIEW
This is one of my all time favorite Christmas stories. Every time we read it I cry. The story depicts Mary as a young girl preparing for marriage on the first page and then leads the reader through a series of choices/events that led to Jesus' birth. The author does a wonderful job of illustrating really how a series of choices shaped the miraculous event of Jesus' birth.

The story is essentially a poem with just a few lines on each page but each one is so powerful. Ms. Mackall uses beautiful poetic language to express Mary's emotions at pivotal stages throughtout the story. One senses her humanity but also her deep faith. It really touches my mother's heart each time I read about Mary's struggles, her pains, her fears, her joy and her ultimate triumph. We have this book with our Christmas 'stuff' and use it as a centerpiece of our Christmas decorating. A wonderful family read aloud throughout Advent or on Christmas Eve. My boys (and I!!) enjoy reading it independently as well.

As with any quality picture book you can use this for the very young all the way to adults. The story is touching and timeless. The illustrations are beautiful.