The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher
Product Details
Web ID: 15255757Sweet Nativity story
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own. Scripture Connection The First Christmas Night is a rhyming retelling of the nativity story, including Jesus’ birth in the stable, the chorus of angels, and the visits of the shepherds and wise men. Audience Writing is generally quite simple and straightforward, lending to a young audience. This also makes sense, given that the book is a board book. Writing In addition to borrowing the rhyme scheme of the original poem, The First Christmas Night also keeps the cadence and transitions in tact. For instance, the lines “And mama in her kerchief and I in my cap,” becomes “And Mary and Joseph so tired from the road.” This also maintains the focus on a couple, at this point in the story. Words like “luster” and “just settled” also translate directly into this new poem. I appreciate the concept of taking a beloved poem and crafting it to be about Jesus’ birth. Illustrations Illustrations are quite realistic, and I was glad to see Mary and Joseph depicted with dark hair and olive skin. I really like the early scene in the stable, before the couple’s arrival. In addition to a cow and a donkey, there are multiple sheep (and the smiling baby lamb is a darling!), plus a symbolic dove. The picture of Mary and baby Jesus is also beautiful. I like the detail in Mary’s hair! And, the varying physical reactions of the shepherds to the angels contributes a sense of motion, which I like in a picture book. Finally, the last illustration (two lambs with Jesus) is adorable, as well as powerful. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Romans talks about creation awaiting redemption. Like the wind and waves, these lambs recognize their King. Respectful Discussion The First Christmas Night is modeled after a very famous poem. This was one of the reasons I wanted to read the book, but it also affected my experience as I found myself comparing the two. For me, The First Christmas Night doesn’t evoke the same level of coziness, and some of the rhymes felt a little more forced. To be fair, I grew up on the original poem and even memorized portions of it, so I’m sure that influences personal experience and my perception of readability. Recommendation Status Considered apart from the original poem, The First Christmas Night is a sweet little rhyming book that tells about the birth of Jesus in an engaging way. I could see this being read to younger readers at home, church or school.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Night of Wonder!
Join in the wonder of the first Christmas night with this enchanting account. This board book tells the story of Jesus' birth with amazing illustrations. They make an already great story wonderful because the pictures add so much. Children and adults alike with be captivated by them. The account itself is told in the style of the poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." But it is not done in a manner that takes away from the story, or in a disrespectful way. It is just the opposite, telling the story with that approach makes it more memorable. Little ones will be charmed every time they get to see this book. Listening to it will allow them to hear the real Christmas story. If I could, I would rate this book with more than five-stars, but will have to settle on giving it five-plus. Don't miss getting this for the child in your life. It will be enjoyed by little ones through age eight. I highly recommend it! Thank you, Worth Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com