This story focuses on birds of all sizes and feathers excitedly sharing the news about the birth of a very special Baby. Guided by the star of Bethlehem, each of the birds offers a special gift to he Baby and His Mother to make Him more comfortable. All except for a small, shy bird who thinks that she doesn't have anything special to give. But her gift of love ends up being the one most valued, and she receives a special gift herself from the Baby's grateful Mother, one that all her descendants have to this day. Young readers will enjoy recognizing the familiar bird at the story's end reveal.

I'm fascinated by different cultures' animal folktales about the Nativity story. I like comparing and contrasting each culture's perspectives on the material. (The one about how tabby cats received their iconic "M" is one of my favorites, naturally.) book would make a good addition to a library's selection of Christmas and holiday folktales. The illustrations have a muted palette with splashes of bright colors like gold and red for emphasis. I love the illustration at the very end with the different species of birds sitting on one branch together. The message about the smallest, quietest bird being the one that has the most to offer is one that resonates well with children and adults, serving as a reminder that we all are worthy and needed, and have something special about ourselves that can be of help to others. I also love the way that the story reinforces how all gifts need not be material, and that things such as having compassion carry equal (if not greater in some cases) importance.


The book could benefit from notes about the exact country of origin for this particular story, as well as any other similar ones. The title only says that it comes from a "European" folktale but doesn't specify which region, although I imagine that families familiar with the story would have an idea where. Some clues are present in the slightly anachronistic illustrations (the depiction of the yarn ball, the design of the manger, birds that don't exist in that part of the world) but that context would still be helpful. I'd also like to hear more about the author's choice of this folktale, such as whether it's one that she heard growing up.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, William B. Eerdmans publishing, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. When a baby arrives in a manager, each bird wants to provide the new baby a gift. Lovely illustrations accompany each page.

The folkloric roots of this picture book which explains how the robin got its read breast make this seem pleasingly familiar. Olivia Armstrong has written a text that will read aloud well. What sets it apart are Mira Miroslavova's beautiful illustrations.. A great choice for family reading at Christmas.

Each of the birds from the Raven to the Robin was given a task on the night that the Christchild was born.
The illustrations by Mira Miroslavova are beautiful, gently colored, and show the meaning of the prose.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof on PDF from Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company via NetGalley. ***** review Pub Date Aug 12, 2025 @bookbub @goodreads #NetGalley @the.storygraph @librarythingofficial @childrensbookcouncil @bookshop_org #childrensbooks @bookshop_org_uk
#TheBirdsofChristmas by Olivia Armstrong and @miramiroslavova @eerdmans #storytelling
#PictureBook #kidlitart #Christmas #gifts #birds #picturebookart #MeaningofChristmas

This is based on an old European folk tale. It is a very different story than is normally told about the Christ child. This is about one little bird, a robin, and how it gets its red breast. And it does it by gathering the birds and the gift of the birds for the new baby. This was interesting and could very easily become a new tradition in many families.

A new take on the Christmas story with "The Birds of Christmas" The book follows the birth of Jesus through birds living near Bethlehem. The birds bring gifts and celebrate the Christmas story.

Absolutely beautiful illustrations. This story is a retelling of a famous European folktale. Perhaps I’m not the target audience for this book, but it felt a bit disjointed and odd.

If you’re into folktales or retellings of the nativity story (and you don’t mind creative liberties being taken with a famous story), then you will probably enjoy this book.

The Birds of Christmas is storyteller Olivia Armstrong's debut picture book. The story begins with a lone raven, out too late on a dark night. The Raven is witness to the rising of the Christmas star and the news of Jesus' birth and hurries to tell the other birds. The birds respond by by bringing gifts to the stable in Bethlehem. Little Robin thinks she has nothing to give, but then she sees a chance to help. Armstrong's story is beautifully illustrated by Mira Miroslavova, whose pictures make great use of light and dark contrasts. Little Robin shows how compassion and a response to needs observed leads to meaningful giving. This book would make a wonderful gift and could be enjoyed at any time of the year.

''One cold, dark December night, without a sliver of moonlight, without a glitter of starlight, Raven flew through the sky. He had stayed out far too late.

The frost wind ruffled his father as, far below, the little town of Bethlehem slept. A shining star burned above Raven, more dazzling than a thousand stars. Raven heard a shimmering, celestial voice say, ''A child has been born. He is the Prince of Peace. Go now, Raven, and tell the other birds''

The Birds of Christmas is a beautifully crafted folktale that reimagines the Nativity story through the eyes of a charming cast of birds, each eager to offer their own gift to the newborn baby in Bethlehem. Olivia Armstrong’s lyrical storytelling pairs perfectly with lush illustrations in blues and golds by Mira Miroslavova, creating a serene and magical atmosphere that gently invites young readers into the wonder of Christmas night.

What makes this story truly special is its warm message of compassion and the idea that even the smallest among us has something valuable to give. Little Robin’s journey from feeling powerless to discovering her own meaningful gift resonates as a tender lesson in kindness and self-worth, perfect for children and families during the holiday season.

The rhythm of the narrative is soothing and evocative, with simple but expressive language that captures the quiet awe of the night and the communal spirit among the birds. Miroslavova’s rich use of blues and golds beautifully complements the text, bringing the stable and its feathered visitors vividly to life with delicate textures and warmth.

Overall, The Birds of Christmas is an enchanting and heartfelt picture book that honors the spirit of giving and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s an ideal read-aloud for parents and children to share together, inspiring a sense of wonder and gentle joy.

''Christus Natus Est!''

Many thanks to Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet Christmas book that littles and adults alike will love to visit over and over again during the holiday season [and perhaps AFTER as well LOL]. Filled with gorgeous illustrations and a sweet story about the birds celebrating the birth of Jesus, this will hold their attention all whilst keeping them in a quiet space. It was just lovely.

Well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Armstrong, Mira Miroslavova - Illustrator, and Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Company/Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely like folk like tale of all the birds in Bethlehem coming to greet baby Jesus in all his glory. The illustrations are beautiful and just a tad quirky which makes them more interesting. And the story is quite sweet and had me intrigued from beginning to end. A good way to get children further invested in the Christmas story.

This wonderful European folk tale starts with the raven trying to fly home one pitch-black night, and getting startled by a new burst of light in the sky. Ordered to tell the other birds about a celebratory new birth, he does – but when the world's flock assembles at a certain stables, one little critter is afraid that it has nothing to give. And then the fire starts to go out...

This is a pitch-perfect presentation of the simple story. It's about the Nativity, of course, but it's also a 'Just So' kind of story, the type that I really love. The text isn't heavy, and it's not a long, complex tale at all – this is an all-ages classic. And the art is wonderful, too – a reduced palette, heavy on the shades of blue and sepia with little else, makes this look a touch Mittel-European, but again not too heavily. For the artist this is a grand achievement, and for the author, a fabulous calling-card as a debut picture book. Fingers crossed they get to collaborate again, but for this telling of this charming tale, I doubt it could be bettered.

The artwork in this is gorgeous! It caught my eye from the very first picture. This is a cute folk tale tied in to the birth of Jesus. Think of a tale in the vein of “How the Zebra Got His Stripes.” BONUS: the accurate depiction of a brown Jesus. 👏🏽🙌🏾

Birds are all a flutter to do something special for the newborn born after an announcement from the sky. One small Robin believes that she doesn’t have anything to offer as meaningful as the other birds.

In her search to find a worthy gift, she learns an important lesson and gains a lifelong reminder.

an imaginative how the Robin got it's red chest Christmas story, and how all the other birds heralded in our Savior's birth too

I must say that this was an incredible folktale about how the Robin (bird) came to exist. It was cute, nice illustrations, and the story was great. I feel it was done respectfully and with enough context clues to know whose the "baby" that was born. This will be a perfect read-aloud during the winter holidays.

Thank you, NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for letting me read an early copy.

NetGalley ARC Review: This was a beautifully illustrated Christmas story. A new take on the nativity with a very important message about our unique gifts and talents. I loved the ending and was smiling the entire time.

The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that captures the true spirit of Christmas. This story gently reminds us that Christmas is about more than just gifts—it's about giving from the heart and offering ourselves in love.
In this tale, a group of birds are called to honor the birth of the Savior. Each bird responds in its own way, bringing a unique gift to the newborn King. Through their simple but meaningful offerings, the book beautifully portrays the idea of selfless giving, and how even the smallest act can carry great significance. One bird, in particular, goes beyond giving material things, offering warmth and comfort to the baby Jesus and Mary, which leads to a transformative change, illustrating how acts of kindness can deeply impact both the giver and receiver.
The illustrations are stunning, with vivid colors and intricate details that bring the Christmas scene to life. The artwork captures the warmth and wonder of the season, adding an extra layer of magic to the story.
This is a wonderful book for families who want to reflect on the deeper meaning of the season. It’s a perfect read for young children, offering a beautiful, tangible way to discuss selflessness and love, while reminding adults of the true heart of Christmas.

This book would make a lovely addition to any holiday collection and is sure to become a cherished tradition for many families. Highly recommended for those looking for a meaningful and visually beautiful Christmas story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for providing this beautiful eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very sweet book of the birds after Jesus’ birth. All the birds had something to do/give besides one small bird who ultimately found his purpose. My son and I both enjoyed the story as it was a different take on the birth of Jesus. The illustrations were beautiful and the story was sweet. Would definitely recommend!

Sweet book with a sweet story. The illustration is beautiful. This would be a nice, fun addition to books used to tell the Christmas story.

What a beautiful book! I love to read kids’ Christmas books and this one did not disappoint. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is of a small bird who wants to see Jesus after his birth and his adventure on his way. Love it!