Long ago three wise kings from the East studied the night sky and saw a spectacular new star. Their learned books told them this was a sign that a new child-king would soon be born. So they each set out to follow the star and find the new king, to honor him with their special gifts.

Melchior took gold, Gaspar took fragrant frankincense and Balthazar took myrrh. But when the three kings met the evil King Herod, the child's life was suddenly in danger. Only when an angel visited the three wise men in their dreams were they warned of Herod's terrible plan to destroy the child.

Here is the classic biblical legend of the gifts of the kings, reverently retold by artist/author Tomie dePaola and illustrated with drama and warmth in glowing Mediterranean colors of sunsplashed blues, oranges, pinks and greens.

A stunning gift at Christmastime for children and their families to treasure.

From the dust jacket