<p>The monastery of St. Ambrose is situated on the Irish island of Moracrrick.<br>Here, monks old and young live quiet lives spent in prayer and service. <br>One day the Abbot decides that Brother Bede, their finest illuminator of manuscripts,<br>will illustrate the Christmas story.<br>It will be magnificent, praised throughout the world (as will St. Ambrose).<br><br><br>Unfortunately, young Brother Cuthbert has been chosen to assist Brother Bede<br>in this project. Cuthbert is impatient, lacks discipline, and even worse...<br>is known for making mistakes. His nickname is <i>Smudge</i>.<br>How can someone so ill-suited assist in the creation of the greatest book of all?<br><br><br>Award-winning author Gloria Whelan shows that sometimes, when given the right task,<br>someone's greatest weakness can prove to be his greatest strength.</p>