The Grumpy Old Ox

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This new children's Christmas book by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano tells the story of a mean-spirited, prideful old ox who has lost his sight — both physically and spiritually — but who nevertheless experiences the transformative power of God's grace after he is present at the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem.

Illustrated byÂ New York TimesÂ best-selling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while explaining the central message of Christianity: that faith in Jesus leads us to resurrection and new life.

Moreover, it shows the profound connection between spiritual pride and blindness. Like the main character in Dickens'sÂ A Christmas Carol, this Scrooge of an ox is a slave to his own anger and crippled by his own coldness. He seems destined to live out his days frustrated, unhappy and alone—until he makes a life-altering decision of faith that brings him the miraculous gift of healing and joy.

This uplifting, inspiring book will delight all Christians, though Catholics especially will appreciate its powerful Eucharistic message. Connecting the manger in the stable, from which the ox eats his food, to b(more...)

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The Ox begins this story as a prideful beast, and ends the story as a humble believer.

I loved reading picture books to my kids, especially at Christmastime. Recently I read The Grump Old Ox by Anthony DeStefano and found it to be a charming and beautifully illustrated book. The tale weaves the classic gospel details of the Nativity into an entertaining story about a grumpy ox. The story begins with a nearly blind and limping ox who doesn't like anyone. He is prideful and angry. When a young couple arrives because there is no room at the inn, the ox notices something is unique about the events that unfold. He feels sorry for the pregnant lady. Soon a baby is born and starlight floods the stable. Some visitor arrive but the blind ox can't see and wishes for sight. The rest of the tale is delightful. The wonderful interlude of the Nativity story and the ox's personal story is masterfully done. It seems so simple to offer the gift of the straw, but the outward sign reflects the ox's change of heart. He begins the story as a prideful beast, and ends the story as a humble believer in Christ's Divine nature. As a former elementary teacher, I like the bright colors and I know the educational value of the rhyming story. The Grumpy Old Ox is a wonderful find for young readers.

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A Must Have this Christmas!

What a beautifully illustrated children's book! I highly recommend it for this Christmas!

The Ox begins this story as a prideful beast, and ends the story as a humble believer

I loved reading picture books to my kids, especially at Christmastime. Recently I read "The Grump Old Ox" by Anthony DeStefano and found it to be a charming and beautifully illustrated book. The tale weaves the classic gospel details of the Nativity into an entertaining story about a grumpy ox.

What a beautiful little book and wonderful story it holds, brought me to tears....would recommend it as a special book to read to children before, during and after Christmas. Bravo, Anthony DeStefano