C Is for Christmas Tonya Skousen Arenaz What is Christmas? Find the answer in twentysix simple yet meaningful verses, one for each letter of the alphabet. From singing angels and jingling bells to quiet reflections on Nativity scenes, these vibrant pages celebrate all the festivities of the season while reminding us that the greatest Christmas gift can't be found under the tree. Featuring stunning art by renowned artists Howard Lyon, Sandra Kuck, Joseph Brickey, Jean Monti, and Ben Sowards and introducing beautiful art from newly discovered Mark Missman, this richly illustrated book renews favorite family memories and inspires new ones.
The story, for the most part, is engaging enough for young children, although I agree with other reviewers about the disappointment in not using the Savior on he letter S page. I still read it every year. The illustrations are so beautiful.
When I saw this book in our local bookstore catalog I was super excited to check it out thinking it would be a perfect book to use to help teach children the meaning of Christmas. It does do this using the ABC's and rhyming - it has a little verse to go along with each letter of the alphabet - and with beautiful pictures.... however I was sorely disappointed that for the letter S it mentioned Santa Claus, and for R (among other r letter words) it mentioned Rudolph. I wanted something that would teach the true meaning of Christmas - as in Christ's birth. There are enough books, movies, media, not to mention other kids, that will teach my kids about Santa (which to be honest I have been seriously considering not 'doing' Santa with our kids), so I wanted something that would focus on Christ and his birth. It's sad because the rest of the book is perfect - if only for the letter S the author had used Silent Night, or Spirit, Singing Carols, or even Snow or Snowflakes. I liked the verses with each letter, I liked the pictures and the idea of the book - but it did not meet my requirements so I won't be purchasing it :( But I'm sure it will be perfect for most other families and their children. So I'm not sure how to rate this book because I was super disappointed that it would not fit my needs, but it is a cute book and I do like everything about it except those 2 letters mentioning the rudolph and santa. If it had not had those 2 things then I would have given the book a 4 star rating - so without them I think I would give it 2.5 (but since I have to choose between 2 or 3 I'll be nice and choose the 3).
I picked this book up to be part of our 24 Days of Christmas stories and we read it last night. The illustrations are a compilation from several different artists, and all are beautiful and capture every part of the wonder of Christmas. I liked the rhyme, too. Great book for our family's collection!
Jolene just gave me this to help build my under-the-tree collection. I love it! The paintings are beautiful and there's just the right blend of spiritual and secular aspects of Christmas.
This was my Christmas book from my husband this year. I think I love it so much because he gave it to me, but it was a really sweet book with great pictures in it.