Author Olivia Armstrong has a new release from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers entitled The Birds of Christmas. It is beautifully illustrated by artist Mira Miroslavova and is based on a European folktale.

This Christmas tale chronicles how the robin got his red chest. It all starts when Raven is witness to the angels announcing the Savior’s birth. He goes to tell all the other birds the good news.

Wren weaves leaves and moss for a blanket. Nightengale sings a sweet song. Stork makes a pillow from his soft feathers, and Rooster crows “Cristus Natus Est!” However, there is one small bird who doesn’t know what he can give.

When this small bird notices that the special baby is cold, he gathers sticks so that a fire can be built to keep the mother and Christ child warm. When a hot ember lands on his chest, it forever marks him. Because of his kind heart, he has the red color on his chest to this day.

Discuss:

1. Who was the special baby that was born? (Jesus)
2. What gift did each bird bring? (Wren-blanket, Nightengale-song, Stork-pillow, Rooster—crows loudly)
3. What sign in the sky marked the stable where the baby Jesus was born? (a star)
4. Why was the little bird sad? (He didn’t think he had a gift for the baby)
5. What did he notice about the mother and baby Jesus? (They were cold)
6. How did he help? (He gathered sticks for a fire)
7. How can you use your feet (hands, voice, talents) as a gift to serve Jesus?

Additional questions to help clarify the story:

1. What is a folktale? (A story that tells how something came to be…usually has elements of something real)
2. How did the Robin get his red chest according to the folktale? (An ember burned him, so that is why all robins have a red chest )
3. Is this a true story? (It is part true and part fiction…help your child understand what is true and what is make-believe)

Do:

Complete a simple bird craft or Christmas craft together with your child. Ideas: You could make a bird feeder, bird wings, a bird nest, or a even Christmas ornament in the shape of a bird.

Here are two Pinterest boards loaded with even more creative ideas:

Here is a Bird Theme Pinterest Board of more bird craft activities and ideas.

Here is a Christmas Craft Theme Pinterest Board.

Mindy Baker resides in Indiana where she is a high school Spanish teacher. She is the author of Mouse’s Christmas Gift, Zonderkidz 2018, and has contributions in multiple Guideposts publications. Her middle grade novel Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix will be published in November 2025 with Chicken Scratch Books. You can connect online with Mindy here. She also has a mini-magazine for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of children. You can sign up to receive it here.