The Third Gift

From two extraordinary talents, a beautifully crafted picture book for the Christmas season.

The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story. In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline with exquisite paintings, this simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Includes an author’s note.

"Newbery Medalist Park’s lean, well-paced story bridges the ordinary and the sacred to powerful effect." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This gorgeous picture book sheds thoughtful light on a fascinating facet of the Christmas story." —School Library Journal

"This is a beautiful book for giving and an excellent selection for sharing, both around the holidays and at any time of year." —Bulletin, starred review