Hillsdale College

The Story of the Three Wise Kings

Written by Tomie dePaola

Grade:
K-3
ISBN-13:
978-1534466524
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2020)

This simple but beautiful retelling of the Gospel story relates the tale of the Three Kings and their journey to honor the child Jesus in Bethlehem. Each king sets out from their own distant land to follow a brilliant star that points to the birth of a new king. As their paths cross, they accompany each other on the journey, eventually arriving in Bethlehem and offering their special gifts to the child Jesus. The retelling includes the visit with King Herod and the subsequent warning not to return to inform him of Jesus’ whereabouts. An author’s note provides further exploration of the story of the kings and the details that were added over the centuries. DePaola illustrates this retelling in vibrant and pleasing hues of blue, pink, orange, and green. This traditional story is a wonderful addition to holiday reading, but it also tells a story of courage, respect, faith, humility, and prudence.