The Christmas Blessing: A Spiritual Nativity Story for Kids about the Love That Brings Us Together

by Erin Guendelsberger, Gail Yerrill (Illustrator)

Share the true meaning of the season with a heartwarming, original telling of the very first Christmas in this picture book for kids! On this divine night in Bethlehem, a voice calls down to a group of animals gathered in a stable. It's time to welcome a special arrival, the Savior who will gift the world with love and grace. Will the different animals be able to set aside all of their differences, come together, and work in harmony to have the manger ready in time? In this one-of-a-kind nativity story about acceptance of others and kindness to our neighbors, the animals discover the love, peace, and family that bring us all together―a delightful read aloud for a new holiday tradition year after year! Filled with charming rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and special message, this inspirational, children's Christmas picture book offers a fresh retelling of one of the most well-known biblical stories, the perfect holiday stocking stuffer and Christian gift for kids ages 4-7. PLUS rejoice in the magic of Christmas with a special blessing inside to share with loved ones! Let's set aside our differences―there's so much we all share― And celebrate the blessings of God's grace and love and care!

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Tara Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was received from Sourcebooks as a free e-book. I really enjoyed the inclusive message in this book and working together even with your differences for a common good/goal.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Source Books Early Reads for an e-ARC to review. This is a cute story, which combines the classic Christmas nativity scene with an extra tale of barn animals coming together, putting differences aside, and working alongside one another to clean up their space and make it fit for a baby's arrival. The illustrations are delightful, and the additions of new lessons about sharing and working together are very welcome.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so cute and unique! It is told from the point of view of the animals, who have to get the manger ready for Mary & Joseph's impending visit. They disagree on what to do, and ultimately have to learn to work together.
So, it's a standard moral for a little kids' book... that just happens to be told with the Nativity as the backdrop.
My tot loved the pictures, too, so points for good artwork.
We received this one through the Sourcebooks Early Reads program.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC copy from raincoast books.

I loved the illustrations. Thought them well worth just getting the book for. :)
The rhyming text made it easy to read.

Mixed thoughts. Dislike the inaccuracy of the story compared to the bible story. not a fan of the message of inclusion.

BUT at the same time I understand creative license.

Found the book overall to be average.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy from Early Reads in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was darling! The illustrations, especially of the animals, will definitely catch the attention of young children, but the message of the text is ageless.... we are similar so much more than we are different. Highly recommended!

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of this book as part of the publisher's Early Reads program. The illustrations are the best part of this book and with the sometimes forced rhyming text, I think this book would be better as a wordless picture book. The story is not the Biblical version of Jesus' birth so it may be better suited for non-believers.

[Joshua Hulsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for siblings

Loved the pictures and a different point of view on that special night.my 5 and 10 yo loved it and helped teach them to work together for good and out of love for Jesus ❤️

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet fictional tale, perfect for young children, that tells how a barnyard of animals listen to the message and encouragement of the bright Mama Star to work together to prepare for a special event. The animals decide to put aside their personal differences and preferences to get the barn ready for the birth of the Savior. Acceptance, love, and working in harmony make this sweet tale a timeless treasure! The book ends with a precious poem titled “Christmas Blessing.” I found this sweet book at Cracker Barrel.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the animals' perspective. The animals aren't getting along, but the star tells them to get it together for Jesus. Kinda weird, but alright.

[oohlalabooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas story about farm animals working together and getting along in a small stable. The colors are bright. Thank you to Sourcebooks for a copy.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A manger full of unruly barn animals that don't get along. But the guiding star brings them together so that they can receive the Lord in harmony.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Problematic theology and grating anthropomorphizations.

[Mum Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my youngest grandB over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The illustrations are lovely.

[Launna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A star helps the animas in the stable stop arguing and start preparing for the arrival of Joseph and Mary.

[Cosette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might enjoy reading this more if I had a rapt audience to read it aloud to