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!

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Can't-Wait Willow! Book Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of Can't-Wait Willow! to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

   

 

I have a fun children's book to tell you about, Can't-Wait Willow!  We really loved this story.  Not only is it engaging but also educational to boot.  It can be hard for everyone (children and adults alike) to learn the lesson that is portrayed in this book - sometimes you need to say no to good things to end up with something great.  After waiting for the circus to come to town Willow learns just that.  On the first day she misses out on the truly great as she is distracted with other things.  Those things in and of themselves are not bad; however, the day ends sadly when Willow is not able to do the things she truly wanted to, experience the circus.  Thankfully, she is given a second chance and she takes it to heart.  She learns to say no to good things and ends up with the best.

 Enjoying this story as a family.

My kids loved following the star throughout the book with Willow (Star Search).  When Willow makes good choices the star is happy and vibrant and when Willow makes choices that may not be the best, the star is deflated and sad.  This star search feature made it really easy to talk to the kids throughout the story about all the choices that Willow was making.  I loved hearing their thoughts.  If you want a fun book with a great lesson, then this is definitely for you!

Read more about the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway!


About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices.  The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

About the Author: (Recognize the last name Ziglar?!?)
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world's original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series.  Christy is available for Q & A, author interviews, Skype calls, etc!

The first book in the series: Can't-Wait Willow!
Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town!  The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can't say "no" to some good things.  On the way to the show, she is distracted be enticing treats and fun that she just can't turn down.  Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she run our of time, but money, and she won't be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she's been dreaming of.  Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say "no" to good things to end up with something great!

About the Illustrator:
Thanks to her first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin, Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since.  She is a great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters to life.

Website: 
The author's website has great resources to support the book, including a printable poster with 'Ways to Shine Bright,' as well as reward chart you can use at home with your children.  Check it out here.

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