What do you think?
Good News! It's Christmas!
Explore the Christmas narrative with your children! Whimsical illustrations pair with skillful rhyme as you follow Mary and Joseph on their adventure to becoming parents to God’s own son. From the donkey and animals in the stable, to the angels and Heavenly hosts, this story is a celebration of the good news that came down to earth as Christ entered into our broken world to become its Savior. Whether you add this to your family’s advent tradition or gift it to another growing family, it is sure to delight all the little ones in your life.
18 pages, Board Book
Published October 2, 2019
About the author
Glenys Nellist
57 books347 followersI'm the author of forty+ books for children, including the best-selling Twas the Evening of Christmas, I Wonder: Exploring God's Grand Story, The Wonder That is You, and six popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, Little Mole, Twas, Good News and Bedtime Blessings.
Here's my little story...
Although I live in Michigan, USA, I was born and raised in a little village in northern England.
I grew up in a big old house, with two wonderful parents and seven siblings. My dad was the one who introduced me to the gospel. My mum was the one who encouraged me to work with children.
And at primary school, my teacher was the one who urged me to write. One day a week, I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers' lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write.
Four long decades later, I would find myself living across the pond, married to a wonderful man, mum to four adult children and three daughters-in-law, and grandma to three bouncing boys and one gorgeous girl. And as if all that wasn’t blessing enough, I somehow became an author, despite giving up on my first book halfway through.
And if you would have told me then, that this book would one day become a series, that I would begin a second series, and a third… I never would have believed you. The only possible explanation is that our great God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or possibly imagine.
And to God alone, be the glory.
Here's my little story...
Although I live in Michigan, USA, I was born and raised in a little village in northern England.
I grew up in a big old house, with two wonderful parents and seven siblings. My dad was the one who introduced me to the gospel. My mum was the one who encouraged me to work with children.
And at primary school, my teacher was the one who urged me to write. One day a week, I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers' lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write.
Four long decades later, I would find myself living across the pond, married to a wonderful man, mum to four adult children and three daughters-in-law, and grandma to three bouncing boys and one gorgeous girl. And as if all that wasn’t blessing enough, I somehow became an author, despite giving up on my first book halfway through.
And if you would have told me then, that this book would one day become a series, that I would begin a second series, and a third… I never would have believed you. The only possible explanation is that our great God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or possibly imagine.
And to God alone, be the glory.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 18, 2019
This is the third book I've read by this author-illustrator duo, and it's probably my favourite. Good News! It's Christmas! tells a simplified version of the Christmas story for young readers using strong rhyming text and cute illustrations. There's not a lot of detail, and plenty of plot elements are left out... but for very young children, it gets the basic idea across.
I'd recommend this to those looking for kid-friendly versions of the nativity of Jesus, or for those looking for sweet picture books that celebrate the more religious side of Christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Discovery House for providing a digital ARC.
I'd recommend this to those looking for kid-friendly versions of the nativity of Jesus, or for those looking for sweet picture books that celebrate the more religious side of Christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Discovery House for providing a digital ARC.
February 26, 2019
As the author, of course, I LOVE it! But who couldn't when they see the illustrations by Lizzie Walkley? They're adorable, and that's nothing I can take credit for...
September 25, 2019
A retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, just for kids. Its a delightful little story in a delightfully cute little package, where the good news is spread by one and all.
December 20, 2022
Sweet little story with lots of cute little details .
October 12, 2019
This is a beautiful and meaningful book to read to young children at Christmas time! “Good News! It’s Christmas” contains the story of the birth of Jesus, Son of God, in the form of a well-flowing poem—with rhyming words at the at the end of every third and fifth lines of every section of text. The illustrations are very appealing with lovely colors, shading, and imagery. Also, the pages of the board book are thick (to prevent ripping or tearing) and glossy (easy to wipe clean).
I recommend this wonderful little picture book to all parents and teachers of preschool, kindergarten, and first grade level children.
Note: I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher and author in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
I recommend this wonderful little picture book to all parents and teachers of preschool, kindergarten, and first grade level children.
Note: I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher and author in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
December 20, 2019
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will be on my site on December 20, 2019.
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This is a very simple illustrated children’s book that is aimed at the very young (about ages 2-3) to help them understand the story of Jesus’ birth. It covers the basics without too many details and offers gorgeous illustrations that enhance the story. There are animals throughout the pages and they even help in sharing of the story and celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Many thanks to the publisher Discovery House for granting my a copy via NetGalley.
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This review will be on my site on December 20, 2019.
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This is a very simple illustrated children’s book that is aimed at the very young (about ages 2-3) to help them understand the story of Jesus’ birth. It covers the basics without too many details and offers gorgeous illustrations that enhance the story. There are animals throughout the pages and they even help in sharing of the story and celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Many thanks to the publisher Discovery House for granting my a copy via NetGalley.
December 12, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
What an adorable book this is!
A simple rhyming story about the birth of baby Jesus with all the traditional characters within it too.
The art work is delightful and I loved the simplicity of this book.
A fantastic little read!
What an adorable book this is!
A simple rhyming story about the birth of baby Jesus with all the traditional characters within it too.
The art work is delightful and I loved the simplicity of this book.
A fantastic little read!
November 24, 2019
Good News! It's Christmas! by Glenys Nellist tells a very simple version of the Christmas story for young children. It is written using rhyming text that gives a good cadence to read aloud. The illustrations are adorable, with vibrant colour and whimsical animals and characters. It is a board book, so perfect for little ones. My granddaughter and I shared this story and really enjoyed it. We are practising the Christmas Presentation during Sunday School, so this was a perfect read for us. She really enjoyed it and knew who the characters were and what the story was basically about. I definitely recommend this one to Christian families with toddlers, as well as church libraries and Sunday School nurseries and toddler rooms. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
October 7, 2019
I loved the images in this book, they were stunning!
I like the rhyming nature of the book and thought it was a great way to tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
It is 5stars from me for this one, perfect for children right from a very young age.
I like the rhyming nature of the book and thought it was a great way to tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
It is 5stars from me for this one, perfect for children right from a very young age.
December 12, 2019
Getting into the Christmas spirit my daughter and I were looking for some Christmas books to read together (She is twelve but still loves flipping picture books from time to time especially Holiday ones). This was a great little book for young children. The pages only contain a few sentences in a beautifully written poem that flows throughout the book. Great News! is given all around from Mary and Joseph to the donkey's and the birds. The illustrations are beautiful and would easily keep any child's attention while reading this short version of the birth of Christ. I definitely recommend this board book as one to add to your Christmas reading list.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2019
Are you looking for a beautiful board book for your toddler to early elementary children? Once again, author @glenysnellist has written a wonderful book in rhyme that is perfect for littles and bigs alike. Glenys always finds the most wonderful illustrators who bring visual life to her words. This book is a beautiful way to introduce children to all of the characters who play a role in the Christmas account. I hope you enjoy this book as much as we did.
December 20, 2019
I love this Christmas picture book! The rhymes are perfect, and so are the illustrations. There's a dozen adorable details to look at in each scene (the animals are just too cute!). The only thing that could improve the story is if it could be longer, so that we could enjoy it all the more. Excellent Christmas book for little ones.
September 30, 2019
This is a quick read about the birth of Jesus. I loved the illustrations and I loved the “Good News” throughout the story. Extra points for everyone being (I assume) the correct nationality for the story’s setting!
September 25, 2019
Another beautiful book with well chosen words by Glenys Nellist and wonderfully illustrated by Lizzie Walkley. Part of the Good News series which introduces Christian values and teachings to our children.
The aspects of this familiar story are all introduced with the words Good News and each picture has simple rhyming words to back up the story. The words will enchant your little ones and the colourful drawings.
The story is hung onto the scriptural text of Luke 2 10-11 which declares a Saviour has been born to you.
I love this series as it presents simple truths to our children which fill eager minds with beautiful stories and bright vivid illustrations to get them talking and interested in books.
The aspects of this familiar story are all introduced with the words Good News and each picture has simple rhyming words to back up the story. The words will enchant your little ones and the colourful drawings.
The story is hung onto the scriptural text of Luke 2 10-11 which declares a Saviour has been born to you.
I love this series as it presents simple truths to our children which fill eager minds with beautiful stories and bright vivid illustrations to get them talking and interested in books.
March 15, 2026
Browsing books to give my friends' children as gifts since I won't gift anything I haven't first read myself.
There are so many options for children's Christmas books. There has to be something that stands out and catches my eye. For this one, it was the soft illustrations and the sweet gentleness to the story, which is told in a lovely rhyming text that is comfortable to read aloud. It was also lovely to see Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus portrayed in more accurate skin tones. While that isn't make-or-break for me, somehow the impact of seeing it felt authentic in a way I didn't expect. The beauty of the Christmas storage is presented so delightfully in this little board book.
There are so many options for children's Christmas books. There has to be something that stands out and catches my eye. For this one, it was the soft illustrations and the sweet gentleness to the story, which is told in a lovely rhyming text that is comfortable to read aloud. It was also lovely to see Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus portrayed in more accurate skin tones. While that isn't make-or-break for me, somehow the impact of seeing it felt authentic in a way I didn't expect. The beauty of the Christmas storage is presented so delightfully in this little board book.
September 26, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Discovery House for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I liked the resounding good news of Jesus birth that is shared throughout this book. I do wish, though, that the author would have gone one step further and shared the good news about the reason Jesus was born. Jesus came to earth as a baby so that he could live a sinless life and take the punishment for our sins on the cross and now we can have eternal life with God. That entire message of good news is one that our kids can understand and they need to hear!
I liked the resounding good news of Jesus birth that is shared throughout this book. I do wish, though, that the author would have gone one step further and shared the good news about the reason Jesus was born. Jesus came to earth as a baby so that he could live a sinless life and take the punishment for our sins on the cross and now we can have eternal life with God. That entire message of good news is one that our kids can understand and they need to hear!
September 26, 2019
Good News! smiles proud Joseph, holding Jesus tight. You're the one we've waited for, a precious gift tonight!
I love telling good news and this is the most excellent way to share the Good News of Jesus with your little ones. Each page is lovely and beautifully illustrated. The pages radiate love and joy. This book will unwrap Christmas and give the true meaning of the season!
A special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I love telling good news and this is the most excellent way to share the Good News of Jesus with your little ones. Each page is lovely and beautifully illustrated. The pages radiate love and joy. This book will unwrap Christmas and give the true meaning of the season!
A special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 30, 2019
Everyone in this board book has their own "Good news!" Mary will have her baby. The donkey will a place to sleep. The pigeons will coo and cheer for the newborn. The proud father, Joseph, holds his precious baby. The angels announce the good news to the shepherds. The wise men will see the king. God tell us, "Good news!" of the baby who will "fill your world with love!" Based on Luke 2:10-11, "I bring you good news...a Savior has been born to you." The engaging rhymes are perfect for retelling this sweet nativity story to young children.
November 24, 2023
This book was received via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a simple Christmas retelling of Jesus’ birth. It comes as a board book to share with your young ones. I would definitely recommend this for any time of time of the year but especially around Christmas to give little ones and insight into what Christmas is all about.
Pick this one up for your daycare, preschool or story time if you can. Any Christian parent with young children would also enjoy this one for there home library.
This is a simple Christmas retelling of Jesus’ birth. It comes as a board book to share with your young ones. I would definitely recommend this for any time of time of the year but especially around Christmas to give little ones and insight into what Christmas is all about.
Pick this one up for your daycare, preschool or story time if you can. Any Christian parent with young children would also enjoy this one for there home library.
November 1, 2019
A perfect board book for Christmas! Each page begins with "GOOD NEWS!" as the story unfolds of the birth of Jesus. Told in the sweetest rhyme, the truth shines through both words and pictures—the images are absolutely gorgeous! Sure to appeal to young eyes, and easy for reading aloud time and again, this little book will fast become a family favorite for little ones.
I was delighted to receive a free advanced reader copy from the publisher.
I was delighted to receive a free advanced reader copy from the publisher.
January 5, 2020
First, thanks to Netgalley, the author Gleennis Nellist and Discovery House Publishers for ARC.
This is a delightful, easy, rhyming and beautifully (simply) illustrated story of the birth of Jesus. It would be great for any kids from one to six and maybe older if they enjoy reading with kids younger than they are. The pictures are bright and colorful with simple shapes and the rhyming is fun for the reader and the child who is being read to. I would recommend this book to all of the above.
This is a delightful, easy, rhyming and beautifully (simply) illustrated story of the birth of Jesus. It would be great for any kids from one to six and maybe older if they enjoy reading with kids younger than they are. The pictures are bright and colorful with simple shapes and the rhyming is fun for the reader and the child who is being read to. I would recommend this book to all of the above.
October 2, 2019
Mary & Joseph, shepherds, angels, a donkey, some pigeons, and God himself share and celebrate good news about Jesus’s birth. Toddlers will enjoy Glenys Nellist’s child-friendly rhythm and rhyme, and Lizzie Walkley’s wonderful illustrations. Good news – you’ll enjoy sharing this Christmas board book with your little ones time and time again!
October 15, 2019
I loved this precious Christmas story that I can't wait to read to my grandson, who's first birthday is is mid-December! Everyone shares the Good News - Mary and Joseph, angels and wise men, and even the donkey and pigeons. Beautiful words and illustrations that spotlight Luke 2:10-11, and a great way to introduce babies and toddlers to the nativity story!
November 8, 2019
Super-cute board Christmas board book for babies and toddlers! Sweet illustrations and easy-to-understand, rhyming text that emphasizes the wonderful news of Christmas. I appreciated that though the wise men appear in the book, they do not show up at the stable ("it might take a while!"). Accurate to the scriptural account! Well done!
September 25, 2019
Simple yet clear poetry carried the story of the Good News of the birth of Jesus throughout this book. The colors are vibrant. Using animals to share the Christmas story always makes me happy. I'm looking forward to reading this book to my grandkids via Marco Polo. #GoodNewsItsChristmas #NetGalley
October 3, 2019
This is a good telling of the Christmas story for children. The simple, rhyming story celebrates the birth of Christ, and the illustrations are colorful and lovely. I appreciate that the people have historically accurate Middle Eastern skin tones!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
October 16, 2019
Another charming little book by Glenys Nellist to add to your collection. Told in pleasant rhyme, this book tells the simple but exciting story of Jesus' birth in a way that is perfect for the youngest listeners.
October 21, 2019
This is the perfect book to introduce your toddler to what Christmas is really about--the birth of a Savior. Glenys Nellist's sweet text will capture your child's attention and point them to the Good News of Christmas.
January 14, 2020
Good news, it’s Christmas! A favorite time of the year for our family, we love adding to our Christmas collection. And this book is an excellent start for your younger kiddos, it will give them such hope and a better understanding of what Christmas is all about, and why we celebrate!
December 14, 2020
I was looking for a board book about the birth of Christ that didn’t place the wise men there in the manger, which is apparently somewhat hard to find, but this one didn’t and did a great job of still including them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews