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Little One, We Knew You'd Come
Lush illustrations echo this simple retelling of the Christmas story for the entire family.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2006
About the author
Sally Lloyd-Jones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 16, 2022
A beautiful book about parents who are overjoyed with their little one. It is a sweet message about love and the bond between parents and child (baby). I read this to my grandson before bed and it was a sweet way for him to fall asleep. The original book was a retelling of Christ's birth with illustrations showing that, but the words fit the new illustrations showing various animals in nature. The text has a great cadence making this a great read aloud with repetition of the line, "Little one, we knew you'd come". It would make a wonderful gift for a baby shower or as a gift at a baby's birth.
January 8, 2012
A re-telling of the birth of Christ. What is interesting is that while the illustrations depict the birth of Christ, the words simply describe excitement at the birth of a child - any child. Beautiful illustrations. The darker-colored characters are probably more realistic than most depictions of Jesus, although the Mary depicted here looks a lot older than the Mary I imagine. I don't like the illustrations of Jesus sucking his thumb. Why not have him nursing instead? There are a couple of instances of ungrammatical language.
December 4, 2014
It is hard to not want to give a book that focuses on the real meaning of Christmas a better review. But 2 stars euals an okay book, and that's what i thought the book was... Okay. It was average. The illustrations were random and without aim. I wasn't a huge fan of the lyrical poem and the illustrations could have used more light.
December 6, 2010
A beautifully illustrated book (reminds me of illuminated manuscripts) which tells the nativity story from the perspective of the expectant parents.
December 7, 2016
Not a fan of this one.
January 26, 2017
A gorgeous nativity story with a text that could be a welcome for any child.
May 31, 2017
This book conveys the anticipation of those waiting for the Christ's birth.
March 3, 2022
The anticipation of a coming baby is exciting. This book share the love, the anticipation of the parents. As you read this to your toddler you are sharing a faith of a good God. The will of God and the blessing of God.
The illustrations are warm and inviting. Sally Lloyd Jones is one of my favorite Christian children authors of books. I invite you to share this one with your new bundle of joy.
A special thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The illustrations are warm and inviting. Sally Lloyd Jones is one of my favorite Christian children authors of books. I invite you to share this one with your new bundle of joy.
A special thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 19, 2022
What a nice surprise this little book turned out to be! It's a beautifully illustrated 32-page little storybook meant to share with your child when they are still at a young age. There are three bears as the main characters of the story. The Mama Bear and the Papa Bear wait for the Baby Bear to be born, and their joy over the birth is abundantly clear. The Little Bear starts to grow, and they celebrate his birth every year. It's a great way to show your child how wanted he/she was and still is!
February 22, 2022
5/5 stars
Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a beautiful and heartfelt story. Accompanied by detailed and colorful illustrations, this is the perfect book to introduce a little one to the love and joy of reading. This book would be a perfect baby shower or welcome-to-the-world gift for new parents. This is a simple and sweet book, and I recommend it!
Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a beautiful and heartfelt story. Accompanied by detailed and colorful illustrations, this is the perfect book to introduce a little one to the love and joy of reading. This book would be a perfect baby shower or welcome-to-the-world gift for new parents. This is a simple and sweet book, and I recommend it!
March 18, 2022
Originally published in 2006 with publisher Little, Brown as a Christmas story, Little One, We Knew You’d Come has been repackaged and repurposed by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Zonderkidz to tell a more general story of the arrival of any baby. I mention this from the outset, because if you are familiar with that now out-of-print version, you’re not going to get the same thing from this updated version.
The original version has panels illustrated by Jackie Morris that follow the Christmas story, as if Mary and Joseph (and by extension the whole world) are speaking the words of the book to Jesus. It begins with Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem and ends with a panel featuring a baby Jesus sucking his thumb while in the arms of Mary.
This version, published in 2022 and illustrated by Eve Tharlet, follows an anthropomorphic Bear family as they go through the process of pregnancy and birth. So, you know, not the same. It’s really quite interesting how malleable Sally Lloyd-Jones’s text is and shows the power of illustrations to provide interpretation in children’s literature. The text is not changed one bit, perhaps indicating that Lloyd-Jones was thematically highlighting both the humanness and divineness at work in Christ’s birth.
Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a story about welcoming new life. One panel reads “We hoped. We dreamed. We watched for you. We counted the days till you were due. We waited. How we longed for you, And the day that you were born.” Lloyd-Jones’s poetry is more artistic that you typically see in children’s literature, perhaps reflecting the more general audience of the original. Some of the text’s idiosyncrasies definitely make more sense for storytelling purposes knowing the original context, but still create a certain drama that unfolds well in the modern illustrations.
This would be a cute book to read to young children who are expecting a younger sibling, or a child who is beginning to ask questions about their own origin. However, if you’re expecting a story about Jesus, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
The original version has panels illustrated by Jackie Morris that follow the Christmas story, as if Mary and Joseph (and by extension the whole world) are speaking the words of the book to Jesus. It begins with Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem and ends with a panel featuring a baby Jesus sucking his thumb while in the arms of Mary.
This version, published in 2022 and illustrated by Eve Tharlet, follows an anthropomorphic Bear family as they go through the process of pregnancy and birth. So, you know, not the same. It’s really quite interesting how malleable Sally Lloyd-Jones’s text is and shows the power of illustrations to provide interpretation in children’s literature. The text is not changed one bit, perhaps indicating that Lloyd-Jones was thematically highlighting both the humanness and divineness at work in Christ’s birth.
Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a story about welcoming new life. One panel reads “We hoped. We dreamed. We watched for you. We counted the days till you were due. We waited. How we longed for you, And the day that you were born.” Lloyd-Jones’s poetry is more artistic that you typically see in children’s literature, perhaps reflecting the more general audience of the original. Some of the text’s idiosyncrasies definitely make more sense for storytelling purposes knowing the original context, but still create a certain drama that unfolds well in the modern illustrations.
This would be a cute book to read to young children who are expecting a younger sibling, or a child who is beginning to ask questions about their own origin. However, if you’re expecting a story about Jesus, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
February 13, 2014
Beautifully written, of course, since it's by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This Christmas story would be a good one to read during the waiting time of advent. The details of the Christmas story aren't hammered out - though the gorgeous pictures evoke them - but the poetic text gets across the idea of hopeful waiting, expectation, and joy in seeing God's promises coming true.
May 19, 2022
I won a copy of this book.
This is a Christian book, with mentions of God. This picture book is great for that new baby or newly adopted children. Written in rhyme, it'll be a great story for bedtime, naptime, or anytime, really. The illustrations of animals waiting for, and then meeting, their little one are cute and work well with the verses. Would be a good present for a baby shower.
This is a Christian book, with mentions of God. This picture book is great for that new baby or newly adopted children. Written in rhyme, it'll be a great story for bedtime, naptime, or anytime, really. The illustrations of animals waiting for, and then meeting, their little one are cute and work well with the verses. Would be a good present for a baby shower.
March 12, 2008
Never seen an image of the Christ-child sucking his thumb? This is another one of our "we plan to read it every Christmas" books. It's a sweet story of Advent--expecting a child, expecting THE child. Both themes are on every page.
August 24, 2010
About the birth of Jesus... but speaks to the feelings of love and anticipation and joy that accompany the birth of every child (in my own little happy world). Dripping with sweet. Makes my uterus hurt.
December 1, 2020
Beautiful illustrations of the Christmas story accompany the text which could be about the birth of any miracle baby (and aren't most miracle babies?).
Like the repeating refrain of "Little One, we knew you'd come"
Like the repeating refrain of "Little One, we knew you'd come"
May 20, 2022
This is a very sweet, easy to read at bedtime book.
My very active toddler loved the pictures and sat through the story without trying to get up and jump around (a rarity).
This would be a beautiful gift for a baby shower or a first birthday.
My very active toddler loved the pictures and sat through the story without trying to get up and jump around (a rarity).
This would be a beautiful gift for a baby shower or a first birthday.
December 19, 2014
A really beautiful re-telling of the birth of Jesus. The illustrations are exceptional. Wonderful book.
January 9, 2018
The people have darker skin and actually look Jewish. The baby actually looks like a newborn. :-) Simple text, lavish illustrations.
April 24, 2022
Little One We Knew You'd Come
~ A story of faith and joy
Eve Starlett's beautifully painted illustrations enrich this storybook with jewel tones and earth tones creating a restful feel. Sally Lloyd-Jones tells a story of a mama and papa kangaroo who are deeply in love and long for a little one of their own.
Little One We Knew You'd Come is the chorus throughout the book. The other animals, including mice, birds, and butterflies, share in mama and papa's joy when their little one arrives. The illustrations magnify just how much they love their little one.
As a mama of four who had to wait several years for the first one, I know that deep desire to have a child and the excitement and anticipation as that child grows inside. I think this book captures that joy and anticipation in a beautiful way that shows the reader's child just how much he was loved even before he was born.
This is a wonderful gift for a baby shower or for a little one who just needs to be reminded of how much they are treasured.
Highly recommended for every little girl or boy.
Five Stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 1, 2022
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
From New York Times bestselling children’s book author Sally Lloyd-Jones, Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a heartwarming and endearing story about the hope and anticipation of a new baby. Overflowing with joy, this book makes the perfect gift for a new baby, baptism, adoption, new beginning, or special occasion.
Little one, we knew you’d come.
We hoped. We dreamed. We watched for you.
We counted the days till you were due.
We waited. How we longed for you,
And the day that you were born.
Little One, We Knew You’d Come includes:
Engaging illustrations and delightful, lyrical text
A beautiful message for parents and grandparents to read aloud to their children again and again
A joyful story that celebrates new life and the love we have for our little ones even before their arrival
My Review:
Sally Lloyd Jones is such a great author. When she writes in this series, I'm always excited to see what she came up with. This latest book is just as sweet as any of the others in the series. It was actually a little bit of a tear jerker. I really liked it and its perfect for a family of a newborn or newly adopted child. Really good gift and perfect little read aloud to a sweet baby.
About the Book:
From New York Times bestselling children’s book author Sally Lloyd-Jones, Little One, We Knew You’d Come is a heartwarming and endearing story about the hope and anticipation of a new baby. Overflowing with joy, this book makes the perfect gift for a new baby, baptism, adoption, new beginning, or special occasion.
Little one, we knew you’d come.
We hoped. We dreamed. We watched for you.
We counted the days till you were due.
We waited. How we longed for you,
And the day that you were born.
Little One, We Knew You’d Come includes:
Engaging illustrations and delightful, lyrical text
A beautiful message for parents and grandparents to read aloud to their children again and again
A joyful story that celebrates new life and the love we have for our little ones even before their arrival
My Review:
Sally Lloyd Jones is such a great author. When she writes in this series, I'm always excited to see what she came up with. This latest book is just as sweet as any of the others in the series. It was actually a little bit of a tear jerker. I really liked it and its perfect for a family of a newborn or newly adopted child. Really good gift and perfect little read aloud to a sweet baby.
April 27, 2022
Oh, this little book is just darling! As an adoptive Mama, I love when I can find picture books about a child’s birth that do not relate specifically to pregnancy. This sweet, lyrical story is told from both Mama and Papa Kangaroos’ point of view with adorable illustrations featuring them waiting for their little one’s birth. This storybook can easily work for pregnancy or adoption/placement in infancy.
Because the book refers to the day a baby is born, I do not believe this book would work well for a child who was placed or adopted at an older age.
With large, low gloss pages and subtle tones, the story celebrates the gift of new life and the hope and joy found therein. A great gift for a baby shower, adoption or special occasion within baby’s first year and a book that can grow with your little one up until their preschool years.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
Because the book refers to the day a baby is born, I do not believe this book would work well for a child who was placed or adopted at an older age.
With large, low gloss pages and subtle tones, the story celebrates the gift of new life and the hope and joy found therein. A great gift for a baby shower, adoption or special occasion within baby’s first year and a book that can grow with your little one up until their preschool years.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
April 10, 2022
Little One, We Knew You’d Come shares the sweetest story of welcoming a new baby into the world! As a grandmother of one with one on the way, this book touches me so deeply. There’s nothing as special and worthy of celebration than that of a new life.
For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
PSALM 139
The watercolor illustrations are soft and tender, showing a loving bear family sharing their wonderment and gratitude of the day little one joined their family. The rhyming narration is so sweet and makes you want to cuddle and kiss your little one.
This feel-good story is a 2022 favorite! The lilting narration and soft cuddly illustrations are a delight! Definitely a keeper.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
2022 Favorite!
For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
PSALM 139
The watercolor illustrations are soft and tender, showing a loving bear family sharing their wonderment and gratitude of the day little one joined their family. The rhyming narration is so sweet and makes you want to cuddle and kiss your little one.
This feel-good story is a 2022 favorite! The lilting narration and soft cuddly illustrations are a delight! Definitely a keeper.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
2022 Favorite!
April 25, 2022
My thoughts: this is a sweet picture book about a couple who are expecting a baby and anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. The illustrations are beautifully done and sure to hold a child's interest as a loved one reads the story to them and stresses how much their arrival was looking forward to. It's a nice book to read to a child let them know that they were wanted and loved. Sure to be a favorite in your child's library. Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own.
January 6, 2023
This book has received two illustration treatments. I'm sure the animal one is cute (and I think I've read it...I've read a bunch of them), but the Christmas version is fantastic.
The little one is baby Jesus and the illustrations are beautiful. A perfect example to realize the power of imagery. I didn't even realize until just now, that the text has nothing to do with Christmas, wise men or angels...all which are prominently displayed. Yet, I was positive this was a Christmas book.
The little one is baby Jesus and the illustrations are beautiful. A perfect example to realize the power of imagery. I didn't even realize until just now, that the text has nothing to do with Christmas, wise men or angels...all which are prominently displayed. Yet, I was positive this was a Christmas book.
February 25, 2022
What a charming storybook! You just want to read it out loud. The illustrations are beautiful and the story itself reads like poetry. It captures both the joyful anticipation parents-to-be feel before their baby is born or adopted and the love and joy that follow. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zonderkidz and Sally Lloyd-Jones for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zonderkidz and Sally Lloyd-Jones for this ARC.
May 18, 2022
I believe I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, though it came as a surprise! I must not have gotten the email.
Gorgeously illustrated hardcover picture book. Soothing images and a sweet, short poetic book about parents being overjoyed by their first child. Adorable story for parents to read to their little ones. Could apply to adopted and biological families.
Gorgeously illustrated hardcover picture book. Soothing images and a sweet, short poetic book about parents being overjoyed by their first child. Adorable story for parents to read to their little ones. Could apply to adopted and biological families.
May 24, 2018
Marvelous book. Story that reads like a welcome letter to a new baby, but the pictures show how very special the recipient of this particular letter is. Highly recommended, and I'm devastated that it's out of print!
February 25, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Zonderkidz for a free digital copy.
A beautiful and poignant book about parents who are overjoyed at the existence of their little one. The illustrations match the wonderful words and parents will adore reading this one to the children they love.
A beautiful and poignant book about parents who are overjoyed at the existence of their little one. The illustrations match the wonderful words and parents will adore reading this one to the children they love.
April 23, 2022
I can't get over the gorgeous illustrations and how sweet this book is! This is the perfect book for parents to read to their kiddos to let them know how much they were wanted and loved <3 Thanks for sending a copy my way for review, Zondervan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews