Annette Noland

Winner of the Illumination Book Award - Holiday Category (Silver)

Based on a legend, biblical birds hear a raven’s call and join to celebrate the birth of the Savior in a tale of determination, perseverance, hope, and faith.

Raven is bored. Nothing ever happens in the fields around Bethlehem until one night, a dazzling star lights up the night sky. Angels sing, ＂Baby Jesus is born!＂ Raven now has a mission. He takes flight to spread the message to the other birds. Owl, Dove, Rooster and Quail delight at the news and fly off with gifts for the Baby Jesus. Raven wonders, what gift could he bring?

Children will enjoy the lyrical chorus and discover that gifts come from the heart.

Desirée Cordón is a Guatemalan illustrator focused on editorial projects that highlight the complex experience of childhood and adolescence. She studied Communication Sciences at the Rafael Landívar University and specialized in the development of childhood and adolescence. Since 2017 Dee has been dedicated to the illustration of editorial material with a focus on human rights and community development. She has published the books ＂Viento de Primavera＂ (Editorial Cultura, 2019), ＂Exploremos Guatemala＂ (Fundación Cambia una Vida, 2021), ＂Camino Rojo＂ (Editorial Amanuence) and other social publications related to childhood, women’s rights, labor rights and sustainability. Dee collaborates with international organizations such as UNICEF, OHCHR, JASS Mesoamerica and Food For The Hungry. Raven’s Gift is Desirée’s U.S. debut.

Claire Annette Noland is the author of easy readers, board books, and picture books for young children. She makes her nest in Kingslad, California with her husband Michael and literary poodle-mix, Mr. Ernie. She loves to travel and as a former librarian and reading specialist, she spreads her love of books and reading to places far and near. She writes stories filled with joy and hope that help children as they grow in faith.