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The Littlest Christmas Kitten

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In this re-telling of the birth of Christ, a mother cat searches frantically for her little lost kitten. Before the night is over there is the crying of a baby and angels singing His praises. The night's events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

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Lee Jackson

4 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah Sloan.
116 reviews34 followers
November 30, 2010
The Littlest Christmas Kitten
We’ve all heard the story of the birth of Jesus on that long ago night in a manger. But have you ever heard the story from the Cat’s point of view who were there that evening at the big event? It’s known to Cats all over the world. The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson tells that story of the Cats and kittens who were there that eventful night so long ago.

Uniquely illustrated by Kelly Dupre; The Littlest Christmas Kitten will warm the hearts of everyone in your family as it has in ours. Images Unlimited Publishing was kind enough to send me a copy for review and we adore this tale of Mama Cat searching for her littlest kitten who finds her in a manger just in the nick of time for that manger to be used by another little one. This is a book we’ll be reading to the girls every Christmas. They love the pictures in the book and are fascinated with kittens so it was a perfect Christmas tale book to read to them.

This is the legend of why cats purr on Christmas eve. On the most Holy Night, the animals are restless. Mother cat is searching for her little lost kitten as two strangers enter the barn. Before the night is over there is the singing of angels and animals bowing down before Baby Jesus. It is the story told through the ages of the cat family about that special night long, long ago. Available at Images Unlimited Publishing $16.00 hardbound. Any of the books ordered through the Images Unlimited Publishing site can be autographed if you wish.
Profile Image for Marie.
80 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2014
For many years I have collected Children's Books with cat themes. When the opportunity was given to review a book in this genre I jumped at the chance and was not disappointed.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson and illustrated by Kelly Dupre is a delightful, sweet little tale that purred into my cat loving heart. It tells us that cats especially kittens, have curious hearts and sometimes that leads to getting lost. So like us, but in the finding there is usually more to the story. The Christmas Story is told in its huge simplicity, reminding us that there is more than presents, parties and decorations, to this special holiday.

The illustrations are an extension of the words and depict the charming expectation of the animals on that very special night. Kelly Dupre catches the expressions of the animals perfectly. Whether worried, afraid, curious, frightened, or happy the prints easily show what the people and animals were thinking and feeling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this little tale and am delighted to have it in my 'cat' collection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for review by Snaptail Press through BookCrash and receive no other remuneration.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,783 reviews239 followers
November 9, 2014
I thought this was a cute take on the famous story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The pictures in this book are very colorful and just jump off the pages. Yet the pictures were simple. Which I liked. This helps keep little children's interest on the story and not to become so distracted with what is happening in the pictures. Plus, I like that the words were on one page on a white background. I have read many children's books where the words are written on the pages with the pictures or on a darker background and it makes it hard to read the story. The words are not too big that younger children could not read this book by themselves. This is a book that children will want to read again and again. I liked this book so much that I will be checking out more books by this author. The cat family was so adorable. Mom cat loved her family. Just like Mary and Joseph loved their new son, Jesus. In the back of the book the author did a glossary of Christmas symbols. Each one had a picture and a nice description to explain what the pictures were and what they represented.
Profile Image for Hannah.
1,330 reviews25 followers
December 1, 2017
Average Christmas story. About the nativity and a kitten family. Not my favorite, but also not terrible.
Profile Image for Becky.
629 reviews32 followers
December 23, 2014
Do You See What I See?

See this on my blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/12/21/...

In this book, a mother cat has lost her baby kitten and is frantically searching high and low in a stable for it. Just as she finds it in the animal’s feeding tough–the manger–the stable door swings open, and in come a man and a woman. The mother cat wastes no time grabbing her baby and getting it out of the way. She then retreats with the kitten to a hiding place, where they, along with the rest of the stable animals, observe the first Christmas, the birth of Christ.

This search for a lost and then found kitten is a sweet tale that neatly intertwines the Christmas story along with it. The children I have been involved with have all loved a story-line that involves wondering where something is, the search for that something and then the joy finding of it. This tale also includes the legend that every Christmas, cats pass down to each other their account of witnessing Jesus’ birth in the stable.

This darling hardback book is over-sized, contains pictures on each page and is geared toward small children. A Christmas symbol list is included on the last three pages with short explanations of their origin. This book provides many opportunities for lots of interaction to take place. For instance, it would be fun to talk with the child about the way Christmas is celebrated in their home, what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus, as well as, input from the child about the story. This 5-star book can be read at Christmas-time, and throughout the year. It will provide a nice experience for both the reader and the child listening to it.

I’d like to thank the author and Book Crash for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Author Information: http://imagesunlimitedpublishing.com/...

Book Information: http://imagesunlimitedpublishing.com/...

Book Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU2yN...
1,267 reviews
November 18, 2014
It is no secret that I am a big fan of cats. I have a new kitten who is into everything. Her middle school stage is in full force! So when offered a cat themed book to review, I always jump at the chance. The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson and illustrated by Kelly Dupre would be a sweet addition to your family’s Christmas reading.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten is an attractive children’s book targeted towards children ages 4-7. It tells the story of a momma cat frantically looking for her lost kitten. The story takes place in a stable filled with animals many, many years ago. But this book isn’t just about a lost one found, it is also about the birth of Jesus and the wonder of that night over 2000 years ago. The story is simple and the beautiful wood block illustrations enhance the feeling of a story from old. And while there is no mention of cats in the Biblical narrative, it isn’t so hard to imagine a momma barn cat and her kittens being present at the birth of Christ.

While I liked the simple story of a kitten as a backdrop to the Nativity, I really loved the author’s additional information on the many symbols of Christmas included in the back of the book. This offers another opportunity for parents to talk about the real meaning of Christmas. There is even an entry on cats with very important info on what is good and not so good for the cat members of your family during the holiday season. As the wife of veterinarian, I believe this is invaluable for all pet owners.

So if you are looking for a book to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas as well as please your special little cat lover, then definitely check out The Littlest Christmas Kitten.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-7.

(Thanks to Book Crash for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Profile Image for Beverly.
320 reviews22 followers
December 28, 2014
The Littlest Christmas Kitten is a child's picture book which emphasizes the brief moments in a stable where something special happened--a baby was born--and only the animals were there to witness the event.

The illustrations done by Kelly Dupre reminded me of other picture books I've seen with a wood cut motif. Black is used as a contrasting outline color to the watercolor earth tones of the scenes. The cartoon-like drawings are light-hearted enough to catch a child's eye. They are simple yet convey a great deal of emotion as the events unfold. The children reading this book would easily identify with the mother cat while she hunts for her missing kitten. In the meantime, the book successfully communicates the cozy atmosphere of the humble stable into which the Christ child was born. Without expressing the idea in words, the reader senses the anticipation of a few moments frozen in time: the tableau of the first Christmas.

The most interesting part of the book for the adults is the section after the story which tell the story of the meaning of Christmas symbols, including the tradition of Christmas cats. This part is a great reminder to parents and grandparents and other caregivers to teach our children the true message of Christmas, that Jesus came to earth for a reason.

I highly recommend this picture book for your collection of Christmas related stories.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Book Crash on behalf of the author. 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 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Erin Cataldi.
2,575 reviews66 followers
October 30, 2014
This book is perfect for children, cat lovers, and Christmas Eve story time. This is the story of a mama cat searching for her lost kitten in the stable on a cold night in December. She looks looks high and low in the stable, in the loft, under the manger, in the cubby holes but is unable to find her baby. When a man and a woman enter the stable the mama cat quickly hides in the manger where she finds her kitten fast asleep! Mama carries the kitten off to be with the rest of the cats and before long the woman who entered the barn gives birth to a baby and puts her son in the manger where the kitten had just been sleeping. All the animals looked on reverently because they knew that this baby was special. The cats had shared the manger with baby Jesus! As the tale concludes, "Now, down through the history of cat kingdom, Mother and Father cats tell this story to their kittens. They tell about the night Baby Jesus slept in the same manger the little kitten had found for its bed."

This Christmas story will give a different perspective of that sacred night to children who will be able to view it through another creature's eyes. Two miracles occurred that night, the mother cat found her kitten and Baby Jesus was born. Miracles, no matter how small, can take place if we only believe. This is a great story for parents and grandparents to share with children to get a close up view of what happened on Christmas Eve. The accompanying illustrations are vibrant and rich and seem to jump off the page. A must for any Christmas book collection!

I received this book for free from Book Crash in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,220 reviews41 followers
October 21, 2014
About the Book:

In this re-telling of the birth of Christ, a mother cat searches frantically for her little lost kitten. Before the night is over there is the crying of a baby and angels singing His praises. The night's events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats.



My Review:

A very precious story told about a missing kitten that laid on a bed of hay in the manger that would soon cradle the Saviour. The mama cat is frantically searching for her third baby kitten and as she watches Mary and Joseph enter the barn she really gets even more uneasy and at last she spots him sound asleep. The night that the Saviour was born it seemed the animals knew something amazing was about to take place. The very innocent, life changing event that took place that night has never lost the sight of Christians everywhere.

This story states that this Christmas tale is told for many generations of cats and if they are purring it is a reminder of that night. The illustrations in the book look like abstract paintings and it really brings the story to life. In the back of the book there are several pages filled with Christmas symbols and their meanings. It is a great book for a read aloud and is perfect for 4-7 year olds. My 4 year old loved the story, he is really fascinated with kittens right now--so if you have a child that likes cats , he will love this book. If you would like to learn more, you can at this link.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Crash.
Profile Image for Amanda Cain.
77 reviews
November 24, 2014
The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Jackson, illustrated by Kelly Dupre

ISBN 0-930643-18-6

The Littlest Christmas Kitten is a sweet retelling of the Birth of Christ from the point of view of a family of cats. Building on the foundation of traditional stories and songs that consider the role of the animals in the Nativity story, The Littlest Christmas Kitten gives an endearing new spin to the story! And while it is ideal for children of all ages, The Littlest Christmas Kitten is sure to be enjoyed by cat enthusiasts, as well.

I found The Littlest Christmas Kitten to be a cute tale, complete with beautiful, folk-style wood-carved illustrations that are sure to delight. I would give The Littlest Christmas Kitten an “A”.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of The Littlest Christmas Kitten to share with your family this holiday season, it is available from Amazon, or through the illustrator, Kelly Dupre.

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Ashlee Willis.
Author 5 books184 followers
October 23, 2014
A sweet little Christmas story for kids of about age two through six. The story itself is simple and straightforward, and I like that it incorporates the true Christmas story of Jesus' birth. We most definitely need more kids' Christmas books that speak of what Christmas is truly all about, or that are centered around Jesus and His love for us, as opposed to the worldly Christmas view that centers around Santa Claus, etc. The only thing I wasn't overly crazy about was the illustrations. I am a bit picky about illustration style, especially after having read so many children’s books in the past few years (I have a 7-year-old), and the type of artwork in this book simply isn't a style that I gravitate toward. It is very 2-dimensional and unrealistic, with the use of a very small amount of colors. My son is a fan of all different types of illustration styles, though, and he liked the illustrations in this book, although the story itself was a bit simplistic for him now that he’s at a higher reading level. All in all, The Littlest Christmas Kitten is a great story that I would recommend for any Christian family at Christmas time, or any time during the year!

(I received a free copy of this book from BookCrash in exchange for an honest review).
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2014
Anyone who loves cats is certainly going to enjoy this retelling of the Christmas story. Long ago a mother cat and her kittens lived in a stable and like most kittens might do one wanders away, well the mother cat searches high and low for her lost baby. When the mother cat is startled by a man and woman coming into the stable she jumps into the manger and there is her sleeping kitten. Little does she know that before the night is out that a very special baby would be sleeping in the same manger where she found her wandering kitten.

A beautiful retelling of the Christmas story that will certainly become a Christmas favorite for years to come. The illustrations were very well done, allowing me to easily feel like I was right there in the stable with the animals. I loved seeing the tale unfold thru the eyes of the mother cat especially the reverence all the animals showed to the newborn babe! Along with the story the author provides a nice list of Christmas symbols and their meanings, she even shares the symbol of Christmas Cats including why a kitten isn't always the best gift at Christmas. Overall I found this book to be a delightful read that would make a wonderful gift for anyone especially cat lovers.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
2,038 reviews60 followers
November 17, 2014
Kitten stories are cute and most folks love them even if they are not particularly fond of cats. Obviously the author wants to draw in those who love kitty stories and desires to re-tell the beautiful birth of the Christ child. The author has a section at the end of the book recounting Christmas symbols and imagery. The illustrations are bold and with harsh black lines. This style of art does not appeal to me, though it most likely has an audience that will enjoy it.

I like that the author brings Mary and Joseph to the manger where the Christ child is laid. I don't particularly care for the weaving of the cat and kitten into the actual story of Christ's birth. I can see two stories told in story form and with pictures in the same book. I can not fathom weaving the kitten and cat into the actual story - time, place, circumstances - as though it were in fact reality.

I give this a 2-star rating because it is nicely bound and I believe the goal of the authors was well-intended. I just think that for my preferences it missed the mark.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash in exchange for this review. I received no compensation for the review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews