Publisher’s Weekly – Samson’s Gift, by Ellen Jean Diederich
A lamb explains how his fine wool proved fit for a king in this tender hearted Nativity tale, published by the author/artist. Orphaned during a wolf attack that killed his mother, Samson was rescued by shepherds and adopted as the favorite of one shepherd’s daughter, Tedra. The lamb’s unusually rich coat – and Tedra’s pleas – earn him protection from an early shearing, a circumstance that puts him in good standing as he and Tedra accompany the three traveling kings seeking “a new baby king” in a nearby stable. Upon seeing the infant wrapped in rags, Samson sacrifices his special wool “to protect the baby from the prickly straw.” Diederich’s rough textured, Neo-impressionist style paintings blend watercolors and acrylics in softly lit tones, creating an idyllic setting. A closing page of “Sheep and Wool Fun Facts” is included. Ages 5 and up.
Samson’s Gift ISBN: 9780972865463
Written & Illustrated by Ellen Jean Diederich
Edited by Cynthia Nelson
ISBN: 9780972865463
Price: $19.95
32 pages Binding: Hardcover Perfect Bound
Year of Publication: 2014