Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The First Christmas Night Book Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to FlyBy and the sponsor for providing this information and giveaway.
   


I have another book to tell you about, The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.  The illustrations felt familiar to me at once and I realized that is because Christine Kornacki also illustrated The Sparkle Box (read my review here)!  This book is a retelling of the birth of Jesus set to Twas the Night Before Christmas

The illustrations are life-like, vibrant and extremely enjoyable.

 The kids loved both the story and the illustrations.  Here D is looking at baby Jesus.

I never tire of reading about Christmas night or the night that Jesus was born into the world.  This night changed everything and is at the core of what I believe - truly an amazing event.  I enjoyed how Keith Christopher was able to tell the story in the form of a poem.  My children were engaged and easily followed along to the lyrical rhythm.  While I think this book is applicable all year round, now is the perfect time with Christmas approaching to share this gem with loved ones!  You will not be disappointed, I sure wasn't.

Read more about this book, author, and illustrator below.  And be sure and enter the giveaway for your chance to win your own!  Or go here to purchase a copy.

About The First Christmas Night
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 through Christ's birth, the angel's 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 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, here dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  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!

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a copy of The First Christmas Night for your own.  Just enter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 comment:

The Frugal Exerciser - Sheila Simmons said...

Christmas is the season for giving back and volunteering in my home. I try to choose 4 charities to sponsor and volunteer my time at least twice.