Epiphany Favorites
As Candlemas approaches on February 2 and the season of Epiphany nears its end, I have been reflecting on my favorite Epiphany books. Epiphany is glorious – the star shining, the kings coming and bowing before the small child, the whole world gathering around our Lord, compelled by mysterious beauty and brightness. The story of the magi is the focus of each of the picture books mentioned here. These books contain the star and the kings, but even more, they contain epiphanies – life changing moments of clarity and apprehension, for the characters and for us readers in turn. I like to read one of these books with my children each morning beginning on the feast of Epiphany (January 6), and revisit them throughout the season. However and whenever you (hopefully!) encounter them, I pray these books are rich guides as you travel through the themes of Epiphany each year.
The Story of the Three Wise Kings Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
This is a classic telling of the biblical narrative. The magi come from three separate kingdoms, yet they are juxtaposed in the illustrations, showing the variety and the unity of Christ’s call. The illustrations are captivating (as Tomie’s always are), and this book is a well-loved companion.
The Wise Men Who Found Christmas Written by Raymond Arroyo, Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer
Raymond Arroyo’s retelling of the story of the magi is true to the biblical narrative, yet develops and deepens it extraordinarily through the characterization of each magi, the first following the light that raises the dead and destroys evil, the second seeking out the king, and the third pursuing truth. They are guided as they raise their eyes to heaven. Each page gleams with rich color, daring adventure, miracles, and hope.
The Legend of Old Befana Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Befana is a crotchety woman preoccupied with her housework, but when the kings pass and a boy invites her to join their caravan, she reconsiders. She is swept up into something miraculous, something that points from the Christ child to every child. Her story participates in the wondrous, eternal cycle of service and gifts.
The Last Straw Written by Frederick H. Thury and Illustrated by Valsta van Kampen
This is the story of a camel, Hoshmakaka, who is chosen to carry gifts to a baby king. He is old and worn out, and his body suffers from aches and pains. But his pride suffers not, and after a foolhardy boast, Hoshmakaka ends up carrying gift after gift. Before long, it’s his pride that aches, and his body barely makes it; all is stripped bare. Hoshmaka’s story is entertaining (his joints! His gout! His sciatica!) and relatable at every stage of our journey.
Humphrey’s First Christmas Written and Illustrated by Carol Heyer
This story is ridiculous, and fun. It is a light-hearted reprieve from the constant recounting of magi (if you read these books days in a row as we do). Humphrey is a camel through and through, preoccupied with comfort, peskily coming up with his own plans, inserting his camel face hilariously into various frames. And yet, even he bows his knee when he encounters the child, and he gives the fullest gift that Humphrey can give.
The Fourth Wise Man, Based on the story by Henry Van Dyke Retold by Susan Summers and Illustrated by Jackie Morris
This profound tale traces the journey of a fourth wise man, Artaban, a Zoroastrian from Persia, who sells all he has to buy three jewels to gift to the newborn king. Artaban sets out to arrive at an appointed place to begin his journey with his three friends, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. He never joins his three companions; he comes upon a man near death and stops to care for him. Artaban travels alone thereafter, always pursuing the child, living a life dedicated to wisdom, truth, and love – he encounters need after need, year after year, following the life of Christ all the way to Calvary; close enough to almost grasp the Lord, and yet, pausing to serve the person in front of him. His story offers a glimpse of a pagan pursuing holiness, seeking truth, yet living in its light all the while.