"The First Christmas Night" Children's Book Review and Giveaway

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

To put it simply-- this book is absolutely beautiful. The words are so eloquently put and the illustrations are absolutely stunning. The story is told in a rhythm that mirrors the flow of T'was The Night Before Christmas and Baby Z loves that. I One of the high points of the book by far is the beautiful illustrations and Baby Z loves looking (and touching) them as I read it. The illustrations are very life-like and just beautiful. I adore this beautiful book and I know it will be a holiday family favorite for many years to come. 

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 is 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.

About the Illustrator 

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal's Children's Books. Christine's recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Who is it for?

Kids ages 4-8 

The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read

Family story time during the holidays

Children's Ministers and Sunday school teachers

Christmas carolers could set it to a tune!

Z loves looking at the beautiful pictures!

The First Christmas Night 

Written by: Keith Christopher 

Illustrated by: Christine Kornacki

Publisher: Ideals Books

Hardcover: 32 pages 

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Buy It: You can buy The First Christmas Night at the Ideals Book website!

Win It: Enter to win your very own copy of The First Christmas Night below! This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only.

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Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."