How the Hibernators Came to Bethlehem - Tapa dura

One by one, the star of Bethlehem wakes each of the hibernating animals, such as Bear, Raccoon, and Ground Squirrel with it's twinkling touch. As each sleeping beast stirs, the star calls to them, "Bethlehem! Follow me to Bethlehem!" and guides them on a pilgrimage to the holy city leading to a manger cradling a very special child. Caldecott award-winning illustrator Barbara Cooney depicts the animals with a particularly tender touch that will make this a Christmas favorite for a new generation. First published in 1980 and unavailable for 20 years, this new gift book edition of a classic holiday story features a sparkling foil star to highlight light and joy of the season.

NORMA FARBER professionally trained to be an opera singer. Though she had been writing poetry all her life, it wasn't until she turned 50 that her first book of poetry was published. At the time of her death in 1984, she had written 18 books for children.

BARBARA COONEY was a two-time Caldecott award-winner for her books The Ox-Cart Man and The Chanticleer and the Fox. She illustrated over 100 books by the time she died in Maine in 2000.