The First Christmas Night Review and Giveaway

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I love Christmas. I especially love Christmas books We have quite the collection and every year we try to find 1-2 more to add to it. So when I was offered to review a new Christmas book of course I signed up. 

A moms review:
We received a copy of The First Christmas Night to review. The book is written by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki. The First Christmas Night was written with children ages 4-8 in mind however even older children will love this book! The book is a beautiful lyrical retelling of the story of Jesus' birth. The book follows the model of the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas," poem so it is a very easy read and great for young children who are developing language skills or learning to read.

"Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town

not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound.

The moon shining bright in the heavens so high

gave the look of midday to the Bethlehem sky.

The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places, 

with looks of contentment on each of their faces."

The book is a nice large 10 x 10, 32 page hardback book. The painted illustrations in the book are breathtaking. They are so realistic and look like actual photographs. Each illustration practically jumps of of the page. The attention to detail was mind boggling. My very artistic daughter couldn't stop talking about how lovely the illustrations were.

Look at these beautiful illustrations!

The story shares the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus and his birth. It starts out with the following scripture, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... Isaiah 9:6." Then the poem begins with an introduction of the little town of Bethlehem and the animals in the stable. Next Mary and Joseph arrive at the stable tired and ready for their baby's arrival. Finally the special moment comes and Jesus is born and laid in his manger bed. As Mary watches over her baby 3 nearby shepherd visited by host of angels and told of Jesus' birth. They set off to find the special place. Meanwhile 3 Kings from the far East follow a star to find baby Jesus so they can present him with gifts.

In the back of the book you will also find the Biblical story of the first Christmas taken from Luke 2:1, 4-16, 20 and Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11.

We all enjoyed this book and it was a great way to share the story of Jesus' birth with the children. the book is a great story for family story time during the holidays, children's ministers and Sunday school teachers. It is a must have book for your Christmas library!

About the book:

The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men.  The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki..

About the Author

Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith served on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Read his interview on the Examiner.

About the Illustrator 

Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life at an early age. After receiving her BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape. She illustrated the best-selling book, The Sparkle Box for Ideals Children's Books. She lives in Connecticut. 

Links to follow:
-Ideals Website
-Ideals Facebook page

Gwyns review (7 yrs old):
I liked the book a lot. The pictures were really pretty and it was a nice story about Jesus.

Where to buy:
The First Christmas Night can be purchased Amazon right now for $12.52. You can also purchase off the Ideals website for $16.99.

Be sure to check out our Sparkle Box review from last year! It's another book you must add to your Christmas library.

Now time for the giveaway: 
Ideals has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of the this amazing book to one lucky reader. Only the first entry is mandatory. Other entries are optional and give you extra chances. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. The winner will be posted on the blog and will be emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hrs with their contact information or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be mailed via the marketing company.

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