Das Lied des Engels

by Kerstin Hau, Selda Marlin Soganci (Illustrator)

Engel helfen den Menschen auf vielfältige Weise: Sie trösten, beschützen oder heilen. Nur ein kleiner Engel kann seine Bestimmung einfach nicht finden. Am Weihnachtsabend dann erklingt eine Melodie, die alle Menschen froh macht – es ist das Lied des Engels. Mit einem Mal spürt er: Seine Gabe ist es, das Wunder der Weihnacht zu den Menschen zu bringen. Kerstin Hau erzählt eine zarte, berührende Weihnachtsgeschichte. Selda Marlin Soganci setzt sie in ihrem besonderen Stil illustrativ in Szene: Sie malt mit Gouache und Stiften auf Fichtenholz. Die Holzmaserung schimmert durch ihre Illustrationen und verleiht den Bildern eine ganz eigene Wirkung und Wärme.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2024

Reviews

[Darlene Messenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale is one of childhood wonder and spirituality. An angel has difficulty finding his purpose. On Christmas Eve, he comes to know his worth and delights in his abilities to share his gift. The illustrator has done a fine job of nostalgic artwork similar to the German folklore books of years gone by. Delightful

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Angel's Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a children's book that follows a young angel who sets out to find the perfect song to celebrate Christmas. The story centers on the angel's journey, meeting other angels who offer their own songs, ultimately leading to a discovery about the true spirit of Christmas.

While the premise is cute and has potential, I found the story somewhat lackluster. It didn’t capture the warm, festive Christmassy vibes I expected from a book marketed as a Christmas tale. The narrative felt flat, and I wonder if something was lost in translation, as the emotional depth didn’t quite resonate. The illustrations, unfortunately, didn’t help elevate the experience. They were dull and uninspiring, lacking the vibrant charm that could have brought the story to life. The lackluster visuals likely contributed to the overall sense of boredom I felt while reading. That said, the book’s message about finding joy in simplicity is sweet, and younger readers might still enjoy the gentle adventure. However, for me, it didn’t fully deliver as a memorable Christmas story. Three stars for a cute but underwhelming effort.

I received a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Tahira Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tender holiday tale centers on a little angel who longs to share her own Christmas song with the world. Despite her best efforts, she struggles to find her voice among the joyous sounds of the season. Guided by quiet determination and an open heart, the angel discovers that music doesn’t have to be perfect to touch others—it simply needs to be genuine.
Hau’s gentle storytelling captures the warmth, hope, and wonder of the holiday season, while Soganci’s textured mixed-media illustrations evoke a cozy, handcrafted quality that pairs beautifully with the narrative. Reichel’s translation preserves the lyrical tone, making the story accessible without losing its poetic charm.
Perfect for holiday read-alouds, this book encourages children to embrace their own unique gifts and to share them with others.
Verdict: A heartwarming addition to Christmas picture book collections; recommended for preschool and early elementary readers, as well as for seasonal displays and gift-giving.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

One little angel wonders what type of angel they are, so they try out different things until they discover their true purpose on Christmas Eve.

Little Angel’s Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a beautifully told, stunningly illustrated story of an angel seeking their purpose. The little angel knows that every angel is created with a special purpose, but theirs seems to elude them. They try and try, but nothing seems to work right, until the sounds of bells ring in the air on Christmas Eve.

After reading two humorous titles in a row, stepping back to approach a touching, heartwarming story like Little Angel’s Christmas Song was such a treasure. The folk-inspired artwork by Sela Marlin Soganci is just as lovely and wonderful as the story by Hau.

Young readers ages 4 to 8 will enjoy following along this little angel’s journey to find its special and meaningful purpose.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

An angel finds he cannot do anything for humanity until he has worked out what it is he can offer. He can't be a guardian, and he finds himself no good at healing people. But over the horizon comes the music of Christmas – what would happen when he joins in? Interesting art has come from the creator concerned painting this on spruce wood, allowing the texture and colour of the material to come through in different amounts wherever we look. But it wasn't a style that really suited me, and having the angel so androgynous and in calf-length heeled boots looks rum. Neither did I get the sense of the story being that wonderful – it could be one of those 'we all have a unique talent' messages, but here that's exclusive to angels, and it certainly didn't give the impression of a Christmas classic in the waiting. Still, it could well be worth your look.

[Christine Sturman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Angel needs to find his purpose. Follow him in Kerstin Hau’s book “Little Angel’s Christmas Song” as he shadows other angels to find out what he is meant to do in time for Christmas.

This is a simple cute children’s story about finding one’s place. It shares the message that one needs to try different things to find the thing that is the best fit. The illustrations by Selda Marlin Soganci are more whimsical than I would like, but that is just me. This would be a great children’s storytime read-a-loud book.

I want to thank NorthSouth Books for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#LittleAngel’sChristmasSong
#NorthSouthBooks
#Children’sFiction
#Christmas
#Religion/Spirituality

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute children's book where Angel wants to find the perfect song for Christmas. The message was cute, but the best part of the book was the illustrations. I think this book would fit well in Pre-K to early elementary readings during a lesson about various holidays or celebrations. I could possibly use this book in middle grades focused on the relationship between art and text.

I will recommend this book to my early ages coteacher friends. I think it is a good addition to winter holidays and celebrations and illustrations.

I was given the opportunity to read this story by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin with, I was attracted to this book because of the folk art style used by the illustrator. As I was reading, I found it to be a non-exclusive Christmas story. Although there are angels, they’re not quite what we typically imagine—and that makes it even more delightful. It’s a joyful story about a good-hearted little angel, filled with warmth and gentle lessons for those who are paying attention. At the same time, it can simply be enjoyed as a sweet Christmas tale. I think this is a wonderful story that could easily become a family favorite during the holiday season.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Angel's Christmas Song is a heartwarming tale about a little angel searching for its purpose. It's charming and full of festive vibes. Based on the cover, I wasn't sure I would appreciate the illustrations, but to my pleasant surprise, I actually very much enjoyed them. I believe the cover doesn't fully do justice to the content. Other than that, a recommended piece for children and grownups alike!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Angel's Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau is a beautifully illustrated story about an angel learning what an angel should be and finding their purpose.

This book is a sweet Christmas Story that would be a great bedtime read around the holidays.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.

[Angeline Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the gorgeous old world illustrations although I do wish that the little angel, who is a little boy, actually looked more like a little boy. That being said, it has a great message and as it is not exclusively a Christmas story, it could be read to the little ones anytime of year.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

A sweet little picture book about a angel trying to find out what type of angel they are. They try different ways of being an angel and finally find out that they are a Christmas angel who's song fills people with joy.

[Christie Guillory · Rating 4 out of 5]

With beautiful illustrations and a well written Christmas story, this children's book is a keeper for year round reading with the family. Thank you, NetGalley and Northsouth books, for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic copy from NorthSouth Books Inc. through NetGalley.
Readers meet a little angel who does not know what his role is. He knows he is being called to go to Earth but not what to do there. He listens to advice from the Big Angels and observes several of them at work. I appreciate how gently they interact and he realizes which roles are not his. Finally on Christmas Eve, he figures out that he is a Christmas Angel who brings light and comfort. The facial expressions in the artwork capture the whole story along with the text.