Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story, By Terry Wildman
Birth of the Chosen One
hardcover
  • Length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 9 × 9 in
  • Published: September 03, 2024
  • Imprint: IVP Kids
  • Item Code: A0702
  • ISBN: 9781514007020

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A Classic Holiday Picture Book from the Pages of the Bestselling First Nations Version!

Adopted from the Gospel of Luke, Birth of the Chosen One is a unique retelling of the birth of Jesus told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers.

Featuring stunning Native American art, Birth of the Chosen One is a powerful picture book that illuminates the Christmas story in a fresh and new way.

"It is a gentle, smooth account of Jesus' birth. I pray it reaches a vast audience encouraging each one's effort to search deeper."

Warren D. Petoskey, elder of the Waganakising Odawa and Minneconjou Lakotah nations and author of Dancing My Dream

"Birth of the Chosen One weaves together Indigenous artwork and storytelling in a beautiful way that encourages our youngest siblings to know the love of Creator Sets Free. This fresh presentation of a familiar story inspires imagination, worship, and awe, especially during the seasons of Advent and Christmastime. Native American names and images invite all to the circle to join the drumbeat celebrating the arrival of the Chosen One."

Amy N. Allan, PhD student with NAIITS, An Indigenous Learning Community, and hospital chaplain at Northwestern Medicine

"Birth of the Chosen One will make a family's bookshelf complete by adding a seldom heard or read retelling of the Christmas story all ages will find interest in. This would also be great for any children's library in any school or public library. It will bring hope to Indigenous children to read a book with artwork of the main story characters that look like them or their ancestors. This is also a great addition to church or Sunday school libraries!"

Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson, Indigenous poet, writer, researcher, and educator

"This artful retelling captures the wonder of the birth that changed human history. We commonly read the nativity story with mental pictures shaped by Western culture and traditions. What a joy, then, to read the story afresh through First Nations eyes! Through the gentle cadence of Terry Wildman's storytelling and the soft pastels of Hannah and Holly Buchanan's illustrations, we discover new and beautiful treasures in the story of the Chosen One's birth. This book will bless young and old alike!"

L. Daniel Hawk, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Ashland Theological Seminary

"It was such a delight to read Birth of the Chosen One to my daughter! This Native American retelling of the birth narrative sparked new questions about the story of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) for my daughter and about our own Choctaw heritage. We deeply appreciated the intricately designed regalia that clothed the biblical characters. After finishing the story, my daughter emphatically asked for more stories of Creator Sets Free and for me to read the story again. This book is sure to find its place among Christmas traditions across Turtle Island."

T. Christopher Hoklotubbe, director of graduate studies of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community and assistant professor of classics at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa
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Terry M. Wildman

Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Yaqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. Terry lives with his wife, Darlene, in Arizona.