The Lion, the Unicorn and Me

Jeanette Winterson's beautiful retelling of the Christmas story is seen through the eyes of a donkey, present at the Nativity.

The donkey is chosen to carry Mary to Bethlehem by an angel who prizes the animal’s humility over the regal prowess of a lion and the mystery of a unicorn. The donkey bears witness to the birth of Jesus in the stable and is touched by an angel in the process.

Winterson’s writing style is gently humorous and her language delightful – a zebra is ‘painted black and white like an argument’ and the angel who summons the shepherds to the stable, is ‘as bright as hope and fast as a chance’.

The illustrations in this book are exquisite and as the story progresses they are splashed with gold, making them look even more special.

A perfect story for sharing with children as Christmas Day approaches.