The First Christmas

by Phillips Brooks, Lewis H. Redner, Will Moses (Illustrator)

From the great-grandson of renowned folk art painter Grandma Moses comes a magical and shimmering picture book about the first Christmas.

Based on the lyrics of the beloved carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this beautiful picture book in Will Moses’s acclaimed folk art style is perfect for families to read together and cherish year after year.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Phillips Brooks (December 13, 1835 – January 23, 1893) was an American Episcopal clergyman and author, long the Rector of Boston's Trinity Church and briefly Bishop of Massachusetts, and particularly remembered as lyricist of the Christmas hymn, "O Little Town of Bethlehem".

In the Episcopal liturgical calendar he is remembered on January 23.

Born in Boston, Brooks was descended through his father, William Gray Brooks, from the Rev. John Cotton; through his mother, Mary Ann Phillips, he was a great-grandson of Samuel Phillips, Jr., founder of Phillips Academy (Andover, Massachusetts). Three of Brooks' five brothers – Frederic, Arthur and John Cotton – were eventually ordained in the Episcopal Church.

In 1877 Brooks published a course of lectures upon preaching, which he had delivered at the theological school of Yale University, and which are an expression of his own experience. In 1879 appeared the Bohlen Lectures on The Influence of Jesus. In 1878 he published his first volume of sermons, and from time to time issued other volumes, including Sermons Preached in English Churches (1883) and "The Candle of the Lord" and Other Sermons (1895).

Brooks also introduced Helen Keller to Christianity and to Anne Sullivan.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Christmas books where the text is just a Christmas hymn. I don't know many that is with O Little Town of Bethlehem, made it nice.

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the great-grandson of renowned folk art painter Grandma Moses comes a magical and shimmering picture book about the first Christmas.

Based on the lyrics of the beloved carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem," this beautiful picture book in Will Moses's acclaimed folk art style is perfect for families to read together and cherish year after year.

[Erin Buhr]

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS pairs the lyrics to O Little Town of Bethlehem with oil paintings. The paintings are vibrant and textured. The music to the song, along with the two verses included as the text, are included in the back.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

From GR reviewer Erin Buhr: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS pairs the lyrics to O Little Town of Bethlehem with oil paintings. The paintings are vibrant and textured. The music to the song, along with the two verses included as the text, are included in the back.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course the story is wonderful but the art did not draw me in.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the concept, but it was difficult to explain to the audience intended. I didn’t enjoy the blurry painted illustrations.