Serah and the First Christmas

by Tama Fortner

illustrated by Silvia Provantini

Serah wants to go with her father to the fields to learn how to be a shepherdess. Despite the ridicule of her brothers, she says she is big enough to care for the sheep. Her father disagrees, but says she can come along to play with the sheep. Soon he gives her charge of a motherless lamb. They form a bond, and Serah decides to stay the night with the little lamb. Serah and the shepherds are surprised when bright lights and angels appear in the sky. A voice declares that the Savior has been born and angels begin to sing. The shepherds and Serah go to Bethlehem where they find the baby and His parents and explain how God led them there. 

Serah and the First Christmas is a sweet story, with cute illustrations, that shows how God can use everyone—even the very small. Serah’s story is fictitious, but set in the historical story of the birth of the Messiah whose foretelling Serah has heard over the years.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Christian

Notes: 1. Would make a great gift during the Christmas season.

    2. Recommended for ages 4-8.

    3. Serah means “Princess” which is appropriate for her, a daughter of the King.

Publication:  September 8, 2026—Zonderkidz

Memorable Lines:

From that moment on, Serah knew what she would do. She would be like that Little One lying in the manger. She would see the small and love the little too.