Our Lady of Fatima the Prophet
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I loved reading picture books to my kids, especially at Christmastime. Recently I read The Grump Old Ox by Anthony DeStefano and found it to be a charming and beautifully illustrated book (illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Richard Cowdrey). The picture book is bright and appealing, not only to children, but also to adults. As a former elementary teacher, I like the bright colors and I know the educational value of the rhyming story. Catholic religious lessons are gift-wrapped in this book. The tale weaves the classic gospel details of the Nativity into an entertaining story about a grumpy ox.
The story begins with a nearly blind and limping ox who doesn't like anyone. He is prideful and angry. When a young couple arrives at his stable because there is no room at the inn, the ox notices something is unique about the events that unfold. He feels sorry for the pregnant lady. Soon a baby is born and starlight floods the stable. Some visitor arrive but the blind ox can't see and wishes for sight. The rest of the tale is delightful. The well-done illustrations help children understand the gospel in a memorable way.
The scene of the ox giving his straw to Mary to keep Jesus warm, and then giving his pail of water to wash the newborn baby is a teachable moment for parents and grandparents to explain our Catholic Mass to children. The subtle connection of this act reflects what we do at every Mass, offer the gifts of bread and wine made by human hands that becomes the Holy Body and Blood of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The wonderful interweaving of the Nativity story and the ox's personal story is masterfully done. It seems so simple to offer the gift of the straw, but the outward sign reflects the ox's change of heart. He begins the story as a prideful beast, and ends the story as a humble believer in Christ's Divine nature.
It is that time of year when we think of Christmas. I know that my children benefited greatly for having books read to them. So I recommend this special book for child ages four (for a read-to book) to nine. The Grump Old Ox will be one to read for many Christmases.
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A long time ago I thought I was a writer. Because my parents were practical, I went into teaching. About ten years ago, I began to write again.
I hold a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University (University Park). I enjoy gardening, reading, Pittsburgh sports, and cooking, but not in that order. My regular job is being a wife and mother.
