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The Story of the Wise Men
Learn all about the Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem in this colorful board book, perfect for little ones curious about the story behind their Nativity set. From Patricia A. Pingry, the bestselling author of The Story of Christmas, comes a biblically faithful retelling of the journey of the wise men. This little board book begins with the appearance of the star in the sky on the night of Jesus's birth; follows the wise men's long journey to Bethlehem, including their visit with King Herod; and culminates with the wise men presenting gifts to Jesus as he sits on his mother's lap. With simple vocabulary and fresh, contemporary illustrations, this book will make the perfect addition to the beloved The Story of .... series.
- GenresChristmas
24 pages, Hardcover
Published October 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 12, 2021
Scripture Connection
The narrative follows the account of the shepherds and the wisemen, as described in Matthew 2.
Spiritual Themes
In accordance with the biblical narrative, I think that a key theme in the story is the kingship of Jesus. We see Herod’s indignation because of it!
What I Liked
From what I can tell, this is a faithful account of the Bible story. In fact, it encouraged me to examine the Christmas story for myself, due to a detail that I had wrong in my head. I imagined the wisemen clustered around the manger (thanks, Little Drummer Boy / every nativity scene), but they actually arrived at the house where Jesus and His parents were staying. (The story feature the “traditional” three wisemen.)
Along a similar line, extra-textual details were explanatory, not extrapolative (say that five times fast!). For instance, “they packed chests and loaded camels.” Obviously, this isn’t an actual sentence from the Bible story, but it’s a perfectly reasonable inference, given the way people would have traveled at that time and in those parts.
The author uses descriptive language that both builds vocabulary and conveys meaning in an interesting way. Herod doesn’t merely “say” things. He “yell[s]” and “bellow[s],” much to the discomfit of his historians, who merely “whisper” in response.
Illustrations
The illustrations were cute, colorful and a bit cartoonish— definitely befitting of a board book.
I appreciated that the characters weren’t a bunch of white men and women, because this is sometimes how Western society presents people from the Bible. The wisemen also seemed to represent three distinct cultures, as they each wore different colors and styles of clothing.
I also like the artiste’s use of curves and geometric shapes, such as the columns and textiles in Herod’s palace. Most striking to me was the illustration of the star in the final panel, which actually looks like the moon!
Recommendation Status
This is an excellent little nativity story for young children. Because of the close adherence to the biblical text, I really feel that this could actually be used in the same way a children’s Bible would be used. It tells the story in a way that will make sense to children and I think the pictures really help to deepen understanding, as well.
I could also see this book incorporated into a family’s advent traditions.
The narrative follows the account of the shepherds and the wisemen, as described in Matthew 2.
Spiritual Themes
In accordance with the biblical narrative, I think that a key theme in the story is the kingship of Jesus. We see Herod’s indignation because of it!
What I Liked
From what I can tell, this is a faithful account of the Bible story. In fact, it encouraged me to examine the Christmas story for myself, due to a detail that I had wrong in my head. I imagined the wisemen clustered around the manger (thanks, Little Drummer Boy / every nativity scene), but they actually arrived at the house where Jesus and His parents were staying. (The story feature the “traditional” three wisemen.)
Along a similar line, extra-textual details were explanatory, not extrapolative (say that five times fast!). For instance, “they packed chests and loaded camels.” Obviously, this isn’t an actual sentence from the Bible story, but it’s a perfectly reasonable inference, given the way people would have traveled at that time and in those parts.
The author uses descriptive language that both builds vocabulary and conveys meaning in an interesting way. Herod doesn’t merely “say” things. He “yell[s]” and “bellow[s],” much to the discomfit of his historians, who merely “whisper” in response.
Illustrations
The illustrations were cute, colorful and a bit cartoonish— definitely befitting of a board book.
I appreciated that the characters weren’t a bunch of white men and women, because this is sometimes how Western society presents people from the Bible. The wisemen also seemed to represent three distinct cultures, as they each wore different colors and styles of clothing.
I also like the artiste’s use of curves and geometric shapes, such as the columns and textiles in Herod’s palace. Most striking to me was the illustration of the star in the final panel, which actually looks like the moon!
Recommendation Status
This is an excellent little nativity story for young children. Because of the close adherence to the biblical text, I really feel that this could actually be used in the same way a children’s Bible would be used. It tells the story in a way that will make sense to children and I think the pictures really help to deepen understanding, as well.
I could also see this book incorporated into a family’s advent traditions.
December 11, 2021
The biblical story of the wise men and their journey to see the newly born King is eloquently told in this sweet little board book. It begins with the angels telling the shepherds the good news and closes with the wise men worshipping Jesus before returning home.
I love how this children’s story is scriptural, following the story in the Bible very closely, yet making it simpler for young readers and listeners. The illustrations are vivid and diverse, helping to convey the culture of the time, how the wise men traveled, and the gifts they brought to the new King.
The Story of the Wise Men is going on my keeper shelf to read to my grandkids each year! It is a wonderful introduction to the story of Christ’s birth.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
I love how this children’s story is scriptural, following the story in the Bible very closely, yet making it simpler for young readers and listeners. The illustrations are vivid and diverse, helping to convey the culture of the time, how the wise men traveled, and the gifts they brought to the new King.
The Story of the Wise Men is going on my keeper shelf to read to my grandkids each year! It is a wonderful introduction to the story of Christ’s birth.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
December 16, 2021
The Story of the Wise Men by Patricia A. Pingry is a wonderful board book to share with pre-school age children about the Christmas story. I found this book to tell the Christmas story from the Bible in a way that young children can understand it and yet it retains the accuracy from the Bible. I was impressed with this book, both for the quality of the story-telling and for the lovely illustrations.
This 24 page book has brightly colored eye-catching illustrations. It is also a good size, about 6 inches square for young children to hold in their hands and turn the thick pages themselves.The Story of the Wise Men would be a good book to read every year with the young children in your family or at church activities.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
This 24 page book has brightly colored eye-catching illustrations. It is also a good size, about 6 inches square for young children to hold in their hands and turn the thick pages themselves.The Story of the Wise Men would be a good book to read every year with the young children in your family or at church activities.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
December 11, 2021
This would be a wonderful bedtime story to read around Christmas time.
December 11, 2021
“When the wise men went in, they saw the child on his mother’s lap. They placed their gifts in front of him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” Patricia A. Pingry retells the Christmas story in her children’s book, The Story of the Wise Men.
~ What ~
This twenty-page board book with rounded corners targets children ages one to four years old. With no scary scenes, it contains the story of the wise men visiting baby Jesus. Colorful, engaging illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read font size.
Beginning with the shepherds being visited by angels, the read has the wise men seeing a new star in the sky and decide to follow it. When they tell King Herod about searching for a new King, he angrily sends them away. The men find the newborn Savior and worship Him, departing a different way.
~Why ~
This is a thoughtful short story about Jesus being born and the wise men coming to visit Him. I appreciate it is Biblical by not stating there were three kings and adding King Herod’s reaction. There is enough activity in the pictures to keep a child interested while reading.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that explains the real meaning of Christmas is about Jesus’s birth. There are many complicated words that young ones may not understand or comprehend, but they could be explained by the reader. The book may be too hard for beginner readers.
~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of God and Jesus were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a Christmas book for toddlers about Jesus and what the wise men went through to see the Christ child, this would be cherished each holiday season of their young lives.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This twenty-page board book with rounded corners targets children ages one to four years old. With no scary scenes, it contains the story of the wise men visiting baby Jesus. Colorful, engaging illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read font size.
Beginning with the shepherds being visited by angels, the read has the wise men seeing a new star in the sky and decide to follow it. When they tell King Herod about searching for a new King, he angrily sends them away. The men find the newborn Savior and worship Him, departing a different way.
~Why ~
This is a thoughtful short story about Jesus being born and the wise men coming to visit Him. I appreciate it is Biblical by not stating there were three kings and adding King Herod’s reaction. There is enough activity in the pictures to keep a child interested while reading.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that explains the real meaning of Christmas is about Jesus’s birth. There are many complicated words that young ones may not understand or comprehend, but they could be explained by the reader. The book may be too hard for beginner readers.
~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of God and Jesus were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a Christmas book for toddlers about Jesus and what the wise men went through to see the Christ child, this would be cherished each holiday season of their young lives.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
December 11, 2021
Star of Wonder!
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2021/12/10/... THANK YOU!
This charming picture book tells the miraculous story of Jesus’ birth on a child’s level. Join the wonder of that night when the shepherds hear the good news from a sky full of angels. While in another part of the world, wise men find a new, gigantic star, so bright it lights up the sky. They drop everything to follow it.
Their journey takes them many miles. They must cross the desert, and deal with the ravings of King Herod who is frightened he will be replaced by a new king. But they do not give up, and keep following the star. That is how they end up in the house Jesus, Mary and Joseph are living in, where they can worship the new king and give him gifts.
This old story is made new again through simple words meant for a child’s understanding. The illustrations are bright, beautiful and draw young ones into the story. Children will thrill to hear of the escape the wise men made from King Herod by not going back, along with the bright star in the sky that led them to Jesus. I highly recommend this five-plus star book to all children everywhere from ages one through five-years-old.
Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Story of the Wise Men, for the purpose of review.
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2021/12/10/... THANK YOU!
This charming picture book tells the miraculous story of Jesus’ birth on a child’s level. Join the wonder of that night when the shepherds hear the good news from a sky full of angels. While in another part of the world, wise men find a new, gigantic star, so bright it lights up the sky. They drop everything to follow it.
Their journey takes them many miles. They must cross the desert, and deal with the ravings of King Herod who is frightened he will be replaced by a new king. But they do not give up, and keep following the star. That is how they end up in the house Jesus, Mary and Joseph are living in, where they can worship the new king and give him gifts.
This old story is made new again through simple words meant for a child’s understanding. The illustrations are bright, beautiful and draw young ones into the story. Children will thrill to hear of the escape the wise men made from King Herod by not going back, along with the bright star in the sky that led them to Jesus. I highly recommend this five-plus star book to all children everywhere from ages one through five-years-old.
Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Story of the Wise Men, for the purpose of review.
December 13, 2021
This little board book is a great retelling of the story of the wise men. The story begins with the angels appearing to shepherds. The angels announce the good news of a baby born in Bethlehem and the shepherds race to the manger. Next is the wise men, far away. Seeing the star, they know they must follow it. Their visit to Herod is told and then their continued journey presenting gifts to Jesus as he sits in his mother's lap. The last we see of the wise men is their going off on a different way.
I like that Pingry distinguishes the immediate visit of the shepherds and the later one from the wise men. I also like that the story ends before Herod decides further action. The vocabulary is simple, suitable for preschoolers. The illustrations by Alice Buckingham are well done. They are simple yet give a good impression of the actual events.
This is a good addition to books for youngsters introducing them to aspects of the Christmas story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like that Pingry distinguishes the immediate visit of the shepherds and the later one from the wise men. I also like that the story ends before Herod decides further action. The vocabulary is simple, suitable for preschoolers. The illustrations by Alice Buckingham are well done. They are simple yet give a good impression of the actual events.
This is a good addition to books for youngsters introducing them to aspects of the Christmas story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 10, 2021
A Cherished Bible Story for Young Children
In simple words, Patricia A. Pingry captures the Bible story of three wise men who followed a star and came to see Jesus, the promised Messiah and King. As Pingry writes, “Far away, wise men scanned the sky. They looked for comets. They searched the stars. One night they saw a new star—a supersized star! Night after night they watched the star move across the sky. “We must follow it.” They said” (Page 5-6). The star guided them with their gifts to see the baby Jesus and they worshiped him.
Parents, grandparents, teachers and others can use this board book over and over to teach THE STORY OF THE WISE MEN. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
In simple words, Patricia A. Pingry captures the Bible story of three wise men who followed a star and came to see Jesus, the promised Messiah and King. As Pingry writes, “Far away, wise men scanned the sky. They looked for comets. They searched the stars. One night they saw a new star—a supersized star! Night after night they watched the star move across the sky. “We must follow it.” They said” (Page 5-6). The star guided them with their gifts to see the baby Jesus and they worshiped him.
Parents, grandparents, teachers and others can use this board book over and over to teach THE STORY OF THE WISE MEN. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
December 11, 2021
The Story of the Wise Men is organized into simple sentences and paragraphs. This organization is sufficient for ages 1-4.
The literary tool employed to help tell the story is imagery. The illustration on the front cover presents the Wise Men which is what the story is about. The primary medium used in the illustrations is colorful drawings.
The Story of the Wise Men is a wonderful biblically-accurate tale. The Story of the Wise Men would make a great Christmas gift.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The literary tool employed to help tell the story is imagery. The illustration on the front cover presents the Wise Men which is what the story is about. The primary medium used in the illustrations is colorful drawings.
The Story of the Wise Men is a wonderful biblically-accurate tale. The Story of the Wise Men would make a great Christmas gift.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 15, 2021
I love board books for toddlers. They are a great way to introduce young ones to books without being concerned about them tearing the book apart. Patricia Pingry tells the Christmas story focusing on the Wise Men. The story is told in such a way that little ones will begin understanding the importance of Jesus and that people came a long way to visit him after he was born. The illustrations are just the right size so that adults can ask children to point out characters and other aspects of the story with their little fingers. The Story of the Wise Men could become a holiday favorite.
Because The Story of the Wise Men is a board book, it probably is not appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of The Story of the Wise Men. This is my honest review.
Because The Story of the Wise Men is a board book, it probably is not appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of The Story of the Wise Men. This is my honest review.
December 11, 2021
This picture book is a nice , simple version of the story of the Wise Men and their journey finding the Baby Jesus. Although the story just ends- it just has the men leaving, and "avoiding" King Herod, and simplifies Herod's jealousy of Jesus (he is mad cause he thought he was the only king, and not the parts about wanting to kill the male babies and Jesus).
This is a nice version for Christian young readers to enjoy the birth of Jesus, with nice illustrations as well.
For an in depth review, visit my blog at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
This is a nice version for Christian young readers to enjoy the birth of Jesus, with nice illustrations as well.
For an in depth review, visit my blog at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
December 21, 2021
Upon seeing this book for the first time, my four-year old immediately said, “this story’s about Jesus!”
This colourful board book written by Patricia A. Pingry, shares the story of the three Wise Men from the moment they see the star in the sky right through their journey to worship King Jesus.
Whereas many Christmas/nativity stories include the story of the Wise Men, this book is solely about the three. If you are looking for a simple and straightforward retelling of the story of the three Wise Men, this book is one to consider.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
This colourful board book written by Patricia A. Pingry, shares the story of the three Wise Men from the moment they see the star in the sky right through their journey to worship King Jesus.
Whereas many Christmas/nativity stories include the story of the Wise Men, this book is solely about the three. If you are looking for a simple and straightforward retelling of the story of the three Wise Men, this book is one to consider.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
January 3, 2026
Received as a Christmas gift from a family member who clearly doesn’t believe children’s books need to have a meaning nor a beginning, middle and end. I’m left utterly confused and convinced that there are missing pages to the book we received and realizing this kind of tactic in Children’s literature has been around for some time - prime example - https://clip.cafe/elf-2003/even-those...
October 28, 2021
A cute little story that gives a basic understanding of the Wise Men and their travel. The board book is the perfect size and the illustrations are beautiful. There are some gaps that I needed to fill in or expand on when I read the book to my daughter but that’s the nature of a board book. Great little story and perfect for Christmas. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
December 10, 2021
What isn't there to love about this precious, well-told story of the Wise Men. Pingry gets it right - those wise men weren't at the manger - but they did visit when Jesus was a toddler on his Momma's lap.
The story is told perfectly without the scary parts.
I highly recommend for 1 - 7 year olds. The pages are heavy corrugated stock so a young toddler can easily turn the pages.
The story is told perfectly without the scary parts.
I highly recommend for 1 - 7 year olds. The pages are heavy corrugated stock so a young toddler can easily turn the pages.
October 19, 2021
This is a cute little addition to your Christmas collection. The illustrations are great, and the story is fun. It’s a board book, so must by necessity be simple. This shows another facet of the Christmas story.
January 30, 2022
This was a short and sweet book for children that tells the story of the three wise men and how they ended up on an excursion to Bethlehem. I really loved the illustrations and how vibrant the colors were. This would be a fun book for kids to read right before Christmas.
January 29, 2026
Dad and Jack borrowed this book from the library because it's Epiphany season, and we've read some other books in this series. Jack asked to read it when they got home. He loved the bright star, the animals, and Baby Jesus. The book ends in kind of a weirdly abrupt way.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews