Books by Catherine Lawton

An Advent/Christmas story in verse for children and for adults who want to be more child-at-heart and wonder-filled.As days shorten, leaves fall, nights become chilly, and lights are strung on houses and trees, the backyard birds at the feeder observe the changes and the sense of anticipation. What do the activities and preparations of people during this season mean? What is coming?The story is told through the eyes of a little Finch who can sense something significant approaching. A climax in the story is reached when snow falls and the children come bounding outside to play in the snow. They bring the Finch a suet feeder and greet him with 'Merry Christmas, little bird.' Then he knows what is happening! He understands what is coming--Who has come--and why all the Christmas lights make him feel like the stars--and Heaven--are coming down to earth!This story will encourage a sense of wonder and bring teachable moments to consider how even the wild creatures are cared for; to observe the changes in nature with the seasons; and to talk together about what it means for all people and all of creation that Christ came to earth and was born as a human being, which is what we celebrate on Christmas.The author's water-color and mixed-media illustrations are intentionally childlike and make this a visually-engaging story for young and old.