The Grumpy Old Ox

by Anthony DeStefano

This new children's Christmas book by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano tells the story of a mean-spirited, prideful old ox who has lost his sight"€"both physically and spiritually"€"but who nevertheless experiences the transformative power of God's grace after he witnesses the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while also explaining the central message of Christianity: that faith in Jesus leads us to resurrection and new life.

Moreover, it shows the profound connection between spiritual pride and blindness. Like the main character in Dickens' A Christmas Carol, this Scrooge of an ox is a slave to his own anger and crippled by his own coldness. He seems destined to live out his days frustrated, unhappy and alone"€"until he makes a life-altering decision of faith that brings him the miraculous gift of healing and joy.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Catholic

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There once was a grumpy, blind, old ox. He was a slave to his own pride, selfishness, stubbornness, vanity, defiance, and bitterness. Then, one dark night, a man and a woman entered his stable... Something odd happened that night, something memorable. There was a bright dazzling star, high in the heavens. It shined down on the ox's stable, where a little Child had just been born. The ox saw the little poor baby, so humble and cold, and so guiltless. Just at that moment, he offered Mother Mary his manger for the Poor Baby. He gave her his drinking pail so that she could wash the Baby. The ox knew that this Child was so special. The rest of the night, he kneeled by this Precious Child. The time came for the Holy Family to leave, and with everyone gone, the ox was alone once again. But this time, the ox was different... His heart had grown, he had changed. That night, he drank from the pail used to wash the Baby and ate from the Manger where He laid. The next morning, something oh-so-wonderful happened! The ox couldn't believe his eyes. He had received something so wonderful from this Poor Babe who slept in the Old Ox's home...

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

pfft
That's an awfully precocious baby, from a woman who looks to be about 7 months pregnant. Awkward, un-fun rhyme. And jumping on the 'grumpy' trend is a cheat. Mother Bruce, Jim Panzee, a couple others, that's enough.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful little book! This is a story to treasure and perfect to read to children around Christmas. The message is clear without being preachy, and it was a delight to read.