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On the Night You Were Born
On the Night You Were Born has touched the lives of more than 8 million people, from newborns and toddlers to parents and grandparents. A New York Times bestseller, On the Night You Were Born is sure to be a beloved addition to family libraries.
Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born. On the night you were born, the whole world came alive with thanksgiving. The moon stayed up till morning. The geese flew home to celebrate. Polar bears danced.
On the night you were born you brought wonder and magic to the world. Here is a book that celebrates you. It is meant to be carried wherever life takes you, over all the roads, through all the years. Because you are the one and only you, and always will be.
Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born. On the night you were born, the whole world came alive with thanksgiving. The moon stayed up till morning. The geese flew home to celebrate. Polar bears danced.
On the night you were born you brought wonder and magic to the world. Here is a book that celebrates you. It is meant to be carried wherever life takes you, over all the roads, through all the years. Because you are the one and only you, and always will be.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 15, 2005
117 people are currently reading
4766 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Tillman
43 books308 followersNancy Tillman created her first book, "On the Night You Were Born," to convey to children at an early and impressionable age, "You are the one and only ever you." Since then, Nancy has written and illustrated several bestselling books. She also illustrated It's Time to Sleep, My Love, with Eric Metaxas. Together, Nancy's books have sold in the millions. A former advertising executive, Tillman now writes and illustrates full-time.
Whether she is creating books that remind children of their own unique wonder, or teaching life lessons through an accident prone cat named Tumford, all of Nancy's books feature one important message. You are loved. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nancyt...
http://nancytillman.com
http://nancytillmanblog.com
Whether she is creating books that remind children of their own unique wonder, or teaching life lessons through an accident prone cat named Tumford, all of Nancy's books feature one important message. You are loved. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nancyt...
http://nancytillman.com
http://nancytillmanblog.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 714 reviews
April 19, 2011
My daughter was born 4 months premature and only weighed 11 ounces. The doctors had never seen a baby like her survive, and didn't give us much hope. The only thing I could do for my daughter was read to her hoping that it would comfort her in some small way. I remember standing in Barnes and Nobles just days after I was released from the hospital looking for something to read her and came across this book. I stood there and read this...and I bawled. The message that you are a one of a kind miracle just touched me so much. So I bought this book and read it nearly everyday of her 14 month hospitalization determined that she was a wonder and no one but her could pull off all she went through. Three years later, my daughter is indeed a miracle. She survived the impossible and is healthy, happy little girl now. I still read this to her for she is indeed "Fearfully and wonderfully made".
February 24, 2013
Too much text in the text-to-picture ratio, and the message is "all the animals and nature and stuff care about you, because you are the center of the universe." Sorry, sweet baby, they don't, and you aren't.
Pictures are quite lovely, though.
Pictures are quite lovely, though.
December 5, 2021
Wonderful book that will help a young child see how unique they are - fantastic art that adds to the story. A good bedtime story book for a small child who may have problems trying to understand that they are unique - and that their uniqueness is appreciated by those we truly love them.
March 14, 2018
The purpose of this book is evident. It makes one feel better about themselves. It is very difficult to find someone who is exactly like you - sums up this one for me.
August 12, 2012
This book has been a favorite for many years at our house. It conveys how special and wanted each child is and celebrates their uniqueness. On a certain page I whisper each of my little grands names, and from 7 yrs down to the 12 month old, they love it! Highly recommend!
An excerpt:.....
"On the night you were born,
the moon shone with such wonder
that the stars peeked in
to see you
and the night wind whispered,
'Life will never be the same.'
Because there had never been
anyone like you...
ever in the world.
So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain
That they whispered the sound of your wonderful name."
An excerpt:.....
"On the night you were born,
the moon shone with such wonder
that the stars peeked in
to see you
and the night wind whispered,
'Life will never be the same.'
Because there had never been
anyone like you...
ever in the world.
So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain
That they whispered the sound of your wonderful name."
May 3, 2012
This is the literary equivalent of "your call is very important to us." Basically, you're supposed to madly lib the child's name, and the kid is subsequently meant to understand that she's so extraordinary, that the geese honk all morning and the bears dance all night, and "heaven" plays all kinds of trumpets and horns to commemorate the day of [fill in]'s glorious birth. There are surely better ways for children to feel special and loved, to appreciate the wondrous beauty of the natural world, and to develop the self-esteem to realize their passions and talents. Children are more clever than we think, and the eventual disappointment of narcissism unbound is not conducive to their emotional development. The trick in life is to learn to be happy, productive, and grateful, while still realizing, as Chuck Palahniuk says, We are not special. We are not crap or trash, either. We just are."
June 7, 2022
Perfect book for children. Read it to my unborn niece/nephew 😍 and I’m guessing it was a lovely story because he/she moved around.
It’s a story about nature and animals showing you how special you are on the night you were born. The illustrations are beautiful and the rhymes are spectacular. Wonderful storybook for bedtime or just whenever.
It’s a story about nature and animals showing you how special you are on the night you were born. The illustrations are beautiful and the rhymes are spectacular. Wonderful storybook for bedtime or just whenever.
September 7, 2012
Am I the only one creeped out by the worshipful tone of this book?
December 7, 2012
I was at Sam's Club last Christmas, lamenting how the year's business allowed us precious little room for gift giving, even though we had made the promise to ourselves to only send gifts to the children in our lives, when this book reeled me in. Out of the hordes of stacks one typically finds there, it somehow magically drew my attention (c'mon, how do you not notice a pair of dancing polar bears?), I read it, and a grown man cried in a budget emporium. Snatched it right up along with It's Time to Sleep, My Love, which was illustrated by the author of this book, an amazing child's author named Nancy Tillman. The two books were my daughter's Christmas presents from me last year, and I have read one or both of these books every night at bedtime to her ever since, our first daughter/father tradition.
And that's just what makes this such a gift. The illustrations are touching, maybe not the sort of artwork that you'd expect at the MFA, but it does the expected task of catching a child's attention and fascination, and I find it returns a Rockwellian gentleness that is so sorely lacking in our world these days. The story? Well, I'd like to call attention to two other reviews here for perspective, one by Jenn Robertson and one by Adina Cappell. Jenn's review clearly shows that she sees the magic of the book, that it affirms the unique beauty of a child whose hold on life at an early age was tenuous, and if you share the same view that a child should be celebrated at every moment, no matter how difficult the moment or how sappy the celebration, then you will love this book. Adina, on the other hand, well, let's just say I won't be inviting her to any children's birthday parties any time soon. Not critiquing her right to choose how to treat a child, but she clearly is more of the "We should get our children prepared for the realities of life" crowd, and as such a story of giddy celebration of life is rendered moot, and if you're of a like mind, this is clearly not the book you want the children in your life to grow up reading. I choose to celebrate the precious life we've been given, to be silly and grateful for the time I am given with my daughter, and the reading of this story is a cherished moment in my day.
My daughter loves it too, at first she was uncooperative about being read to, but as the routine grew so did her attitude towards it, and now when I pull the books out her face lights up and she forgets whatever she was doing, it's now daddy and daughter time. It has made our bedtime routine much easier to slip into, I usually give her one book to thumb through while I read her the other, and though she enjoys playing with the book given to her, she is clearly glued to the story being read, and more often than not, once I'm done reading to her, she either takes the book from my hand and gives it to mommy to read, or she takes the other book and gives it to one of us to read. Either way, her appreciation for reading time is clearly there, which is exactly what we seek to accomplish with storytime. The only downside to these wonderful books is trying to take them away from her after storytime is done, she knows that putting the books away means the end of storytime and she does not let that time end without a fight!
To sum up, this book is not just about the heartwarming celebration of children, it's a terrific tradition creator, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality read to pass down the generations!
And that's just what makes this such a gift. The illustrations are touching, maybe not the sort of artwork that you'd expect at the MFA, but it does the expected task of catching a child's attention and fascination, and I find it returns a Rockwellian gentleness that is so sorely lacking in our world these days. The story? Well, I'd like to call attention to two other reviews here for perspective, one by Jenn Robertson and one by Adina Cappell. Jenn's review clearly shows that she sees the magic of the book, that it affirms the unique beauty of a child whose hold on life at an early age was tenuous, and if you share the same view that a child should be celebrated at every moment, no matter how difficult the moment or how sappy the celebration, then you will love this book. Adina, on the other hand, well, let's just say I won't be inviting her to any children's birthday parties any time soon. Not critiquing her right to choose how to treat a child, but she clearly is more of the "We should get our children prepared for the realities of life" crowd, and as such a story of giddy celebration of life is rendered moot, and if you're of a like mind, this is clearly not the book you want the children in your life to grow up reading. I choose to celebrate the precious life we've been given, to be silly and grateful for the time I am given with my daughter, and the reading of this story is a cherished moment in my day.
My daughter loves it too, at first she was uncooperative about being read to, but as the routine grew so did her attitude towards it, and now when I pull the books out her face lights up and she forgets whatever she was doing, it's now daddy and daughter time. It has made our bedtime routine much easier to slip into, I usually give her one book to thumb through while I read her the other, and though she enjoys playing with the book given to her, she is clearly glued to the story being read, and more often than not, once I'm done reading to her, she either takes the book from my hand and gives it to mommy to read, or she takes the other book and gives it to one of us to read. Either way, her appreciation for reading time is clearly there, which is exactly what we seek to accomplish with storytime. The only downside to these wonderful books is trying to take them away from her after storytime is done, she knows that putting the books away means the end of storytime and she does not let that time end without a fight!
To sum up, this book is not just about the heartwarming celebration of children, it's a terrific tradition creator, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality read to pass down the generations!
June 9, 2017
I like the idea behind this book, but I think the message is overdone. We certainly celebrate, love, and cherish our son, but contrary to the message of this book, he is not the center of the universe. We don't want him to think he is, because so often that sentiment turns to self-centeredness and a disregard for others.
November 27, 2012
This is one of the most wonderfully inspirational books I have ever read! http://www.nancytillman.com/books/night/
We musn't forget to encourage our 'very young people' to read and to appreciate the beauty of the traditional BOOK. Nancy Tillman's series does just that.
On the Night You Were Born is beautifully done. The prose is poetically precious
A first time grandmother, I was looking for the perfect introduction to books for the 9mo. old (They're never to young!). I 'discovered' Nancy Tillman while rummaging through a Barnes and Noble (brick and mortar) store. The cover illustration and title caught my eye and I sat weeping as I travelled through the pages of this book.
This is a lovely heartwarming book for children but really for anyone of any age.
I've always given books to my own daughters and I know baby's mother will just love sharing this with her own and as many baby's as she can.
We musn't forget to encourage our 'very young people' to read and to appreciate the beauty of the traditional BOOK. Nancy Tillman's series does just that.
On the Night You Were Born is beautifully done. The prose is poetically precious
On the Night You Were Born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "Life will never be the same."and the illustrations are breathtaking.
A first time grandmother, I was looking for the perfect introduction to books for the 9mo. old (They're never to young!). I 'discovered' Nancy Tillman while rummaging through a Barnes and Noble (brick and mortar) store. The cover illustration and title caught my eye and I sat weeping as I travelled through the pages of this book.
This is a lovely heartwarming book for children but really for anyone of any age.
I've always given books to my own daughters and I know baby's mother will just love sharing this with her own and as many baby's as she can.
October 9, 2016
A marvellous book for children! And for their parrents! A celebration of LIFE and LOVE...
January 1, 2017
Yes, I think my granddaughter is special and wonderful, but this book telling her that all of creation celebrated on the night she was born makes me uncomfortable. Seems like an example of the self esteem ethos (the one that promotes self esteem by saying "you are special" rather than by encouraging life experience and acquisition of skills and character).
June 7, 2012
I liked the illustrations, but how does it not make a child narcissistic?
August 14, 2016
Cool book if you want your kid to think the world revolves around them. Too bad about the message; the style and illustrations are lovely.
June 14, 2018
This is a children’s book that has a slow, lyrical, majestical quality to it. It is a book that emphasizes to children that no matter where they are, they are loved.
February 16, 2024
Isaac's visual interest 👀 (3 is top): untested
How good it is as a book for me to read aloud while breastfeeding 🍼 (3 is top): 🍼🍼🍼
Some of the lines pierced me in the heart! The geese and lady bug parts in particular! 💘
How good it is as a book for me to read aloud while breastfeeding 🍼 (3 is top): 🍼🍼🍼
Some of the lines pierced me in the heart! The geese and lady bug parts in particular! 💘
December 15, 2024
First book I ever read to Wyatt. He is now sound asleep.
December 2, 2009
I was riveted by the illustrations, and I think young kids will want to interact with them. Hence, it would be useful if there were a board book edition of this book. Some of the illustrations seem to come right off the page when viewed.
I love the idea of nature (including animals, plants, the wind, the moon) celebrating the birth of a child, and celebrating joyfully that unique child.
I could have done without the zoo bears; the “wild” polar bears were sufficient for bears’ participation, in my opinion. The (somewhat fantastical) natural world depicted in this book felt magical.
I think this is a sweet book for very young kids, but even some slightly older children will enjoy it.
This isn’t the best book for group story time because at one point in the book part of the reading is to say aloud the name of the child who’s having the book read to them. Saying two or even a few names to mention all the children in a family would work, but ideally this will be read to one child at a time.
I love the idea of nature (including animals, plants, the wind, the moon) celebrating the birth of a child, and celebrating joyfully that unique child.
I could have done without the zoo bears; the “wild” polar bears were sufficient for bears’ participation, in my opinion. The (somewhat fantastical) natural world depicted in this book felt magical.
I think this is a sweet book for very young kids, but even some slightly older children will enjoy it.
This isn’t the best book for group story time because at one point in the book part of the reading is to say aloud the name of the child who’s having the book read to them. Saying two or even a few names to mention all the children in a family would work, but ideally this will be read to one child at a time.
October 18, 2018
ugh.
The text does not live up to the beautiful pictures (collages). Really, the polar bears aren't dancing for you. Yes, everyone's special and unique, but you can be special without thinking that animals celebrate you. You don't have to have all of nature shine just for you. Because what happens when that bubble is burst?
The text does not live up to the beautiful pictures (collages). Really, the polar bears aren't dancing for you. Yes, everyone's special and unique, but you can be special without thinking that animals celebrate you. You don't have to have all of nature shine just for you. Because what happens when that bubble is burst?
December 26, 2017
Beautiful words, beautiful illustrations
October 4, 2018
This was really sweet but I think my son’s a bit young for it yet. :)
August 5, 2023
It’s nice to hear your own name in the wind 🌬️
February 19, 2025
The message is there but the pictures are less desirable.
August 3, 2025
Polar bears dancing saved this one for me
January 29, 2011
I have seen this book in stores and love the dancing polar bears on the cover. Now that I've read the book, it's on my list of gifts to give. It would be perfect as a gift for a new baby, but also for a birthday gift and to someone who's a bit down and needs to be reminded of how special they are, for that's what this book is all about. When I read it I was taken back almost seven months to the night that Sophie was born - a special night and a very special little girl. The rhyming text conveys the love that we feel when a new baby enters our lives. The illustrations are colorful and sweet. As you read the book to a child one of the pages says "The sound of your name is a magical one. Let's say it our loud before we go on." That little couplet helps to make the book as special as the child to whom it's being read.
November 21, 2012
The 411 by Maria:
A stunning reminder of how unique and wonderful we all are, in our very own way.
On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a poetic, masterpiece of how unique everyone is and how the universe loves you even when you forget just how amazing you are.
The colorful pages create a dreamy, beautiful world around the loving words that any parent feels for a child but also to everyone who lacks self esteem.
When I read this to my children, I had to force my voice not to quiver, as the words expressed my deep, undying love for them.
The book I received also had a CD containing the story set to enchanting piano music adding to the beauty of the story.
Look for this book and more on my Holiday Gift Guide.
A stunning reminder of how unique and wonderful we all are, in our very own way.
On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a poetic, masterpiece of how unique everyone is and how the universe loves you even when you forget just how amazing you are.
The colorful pages create a dreamy, beautiful world around the loving words that any parent feels for a child but also to everyone who lacks self esteem.
When I read this to my children, I had to force my voice not to quiver, as the words expressed my deep, undying love for them.
The book I received also had a CD containing the story set to enchanting piano music adding to the beauty of the story.
Look for this book and more on my Holiday Gift Guide.
November 12, 2009
Thank you, Chandra, for recommending this. I, too, would probably have stayed away from it as it sounds too cloying and commercial--but it's not! It's really sweet and touching and I probably would love it even more if I were already a parent. As it is, I think it's a wonderful way to make children feel like special individuals--the fact that the moon and wind and animals celebrate the child's life would have totally appealed to me as a kid, since I loved animals and the idea of them celebrating me would be just too cool! ;-)
October 13, 2014
This book remind me of Little You by Richard Van Camp, a children's book that also cherishes a young child, but something about the message in this book seemed off. Whereas Little You is more focused on the parent's experience of having a new baby, On the Night You Were Born, suggests that all the animals and pretty much the whole entire universe is thrilled that the reader was born. This seems to be a very popular book but I'm not sure this is a message I want to impart on my kid.
March 9, 2008
My sweet midwife gave this book to my 5th baby. I can't help getting choked up each time I read it. The book fit his birth so well too. I love the musical words and lovely pictures. My children love this book, as do I!
The book is a beautiful way to tell your child that they are special, and his/her life was celebrated at birth.
The book is a beautiful way to tell your child that they are special, and his/her life was celebrated at birth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 714 reviews