Summary

A new family has moved into St. Anne’s parish. It is Christmas time and the Perez family, who are refugees, needed a safe place to stay. The red-headed twins, Katie and Patrick Brady don’t know what to think of the new family. They look different and speak a strange language. While setting up Christmas ornaments in the church, the twins hear the bell choir rehearsing Christmas hymns. Suddenly, Katie and Patrick go on an adventure. The twins travel back in time to discover Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem. They join the Holy Family on their journey and help them find shelter. They witness the visitation of the shepherds and the adoration of the Magi. When the Magi arrive to give their gifts to Jesus, Katie asks the Blessed Mother, “Are you sure want all of these strangers around the baby?” Mary smiles. “Strangers are simply new friends, just waiting to be loved.”

Review
The Strangers in the Manger is fifth in the series of the Chime Travelers books by Lisa Hendey. I had not read the previous books in the series; however, I quickly became familiar with the main characters and the meaning of chime travel. This fifth Book in the series stands on its own, but is so appealing that it makes you want to read the other books in the series.
Lisa Hendey makes the Nativity story come to life for children, providing a close-up view of what the Holy Family was really like. Hendey tells the tale with tenderness, clarity, and humor, teaching children the virtues of charity, kindness, and hospitality. This book also helps children to accept those who look different and act different than they do. The Strangers at the Manger is a delightful book that will hold your child’s interest and teach him/her the true meaning of Christmas.
About the Author
Lisa Hendey is the founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and the bestselling author of The Grace of Yes and The Handbook for Catholic Moms. In the Chime Travelers series for elementary school readers, Hendey reaches a new generation of young Catholics with her charming stories about the Brady twins, who travel through time to encounter some of the most beloved spiritual giants of all time. A gifted Catholic evangelist, Hendey travel nationally and internationally to share her love for Jesus with everyone she meets. Her articles appear in Catholic Digest, National Catholic Register, and Our Sunday Visitor.

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