Additional information
by Kevin Semmendinger (Illustrator), Cindy Murdoch (Editor), Cindy Murdoch (Author)
Eli grew up in the home of Joseph and Mary in the lazy little town of Nazareth. Handicapped from birth, he found himself shunned and bullied by other donkeys because he was "different." Shorter than normal, with weak wobbly legs making it difficult for him to walk and impossible to run, Eli feared he would never be able to pull a cart like his parents. After meeting an unlikely "best friend," his life will soon change. Join Eli and his best friend, Jake, on a heartwarming journey that not only mends Eli's weak crooked legs, but builds a lasting friendship between a donkey and a rabbit. From the everyday life of Mary and Joseph, to the hilariously loud HEE-HAWWS of Eli, you will enjoy wandering the hills of Nazareth and travelling the crowded road to Bethlehem just in time for The First Christmas.
Author Biography
Tommy's doctorate from seminary may have prepared him to write about The First Christmas, but it surely wasn't the rationale for using a donkey to tell the story. That could have come from an imagination in overdrive while helping raise his two boys in Houston, TX. Or maybe his present job as a substitute teacher is how he was motivated...after all, he learns from the brightest young minds on earth every day! Either way the story about Eli and Jake will keep even the oldest child on the edge of their seat as we travel the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The charming adventure written by Tommy is filled with surprises; and the art and editing by Kevin and Cindy will make you tingle with frivolous joy.
