The Littlest Watchman: Watching and Waiting for the Very First Christmas

by Scott James, Geraldine Rodriguez (illustrator)

Benjamin is a Watchman. It's his job to watch for the sign that all God's promises are coming true—to watch a stump.

Trouble is, it's hard just waiting. And one night, Benjamin finally gives in and stops watching. But that same night, as he sits outside Bethlehem, he gets to watch something wonderful.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Childrens, Picture Books, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2017

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The promised King is coming and the Watchman are tasked with looking for the sign, a stump that will produce a shoot. Benjamin is the newest Watchman. They've been waiting for the King so long, and staring at a stump is boring. Is it worth the wait?

This takes a biblical prophetical illustration from Isaiah of the new King being a shoot of David and makes it somewhat literal. The book tries to help communicate to children how much waiting went into the arrival of Jesus and how we are waiting for him to come again. Benjamin witnesses the angels visiting the shepherds and follows them to the place where Jesus has been born. So this also incorporates a Nativity retelling. I like the spirit of this book. I'm just not sure how much kids will get it. It is worth a try, though, the illustrations are charming, and I like that the book clarifies in the back how the Watchmen and the literal shoot are made up but that the Nativity elements are historical.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin is a young watchman who has been charged to watch a tree stump. As his father taught him to keep watch and wait for the coming of their King, Benjamin gows impatient not knowing why he has to watch the stump at all. However when a whole host of angels sing to the shepherds, Benjamin wonders if the time has finally come?

This story is taking the verse from Isaiah 11:1 literally that "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse...". It's a cute story, but I wonder if it could be confusing for little ones to understand. It definitely would take explanation which would help.

[Faydra Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've read this a few times in our family now, and I did again this morning with my 11yo and 8yo before school. We're a family that focuses on advent at Christmas instead of Santa so this is great resource to add with its emphasis on waiting and the admission that waiting can be boring! The metaphorical, Bible-inspired image of the stump reminds us of our own waiting now and gets our kids discussing about what we are to do while we wait. We also love the illustrations!

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine read. A fine read indeed. It was helpful to show my kids aged 2-10 a family tree, as well as to read and briefly explain Isaiah's prophecy prior to reading the book proper. The pictures are fairly high-interest, especially for the littlest ones. I found it useful to point out the genre (historical fiction), and to highlight which portions of the story were historical, and which were fiction.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas

Read to my 6 year old for her Book Log for school.

We give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to little readers out there that enjoy stories like this one. It definitely has a great meaning and ending to it.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that we are using as the basis for our advent readings this year.

[Cindy Sa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like this story.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable little book with a great story and message! If you're looking for an excellent read for Advent this year, look no further.

[Gabe Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kid’s book for advent!

[Monica Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet children's book. Reminding us that the Jewish people were waiting & watching for Jesus long before He came. Are we boldly sharing Christ's love ❤️ with others?

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misleading, especially for a younger audience, since it makes a metaphor literal (and adds fictional "watchmen").