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The First Christmas Night
This gorgeously illustrated picture book features a lyrical retelling of the birth of Christ, written in the style of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. "'Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town, not a creature was stirring -- there was not a sound."
This beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus celebrates that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and moves through Christ's birth, the angels' 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 oil illustrations of Christine Kornacki.
This beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus celebrates that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and moves through Christ's birth, the angels' 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 oil illustrations of Christine Kornacki.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 12, 2022
This is the most beautiful Christmas Nativity book I've ever seen. The illustrations are gorgeous and the rhyme is in the cadence of Twas the Night Before Christmas.
December 27, 2017
This is the best children's book of the Christmas story I have ever read. It is easy to read and memorable being set to rhyme like The Night Before Christmas. And the art work is just gorgeous! It's more like looking at real pictures! So beautiful. The artist captured the light in wise men's eyes and the wonder and astonishment on the shepherds faces. And the Baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph are amazing. I bought this book for my own library so I would have it to read to children. I am so glad I bought it.
December 26, 2021
Sweet text about Christmas told in the cadence of Twas the Night Before Christmas. I'd like to read this one every Christmas Eve to Audrey.
December 12, 2023
Learn About the First Christmas Night
With simple rhyming verse, Keith Christopher has written moving board book, THE FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT, to help your child learn the true meaning of Christmas.
For example, “He had not a crib,
But in a manger instead,
The tiny new baby
Lay down his sweet head.”
Beautiful illustrations from Christine Kornacki combine with these important words and make this book potential classic for every parent to snuggle and read to their youngest child.
I highly recommend this new board book.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
With simple rhyming verse, Keith Christopher has written moving board book, THE FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT, to help your child learn the true meaning of Christmas.
For example, “He had not a crib,
But in a manger instead,
The tiny new baby
Lay down his sweet head.”
Beautiful illustrations from Christine Kornacki combine with these important words and make this book potential classic for every parent to snuggle and read to their youngest child.
I highly recommend this new board book.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
November 2, 2013
I agreed to review this book thinking it would be a nice book to give to the toddler that I babysit. NO WAY!! I love this book! The artwork is stunning and the poem is so classic, yet, I like it SO much better than the original "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem.
"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 luster of midday
to the Bethlehem sky."
If this book didn't distinctly say "ideals children's books" I would give these as gifts to adults!
The poem is recreated flawlessly, it's not a corny knock off and I just can't get over how beautiful the artwork is!!!
This book will proudly set on my bookshelf, safe from kids crayons and rough little fingers!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this post for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will serve you well. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The opinions expressed here are my own.*
"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 luster of midday
to the Bethlehem sky."
If this book didn't distinctly say "ideals children's books" I would give these as gifts to adults!
The poem is recreated flawlessly, it's not a corny knock off and I just can't get over how beautiful the artwork is!!!
This book will proudly set on my bookshelf, safe from kids crayons and rough little fingers!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this post for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will serve you well. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The opinions expressed here are my own.*
December 25, 2017
I got this adorable book as a Christmas present today and just loved it! I collect nativity scenes, I'm especially drawn to ones that depict the Holy Family behaving, well, like a family. All through this book Mary and Joseph are shown fawning over their newborn like proud parents and showing him off to the shepherds and wise men. All in all, a precious little book for the season.
December 2, 2020
I love books that reflect the true reason for celebrating Christmas. This was set to the rhythm and rhyme of the “‘Twas the night before...”. It is beautifully illustrated and I am happy to be sharing it in my LFL.
December 12, 2024
My 6 year old kept commenting how great these pictures are.
October 22, 2020
Lovely, Christmas night book.
December 22, 2023
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Scripture Connection
The First Christmas Night is a rhyming retelling of the nativity story, including Jesus’ birth in the stable, the chorus of angels, and the visits of the shepherds and wise men.
Audience
Writing is generally quite simple and straightforward, lending to a young audience. This also makes sense, given that the book is a board book.
Writing
In addition to borrowing the rhyme scheme of the original poem, The First Christmas Night also keeps the cadence and transitions in tact. For instance, the lines “And mama in her kerchief and I in my cap,” becomes “And Mary and Joseph so tired from the road.” This also maintains the focus on a couple, at this point in the story.
Words like “luster” and “just settled” also translate directly into this new poem.
I appreciate the concept of taking a beloved poem and crafting it to be about Jesus’ birth.
Illustrations
Illustrations are quite realistic, and I was glad to see Mary and Joseph depicted with dark hair and olive skin. I really like the early scene in the stable, before the couple’s arrival. In addition to a cow and a donkey, there are multiple sheep (and the smiling baby lamb is a darling!), plus a symbolic dove.
The picture of Mary and baby Jesus is also beautiful. I like the detail in Mary’s hair! And, the varying physical reactions of the shepherds to the angels contributes a sense of motion, which I like in a picture book. Finally, the last illustration (two lambs with Jesus) is adorable, as well as powerful. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Romans talks about creation awaiting redemption. Like the wind and waves, these lambs recognize their King.
Respectful Discussion
The First Christmas Night is modeled after a very famous poem. This was one of the reasons I wanted to read the book, but it also affected my experience as I found myself comparing the two. For me, The First Christmas Night doesn’t evoke the same level of coziness, and some of the rhymes felt a little more forced. To be fair, I grew up on the original poem and even memorized portions of it, so I’m sure that influences personal experience and my perception of readability.
Recommendation Status
Considered apart from the original poem, The First Christmas Night is a sweet little rhyming book that tells about the birth of Jesus in an engaging way. I could see this being read to younger readers at home, church or school.
Scripture Connection
The First Christmas Night is a rhyming retelling of the nativity story, including Jesus’ birth in the stable, the chorus of angels, and the visits of the shepherds and wise men.
Audience
Writing is generally quite simple and straightforward, lending to a young audience. This also makes sense, given that the book is a board book.
Writing
In addition to borrowing the rhyme scheme of the original poem, The First Christmas Night also keeps the cadence and transitions in tact. For instance, the lines “And mama in her kerchief and I in my cap,” becomes “And Mary and Joseph so tired from the road.” This also maintains the focus on a couple, at this point in the story.
Words like “luster” and “just settled” also translate directly into this new poem.
I appreciate the concept of taking a beloved poem and crafting it to be about Jesus’ birth.
Illustrations
Illustrations are quite realistic, and I was glad to see Mary and Joseph depicted with dark hair and olive skin. I really like the early scene in the stable, before the couple’s arrival. In addition to a cow and a donkey, there are multiple sheep (and the smiling baby lamb is a darling!), plus a symbolic dove.
The picture of Mary and baby Jesus is also beautiful. I like the detail in Mary’s hair! And, the varying physical reactions of the shepherds to the angels contributes a sense of motion, which I like in a picture book. Finally, the last illustration (two lambs with Jesus) is adorable, as well as powerful. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Romans talks about creation awaiting redemption. Like the wind and waves, these lambs recognize their King.
Respectful Discussion
The First Christmas Night is modeled after a very famous poem. This was one of the reasons I wanted to read the book, but it also affected my experience as I found myself comparing the two. For me, The First Christmas Night doesn’t evoke the same level of coziness, and some of the rhymes felt a little more forced. To be fair, I grew up on the original poem and even memorized portions of it, so I’m sure that influences personal experience and my perception of readability.
Recommendation Status
Considered apart from the original poem, The First Christmas Night is a sweet little rhyming book that tells about the birth of Jesus in an engaging way. I could see this being read to younger readers at home, church or school.
December 5, 2023
“’Twas the very first Christmas, when all through the town not a creature was stirring–there was not a sound,” Keith Christopher begins in his children’s book, The First Christmas Night.
~ What ~
This thirty-two-page board book with rounded corners targets children ages three to eight years old. With no scary scenes, it is the story of the Nativity. Colorful, detailed, and realistic illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read white font.
Similar to the poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas,” this rhyming story reiterates Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem, Jesus being born in the manger, angels visiting the shepherds and them, along with the wise men, going to see the baby Son of God.
~Why ~
This is a beautiful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas being about Jesus’s birth. I greatly appreciate it is Biblical instead of the secular version of Santa and his reindeers. The artwork is amazing with expressive details that look real, drawing the reader into the iconic story.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that explains the real meaning of Christmas. It does not discuss the eternal plan of salvation, but it mentions Christ is our Savior. There are many complicated words that young ones may not understand or comprehend, but they could be explained by the reader. The book may be too hard for beginner readers.
~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of Jesus were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a rhyming Christmas book about Jesus for young ones, this would be an excellent gift that would be cherished over the years.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This thirty-two-page board book with rounded corners targets children ages three to eight years old. With no scary scenes, it is the story of the Nativity. Colorful, detailed, and realistic illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read white font.
Similar to the poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas,” this rhyming story reiterates Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem, Jesus being born in the manger, angels visiting the shepherds and them, along with the wise men, going to see the baby Son of God.
~Why ~
This is a beautiful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas being about Jesus’s birth. I greatly appreciate it is Biblical instead of the secular version of Santa and his reindeers. The artwork is amazing with expressive details that look real, drawing the reader into the iconic story.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that explains the real meaning of Christmas. It does not discuss the eternal plan of salvation, but it mentions Christ is our Savior. There are many complicated words that young ones may not understand or comprehend, but they could be explained by the reader. The book may be too hard for beginner readers.
~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of Jesus were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a rhyming Christmas book about Jesus for young ones, this would be an excellent gift that would be cherished over the years.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
December 14, 2023
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2023/12/14... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU!
The Night of Wonder!
Join in the wonder of the first Christmas night with this enchanting account. This board book tells the story of Jesus' birth with amazing illustrations. They make an already great story wonderful because the pictures add so much. Children and adults alike with be captivated by them.
The account itself is told in the style of the poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." But it is not done in a manner that takes away from the story, or in a disrespectful way. It is just the opposite, telling the story with that approach makes it more memorable.
Little ones will be charmed every time they get to see this book. Listening to it will allow them to hear the real Christmas story.
If I could, I would rate this book with more than five-stars, but will have to settle on giving it five-plus. Don't miss getting this for the child in your life. It will be enjoyed by little ones through age eight. I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Worth Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
The Night of Wonder!
Join in the wonder of the first Christmas night with this enchanting account. This board book tells the story of Jesus' birth with amazing illustrations. They make an already great story wonderful because the pictures add so much. Children and adults alike with be captivated by them.
The account itself is told in the style of the poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." But it is not done in a manner that takes away from the story, or in a disrespectful way. It is just the opposite, telling the story with that approach makes it more memorable.
Little ones will be charmed every time they get to see this book. Listening to it will allow them to hear the real Christmas story.
If I could, I would rate this book with more than five-stars, but will have to settle on giving it five-plus. Don't miss getting this for the child in your life. It will be enjoyed by little ones through age eight. I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Worth Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
Read
November 1, 2020One of my favorite things about Autumn is choosing a unique Christmas book to enjoy each Advent and Christmas season. Each year I keep my eyes open for a book that will capture the meaning of the Christmas. This is that book for us this year.
This is written in the style of A Visit from St. Nicholas: The Night Before Christmas. The poetic cadence is soothing to the ears as a read aloud. I enjoyed the creative God honoring lines. The pictures were beautiful. I don't like silly pictures that insult a child's intelligence. Oops, you just found one of my soapboxes! I seek out books that include illustrations that are like fine art. I believe that the text and the illustrations are God honoring.
I look forward to sharing this book with my family this year and in the years to come. Oh, shhhh.... Don't tell my kids about the book.
Blessings,
Laura
Happy at Home
In Love with My Savior
Jesus the Christ
I received this book from the publisher for review.
This is written in the style of A Visit from St. Nicholas: The Night Before Christmas. The poetic cadence is soothing to the ears as a read aloud. I enjoyed the creative God honoring lines. The pictures were beautiful. I don't like silly pictures that insult a child's intelligence. Oops, you just found one of my soapboxes! I seek out books that include illustrations that are like fine art. I believe that the text and the illustrations are God honoring.
I look forward to sharing this book with my family this year and in the years to come. Oh, shhhh.... Don't tell my kids about the book.
Blessings,
Laura
Happy at Home
In Love with My Savior
Jesus the Christ
I received this book from the publisher for review.
December 24, 2023
The First Christmas Night is a children’s book about the first night of Christmas covering Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. It begins the popular rhyme “not a creature was stirring”. Peace on earth was arriving and redemption is coming. The baby was being born in a manager. The wise men were visited by an angel telling them about Jesus.
I would recommend this awesome children’s book to children aged 1-6. I immensely loved how creative and detail the illustration were in this book. They are truly breathtaking and you can see the awesome features and how realistic the faces of the wise men bring Jesus gifts and it’s probably one of my favorite pages in this book. I liked how this book contained some rhyme to make the story of Christmas even more fun.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/Worthy Kids for my honest review.”
December 13, 2023
The children's title, "The First Christmas Night," originally published in 2013, has now been reprinted as a board book in 2023. The book has simple lyrics which at times reflect well known Christmas verse, though some rhymes might be a tad awkward at times ("Then, out of the East, there came royalty whose mission was finding the Savior, you see") and some words may be tough for young kids to grasp (unfurled, redemption, contentment). Illustrator Christine Kornacki's artwork is beautiful, though Mary looks too old and Joseph looks too young. Despite that, the story is easy enough for kids to follow with the great illustrations. All in all, a good story for kids about the true history of Christmas. — reviewed by BH as part of the LibaryThing Early Reviews program
January 2, 2024
The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher is the story of the first Christmas written in the format of, Twas the Nigh Before Christmas." I think this is well done and I loved it. It is fun to read and it has the whole baby Jesus story written in a way that I think young children will listen and remember.
The First Christmas Night is a 24-page board book that measures roughly seven inches square. It is a nice size for young ones to hold on their own. The thick cardboard pages make it easy for pre-schoolers to turn on their own. This book is aimed at pre-school children and I think that is pretty much spot-on.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
The First Christmas Night is a 24-page board book that measures roughly seven inches square. It is a nice size for young ones to hold on their own. The thick cardboard pages make it easy for pre-schoolers to turn on their own. This book is aimed at pre-school children and I think that is pretty much spot-on.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
December 19, 2024
We have a good-sized collection of Christmas books in our classroom. Some of them are just out for the kids to look at, because they aren't good enough for me to read aloud (too much about the cute animals or the star, etc). This one sticks to Scripture and does it well - exceptionally well, especially when you consider that its text mirrors "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" without trying too hard. Nicely done, Keith Christopher! The illustrations are gorgeous and life-like. making this book a perfect choice to add to my personal Christmas book collection!
December 1, 2018
This Christmas picture book uses lyrical text in the style of the famous poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and gorgeous paintings to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The artwork really brings this story to life. At the end of the book, the author includes the Biblical story of the first Christmas. The rhyming text along with the illustrations make this a good book to read aloud to young children during the holiday season.
December 22, 2024
This book is super fun to read aloud and the oil paintings do a good job in conveying first the quietness and then the absolute joy that comes when Jesus is born.
Check out the full review on The Nerdy Hammy Blog which includes content warnings, recommended resources, and much more!
Check out the full review on The Nerdy Hammy Blog which includes content warnings, recommended resources, and much more!
December 13, 2023
My thoughts: This book is done in a rhyming format of Twas the Night Before Christmas which young children will enjoy. The illustrations are very calming and beautifully done. I love this image of the shepherds.
Great gift or stocking stuffer for babies or toddlers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
Great gift or stocking stuffer for babies or toddlers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
January 5, 2018
On my quest for Nativity stories for little ones NOT told from the animals' point of view, I found this gem which mimics "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore. Both the verse and the illustrations are delightful.
December 1, 2019
This is written in the form of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which at times makes for some stilted phrasing. I did like this stanza, however...
“And then, in the stable, a baby’s first cry! leave on earth, good will—redemption is nigh.”
“And then, in the stable, a baby’s first cry! leave on earth, good will—redemption is nigh.”
December 11, 2023
What a delightfully new rendition of Clement Clarke Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas!"
The story is well told in the rhythmic cadence of Moore's tale. The illustrations by Christine Kornacki are beautifully rendered.
Eagerly recommended for "littles", toddlers to 6 yrs of age!
The story is well told in the rhythmic cadence of Moore's tale. The illustrations by Christine Kornacki are beautifully rendered.
Eagerly recommended for "littles", toddlers to 6 yrs of age!
November 20, 2016
This picture books tells the first Christmas story in a prose similar to 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Amazingly vivid pictures make this a favorite holiday bedtime book!
November 29, 2018
Beautiful illustrations
December 18, 2021
This is one of our favorites as it goes along the same pattern as Twas the Night Before Christmas, but while telling you the story of Jesus' birth.
December 19, 2021
Beautiful illustrations
May 18, 2022
Modeled after the classic, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” this retelling of Jesus’s birth is beautifully illustrated and has the verses from the Bible in the back matter.
December 25, 2022
One of our favorites to read on Christmas eve as a family.
December 26, 2022
The story of the Nativity in the style of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." It is cleverly and reverently done. The illustrations are beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews