Just Enough Room for Christmas + a chat w/author Robin Currie + a GIVEAWAY!

Warm and cozy. That’s the first thought I had when I saw this cover.

Author Robin Currie kindly sent me a PDF of this one, and I was happy to see that it was as charming as the animals featured on this warm, cozy cover. The text is short (yet engaging), with a cute rhyming refrain that kids will quickly chime in on. I couldn’t wait to chat with Robin about the origins of this delightful Christmas tale.

Jill: Welcome, Robin, to Picture Book Builders! I always like to know a story’s initial spark. What made you want to create this new twist on the birth of Jesus?

Robin: This is one of those rare and lovely occasions where my worlds intersect! As a librarian, I told stories like Three Pigs and Gingerbread Man. As I moved into ordained ministry, I began to apply the story frames and techniques to Bible stories. That happened out loud for several decades and both the kids and I enjoyed it.  In fact, this book began as the Christmas Eve sermon at St Paul Lutheran in Wheaton. The frame is “more and more in a small space until chaos” – like The Mitten by Jan Brett. My twist was that even in the crowded barn there is room for a newborn king.

Jill: Amen to that! And no wonder that, even on first read, this one is such a smooth read aloud! The rhyming refrain is a great element. Were you ever tempted to write the entire story in rhyme?

Robin: Not quite, but originally, the animals were saying the repeated lines! My agent informed me Cattle Don’t Chatter, but the rhyme remained. By the time we get to the cat page, the kids can say “freeze” with me.

Jill: You really grab a little listener’s attention when the animals get rowdy (yay, onomatopoeia!), which makes the abrupt STOP so effective. Kids won’t be able to resist listening along with the suddenly quiet animals for the knock-knock that follows. Brilliant! Was that part of the story arc all along?

Robin: That might be my favorite page of the book. I have been doing the Nativity story every Christmas Eve in church for years. I divide the congregation in quarters – let each section be cow, sheep, cat, or dog (grandparents can be mice) – get the animals roused up and screaming noises, and then –  STOP – silence. Because the new noise that is coming is so wonderful.

Jill: Ohhh, how FUN — for everybody! Let’s talk about the illustrations. Estelle Corke’s artwork is so warm and color-rich. Is it what you imagined?

Robin: There could not have been better art. The pictures are simple and clear. You do get the sense of a very small barn…but room for the sweetest baby ever born.

Jill: Yes, that’s part of what makes the entire book feel so cozy (there’s that word again). So, aside from promoting this new book, could you share what you’re currently working on?

Robin: I am very excited that in Fall 2026, The Little Press will publish my very different book, Pioneer Tree. It is the story of a Quaking Aspen that experiences a forest fire and the regrowth of the forest, with its important role as the first to regrow, the pioneer tree.

Jill: That one sounds intriguing, Robin. Can’t wait to see it…. THANKS for letting me feature the adorable Just Enough Room for Christmas!

Readers, leave a comment for Robin by Nov 28th, and you’ll be automatically entered in a random drawing to receive a copy of this cute book to share with littles you love. Continental U.S. mailing addresses only, please.

You can learn more about Robin, her life, and her books by clicking on the links below.

Website

FaceBook author page

Instagram account

Meanwhile, the winner of our last giveaway, a copy of Gary Metivier’s IF I COULD FLY and an Explorer’s Kit, is Lori Bresnahan! Congratulations, Lori! Please email me through my website (jillesbaum.com) so I can arrange the mailing of your prize!