Synopsis
This is the story of what might have happened to the gifts given to the infant Jesus by the Three Wise Men. The tale centers around Mendel, the drummer boy's son, whom Mary entrusts with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Mendel is determined to use the gifts to help those even less fortunate than he. He gives gold to the shepherd whose sheep have been stolen; he places frankincense in the gnarled hand of Anna; but he goes to bed on Christmas Eve uncertain of what to do with the myrrh. By accident, Mendel spills the jar over his withered legs, and then feels them tingle. He can walk!
Children's Literature
The author spins a tale to explain the fate of the three gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men. Upon her death, Mary bequeaths them to Mendel, the crippled child of Simon, a follower of Jesus (and supposedly the little drummer boy, all grown up). Mendel is wise beyond his years, and uses the gold and frankincense to help others. He doesn't know what to do with the myrrh, so he goes to Mary's abandoned cottage to pray. No answer comes to his mind, but as he begins to leave the myrrh spills and miraculously restores function to his legs. The illustrations are done in earth tones and are embossed on the pages in a glossy finish that shimmers. Despite their beauty, they are stylized and somewhat sterile. 2000, Winslow Press, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen