A song for the king by Katrina Nannestad & Freya Blackwood

When I saw the names of these two wonderful writers, Katrina Nannestad and Freya Blackwood, on the joyful cover of A song for the king, I knew  I would read a wonderful story that was likely to win awards. This is a retelling of the traditional nativity story told from the viewpoint of three animals who have a song in their hearts. Netta, a little donkey, loves to loudly sing Joy! Joy! Joy! Esther is a sheep who bleats Love! Love! Love! And Uzi the camel likes to rumble Peace! Peace! Peace! The three unite, their songs reverberating in towns and meadows. They believe they are brilliant but the townspeople’s opinion is different and they are sent to market, the songs in their hearts silenced. Netta’s new home is with Joseph and Mary, and she is the one to carry Mary to Bethlehem, where they stay in a stable. Her voice slips out, Joy! Joy! Joy! when a baby boy is born. A sheep bleats Love! Love! Love! when the shepherds come to see the children, and the wise men’s camel joins in, Peace! Peace! Peace! The trio are united in their song.

This is a heart-warming story that will gladden the hearts of those who read it or listen to it. I loved how the narrative vividly described what was happening with the animals and how enthusiastic they are about singing and how despondent they are when they are taken to market. Blackwood’s soft water colour illustrations complement the text. The three baby animals are the focus of the story and I loved their expressions, the enjoyment they had in singing and working together. The illustrations also brought the countryside, the people and the markets to life, while adding depth with tiny details like chickens flying and a gorgeous little cat curled up on the stable.

The message of the words joy, love and peace is an important one not only for the festive season but also for troubled times.

A song for the king is a stunning example of how two creative people can collaborate to share this message, while producing a wonderful read aloud, feel-good story with delightful illustrations. Highly recommended.

Themes: Nativity, Singing, Donkeys, Camels, Sheep, Bethlehem.

Pat Pledger