The First Noël by Jan Peińkowski is the most beautiful work of paper engineering which tells the Nativity story in very few words but encourages a sense of awe and wonder at the story through delicate artwork and craftsmanship. The paper engineering of this edition, based on Jan Peińkowski’s artwork, is by Helen Balmer with Lois Bulow Osborne.

The book contains 5 double pages which open up to produce a paper-cut tableau from the Christmas story, with lots of detail to discuss as you share the book with young children.

When the book has been read, it can be opened out completely and the covers tied back with the integrated ribbon, so that it becomes a star-shaped carousel decoration for the Christmas season.

This book was originally given to one of my children as a Christmas gift, and has been treasured on the bookshelves for many years!