I Saw Three Ships, by Elizabeth Goudge

(Paperback, 64 pages, first published in 1969)

A classic for young readers, and parents, who believe in the magic of Christmas.

“I absolutely adored it. It had a cracking plot and a perfect tone throughout.”―J. K. Rowling

Little Polly Flowerdew lives with her two maiden aunts, and she is absolutely sure that something special is going to happen this Christmas. Her aunts will not leave the door unlocked on Christmas Eve so Polly leaves her bedroom window open, just in case the three wise men decide to come visit. When Polly wakes up on Christmas morning...

The morning star still shone, and when Polly opened the window the air was crisp and cool. She leaned out farther, her eyes wide, for three ships were sailing towards the harbor. One had a red sail and one had a brown sail, and one had a sail like the wing of a swan. Their cottage is visited by three wise men, one of whom has come home to stay after a long absence.

This is a moving, lyrical, and endearing chapter book treasure, celebrating the magic as well as the mystery of Christmas. Charmingly illustrated with ink drawings by Margot Tomes, it is a perfect Christmas read-aloud chapter book for young children and parents.

Cautions: None. See Redeemed Reader's review here.

Ages: 6-9