A wonderful little collection of stories for anyone from eight to ninety-nine who wants to know the real truth of Christmas. Told out of the experience of the bravery of several of the folk of the Plateau Vivrai-Lignon in France during World War II, crafted by their most famous spokesman,Pastor Andre Trocme, these stories, mostly told at Christmas, combine poetry with unflinching truth. I especially appreciated the story of the elderly, misanthropic woman who, when she finally hears of the plight of the Holy Family, dismantles her own furnace and sends it, at considerable cost to her welfare, to Bethlehem.... Charm never hides the truth that prompted the stories--saving over 5000 refugees from Hitler. Still, the hope that is the point of the coming of Christ is portrayed in contemporary situations that certainly charmed me. I'm sending it to several friends, from eight to ninety-nine (pace Amazon.com)for Christmas presents.

Perfectly marvelous. The triumph of light over darkness. Christmas, the winter solstice, Chanaka, Kwanza, New Years are all celebrations of the triumph and return of light over darkness. True darkness however is not from the solar system but from the heart of darkness, from man, and in this case, from hitler. We live in a cruel world where history is the history of humans acting rather borish to one another. Light triumphs over hearts of darkness. These stories communicate the story and the triumph of Christmas in a new and fresh way to children - to adults - that will touch the soul. The story of the Birth of Jesus seen in a contrast from the rich neighbor and a poor neighbor. What would the three wise men think about looking for the King of the Jews in a donkey stall? How an old lady can give everything to god. Hear the story of Christmas as you have never heard it before, from those who lived in the valley of darkness.

What a rare and precious thing - a book to inspire compassion in children and adults, without heavyhanded moralizing. Nelly Trocme Hewett and Good Books have done the world of children's literature a great service in translating Pastor Andre Trocme's one-of-a-kind stories. Words do instill courage - in the people of a French mountain village 50 years ago, and now, thanks to this lovely little book, in the hearts of people everywhere.

Mary Stucky Minnesota Public Radio Producer