The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas

Perhaps the idea of a grumpy something-or-other who doesn’t appreciate all this disruption to his quiet stable is a little hackneyed, but it works. It’s a great gift for a child whose family aren’t necessarily sold-out Christians, as it’s gentle and unassuming, and the ‘grumpy owl’ main character brings the book in line with other popular children’s books, rather than the focus being on Mary and Joseph.

The grumpy owl leaves his stable to try and find peace elsewhere, but finds that every place he goes is noisier, less appealing or even dangerous. He ends up returning to the stable and to Jesus. I’m sure there’s a teaching point in there somewhere! 

NB Since review, this book has been re-released by Church House Publishing, with new illustrations by Jago. The above review is of the Scripture Union release, with illustrations by Jake Biggin. Both versions are still available at time of writing.