This takes the "heaven and nature sings..." from that old Christmas hymn on a whole new level. The birds didn't just sing but did something extraordinary for this Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes. This is story is entirely fiction but based on a European folklore. The story telling is superb and the artwork is captivating. The story is enjoyable and heartwarming. However, you have to think twice before sharing this one to your kids. I didn't present or hinted the gospel and highlighted Mary into doing something unusual. Yes it is folklore and you might dismiss it a safe and clean but nevertheless, just I have said, think twice before you give this one to your kids or if your kids are mature enough for this then it's a go.

The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong is a beautifully illustrated children's book about birds who attend the Nativity to celebrate Christmas, and a fable about how the robin red breast came to be. It's a sweet and gentle story and the illustrations by @miramiroslavova are beautifully warm and gentle.

A delightful book about the Nativity to share with children ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Wm B. Eerdmans Publishings Company for the opportunity to read and review this book. Published 12 August 2025

Book Review: The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong, Mira Miroslavova (Illustrator)

Rating: 5 Stars

I absolutely adored The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong, with Mira Miroslavova’s illustrations stealing my breath away. This is one of those rare picture books that feels cozy and timeless—perfect for curling up by the tree with a child (or reading to your inner child). I gave it five stars without hesitation.

The story is a gentle folktale retold for modern readers: on a cold night in Bethlehem, Raven alarms the other birds with joyful news—a special child has been born. One by one, the flock wants to offer a present. Nightingale fills the air with a lovely song, Rooster offers his proud call, and Stork fashions a pillow from her own feathers. Then there’s little Robin, who worries she has nothing to give. As the stable’s fire dwindles and the night grows colder, the birds learn that even the smallest heart can offer warmth and compassion to the newborn Prince of Peace. It’s a quietly moving reminder that generosity comes in many forms, not just grand gestures.

I have to mention the artwork—Mira Miroslavova’s palette of blues and golds makes the whole book glow. The cover alone drew me in; it’s absolutely beautiful and sets the tone for what’s inside. The illustrations feel both classic and fresh, capturing the hush of a holy night and the earnestness of each bird’s gift. Olivia Armstrong’s retelling keeps the folktale simple and sweet, making it ideal for young listeners while still offering a touching message for adults.

This feels like a lovely European folktale transported to a children’s picture book format—full of heart, modest wonder, and a strong sense of community. It’s now a book I’d happily recommend for any child’s Christmas bookshelf: soothing, sincere, and visually stunning. A perfect holiday read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

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.