The Shy Little Angel

by Ruth Brown

One little angel is reluctant to join the others in rejoicing at the birth of Jesus in a school recreation of the Nativity.

Beloved author Ruth Brown has created a magically surprising Christmas story in which things are never as they appear.

Genres: Mystery, Picture Books, Childrens, Christmas, Fantasy, Holiday, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Born in 1941, Ruth Brown is the creator of some of Britain's best loved children's books. She has created a great many picture books for Andersen Press and is highly respected as an author and illustrator.
She attended Bournemouth College of Art, 1957–59; Birmingham College of Art, degree (with first-class honors), 1961; Royal College of Art, M.A., 1964.
She is married to artist Ken Brown and they have two grown-up sons and one grandchild.

Reviews

[J9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I'm a practicing Christian, I don't often actively choose books with Christian values or themes and this was no exception. Finding out that it was about the birth of Christ, was somewhat surprising. I've always loved Ruth Brown for her dark and mysterious illustrations, thinking maybe she had a little of a dark side with a hint of goth in her like me. That didn't seem to fit her being a Christian, so to have the plot of a book center around the nativity scene surprised me. The height of hypocrisy though, considering that's my personality type as well, and I am a Christian. Shame on me, eh? But overall, just another reason for me to love Brown, surprises around every corner in books that both my 3 yr old twins and my 5 yr old love.

[Gabriela Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cute read I really enjoyed reading the shy little angel but i was shook to see that she wasnt a real angel

[Lorraine Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really good book

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected surprise to it, I liked it

[Madisen Justesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shy Little Angel is an adorable story. It talks about the birth of Jesus and how all the angels need to be there but one angel does not want to go. I thought the depiction of the Shy Angel was well done. It is how a lot of kids feel sometimes. They don't want people staring at them it is nerve racking. The angel felt that way and I think the story is really nice for kids to read and whether the kid is religious or not they can relate to the character and can understand that it is OK to be shy.

[Chloe Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful and something that I would want to own in my home. When I was first reading it I did not expect the ending which was kind of fun in a children's picture book. I think the art work was really great and drew your attention to it. It would also be a wonderful book to help children find and see different clues and foreshadowing of how the story will end.It has a mystery in the book but not overwhelming for young children to understand so I think it is a great choice for a younger age of children.

[Toryn Coombs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book with a little twist on the end. This is a good book to read to children as they learn to find clues by looking at the words and the pictures in the story. Though it is about Christ's birth i feel that it was mellow enough that it could be read in a classroom. The illustrations were beautifully done and the clues with in the pictures are subtle yet still bring the pictures to life.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally caught by surprise when reading this book. I thought it was clever! It doesn't fit the typical mystery outline but it still has a hint of mystery and shock. There are little hints throughout that seem obvious once you finish the book but while reading, I did not pick up on them. I think this is a good book for younger kids because it is simple but it could potentially go over their head.

[Rebecca Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and a little unexpected, "The Shy Little Angel" is a great way to introduce riddles in the classroom. With little hints given throughout the book, it is interesting to see when the children notice what's really going on and who will speak up first! This book also has a great message about overcoming fears and learning to enjoy the show from the inside view!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute way to read the Christmas Story. It's told as if in biblical times, but at the end you see that it is a school production and the shy little angel just has stage fright. This was cute for my son and I'll keep it in mind for next year too.

[Ashley Whiteley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very lovable book. It is not what you expect. It is full of magic and personality. The pictures are painted with watercolors and make the illustrations different from normal.I loved this book.

[Lierin Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a cute little book that introduces mystery to children. You could have the children look at the words and the pictures to discover the clues to solving the mystery. This book could not only be used for mysteries but for Christmas as well.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how the book leads you to believe that it is a real angel. The girl turns out to be in a play. I like that she is so into the play that it feels real to her. Easy to teach how into a student can be in his/her a part in a play.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little story! I love the artwork in this book. This is a great book to introduce mysteries to children and talk about the clues the author gave to let you know the setting of the story isn't what you originally think it is.

[Victoria Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book that requires children to gather clues and think about what's happening in the story. A great teaching method for teachers to use about attention to detail. Overall a great read and for many will leave you in wonder at the end.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is about a little angel who is too shy to come to the birth of Jesus, but in the end you find out it's for a play. The switch could be a little confusing for some kids, but over all it's a nice story and the angel is believable as a little kid.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book.

[Nicole Packer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super cute! I really liked it and I think it would be a fun book to read to little kids in the classroom! I definitely want this book when I become a teacher.

[Crysta Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to introduce looking for clues. Very sweet story. Just so you know it sounds religious at the start, but it really isn't.

[Morgan Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how the illustrations were done in this book.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book about a young angel who is too afraid to go.... Could be used to encourage children to perform their parts when needed.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok little book, but not my favorite. My four year old dint quote understand the angel was a girl in a play.

[Alissa Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little Christmas story.