A Joyful Noise One Silent Night by Madeleine Carroll illustrated by Randy Friemel (published by Isaiah Books 2022: £11.99)

The new book by Madeleine Carroll, author of Ephraim’s Gladness, Joyful Meeting, The Bethlehem Shepherd’s, The Carpenter and the Cross, The Creator’s Love Story and The Donkey’s Journey (all available at Belmont Abbey Book shop) is a beautiful re-telling of the journey to Bethlehem through the eyes of the main character Eliakim. The text is enhanced by wonderfully evocative illustrations by Randy Friemel. The ending i s profoundly moving and captures the majesty of that holy night when the Saviour of the World was born in the humble manger. I’ve really enjoyed reading Madeleine’s n ew book. She certainly has a way of grabbing the attention of children with her story telling. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis of the Old Testament prophecies being introduced to young readers. Yes, a good addition to the children’s book shelf- review of A Joyful Noise One Silent Night by a former primary school teacher and volunteer in Belmont Abbey shop.