Note-able Scraps: October 2016

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Flyby Review: Where Jesus Slept

I have been given the great opportunity to review this lovely children's book, Where Jesus Slept, written by Norma Lewis and illustrated by Katy Hudson.

First, you are thinking, this looks like a Christmas book, and it's only October! You are correct. Yes, I am one of those annoying people who posted this on my Facebook two days ago:

I LOVE Christmas! More specifically, I love the story of Jesus, and I love sharing it with children, year-round. Seriously, though, if you want to order thoughtful gifts and get them in time for Christmas, it is time to start thinking about them, even if you are not quite ready to put up your Christmas tree before Thanksgiving!

Where Jesus Slept is a Nativity story written in the pattern of the old story "This is the house that Jack built," where each page and phrase builds upon the last. While it was a bit young for my children (the youngest is 11), it is a charming book for children in the preschool-2nd grade range. The illustrations are simply beautiful. It's one of those books that will be beautiful to just set on the shelf or coffee table during Christmas. On the next-to-last page, there is a lovely illustration of the whole nativity scene that has come together through the book.

One thing that I will note is that I really like books that do NOT refer to the Wise Men or Magi coming on Christmas Eve or Christmas night, since I like to teach my kids the real chronology of the Christmas story, in which the Wise Men began travel at that time but traveled for probably about 18 months. This story does place the Wise Men in the nativity scene, but since it is a story about WHO came to see Jesus and not so much WHEN they came, it does seem appropriate.

I also love the Bible verses at the beginning and the end of the story.

If you have a child in your life for whom this book would make a great Christmas present, you can find it at Amazon (click on image for affiliate link):

Of course, I will be giving away a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book here on my blog, to a winner within the continental US. To enter, comment below or on my Facebook page with an answer to this question: How early is it OK to put up a Christmas tree??? (For the record, mine usually goes up a day or two after Thanksgiving!)

About the book:“This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale. Format: jacketed hardcover Trim size: 10x10 Page count: 32 Retail price: $16.99 Reading age: 4-7 About the author:Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning theUse of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Stay tuned to my blog for more great holiday fun as we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, my favorite time of the year! Happy reading!