Sophia Institute Press

The Grumpy Old Ox, Hardcover/Anthony DeStefano

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 witnesses the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem. Illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while also 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' 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.