Nighty Night, Baby Jesus

by Molly Idle

The animals are awakened by the rooster who is confused by the brilliant light coming from the manger–Cock-adoodle doo! Nighty Night, Baby Jesus, written and illustrated by Molly Schaar Idle, presents the night Jesus is born and the delight of the stable animals as they one-by-one discover his presence. Children will happily share in the joy of the animals welcoming the baby Jesus–this is a cause for celebration! Finally, the animals must quiet down so the Babe can get his rest, “Nighty Night, Baby Jesus."

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

28 pages, Board Book

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Molly Idle has been drawing ever since she could wield a pencil. But while she started scribbling before she could walk, her professional career as an artist began slightly later…

It was upon her graduation from Arizona State University, with a BFA in Drawing, that Molly accepted an offer to work for DreamWorks Feature Animation Studios. After five years, a number of film credits, and an incredibly good time, she left the studio and leapt with gusto into the world of children's book illustration!

Molly now lives in Arizona with her brilliant husband, two wonderfully mischievous sons, and two snugly cats. When not making mischief with her boys or watching old Technicolor musicals, she can be found at her desk scribbling away, with a pencil in one hand and a cup of espresso in the other- creating a plethora of profoundly whimsical picture books!

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely rhyming book about the events in the stable at Bethlehem on Christmas. It is written for young children and is overall enjoyable. I do take umbrage with the fact that there are missing characters that I would expect to be included, including Joseph, shepherds and angels. However, it keeps nicely to the premise that the stable was filled with noisy animals, and i may well use this as a book which my students might memorize for a choral reading.

[Read Aloud Dallaires · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet rendition of the nativity story. One by one the animals are woken and find baby Jesus in the manger. Idle's illustrations are sweet and colorful as usual. My only complaint about the book, and the reason it isn't five stars, is because Jesus and Mary are very very light skinned.

[Christopher E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for helping young children understand why Christmas is important. My girls absolutely love the illustrations.

[Jennifer Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such sweet rhymes. Such sweet artwork.

[Homegrown Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bug is obsessed with Baby Jesus. We’ve just broached the subject that that is way we’re celebrating Christmas; because we’re getting ready for Jesus’ birthday. We hit a minor road block with this concept. Bug was certain that we were really getting ready for HIS birthday but I think that he understands now. Within the last week, I’ve heard Bug calmly walking around the house or playing while singing “Happy birthday Baby Jesus…” It’s adorable. I’m also super stoked for St. Nicholas day tomorrow because I will be continuing the tradition of giving Bug a holiday book in his shoe. Along with gold coins, of course! This year I’ve scored Molly Idle’s, Nighty Night Baby Jesus, and December 6th can’t get here fast enough.

Molly Idle is a master of illustration. The soft and rounded style that defines Idle’s other illustrations is similarly shown on these pages and the effect is wonderful. It encompasses the joy and love that parents feel at the birth of a child. The wonder, amazement, and adoration. Her Flora series expressively tells stories with no words at all but leaves the reader feeling everything that they should. Nighty Night Baby Jesus doesn’t fall into that same category but doesn’t stray from the spectacular illustrations and story.

The descriptive quatrains that lend a calm, endearing humor to the tale. The descriptions entirely encompass each animal’s unique style and personality when interacting with Baby Jesus. He is beautifully referenced with a mix of titles ranging from Wee Shepard to Baby Boy, gently reminding the reader of not only his destiny but humanity. It’s almost impossible not to “ooh” and “ahh” over his chubby baby toes and sweet sleeping form. And as Idle describes Mary’s interaction with him, I find myself overwhelmed with tears. I’m predicting a new holiday favorite with Nighty Night Baby Jesus. It has everything Bug adores in a book with the Baby Jesus bonus. Can’t get better than that.

Story Tips:
- Let your little one grab the corresponding animal as they come up, if you have a nativity scene that’s child friendly.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to the girls the other night. It's about the reactions of the different animals to Jesus' birth. The girls really liked it. It doesn't really have the entire Christmas story in it but if you're looking for a supplement to the Christmas story, it works well. It reminds me of a book I used to have All Those Mothers At the Manger, except this one has all the animal sounds in it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are LOVELY and this is a lovely, warm story about the birth of baby Jesus without being too religious-y over the top. I actually tear up whenever I read it to my kids around Christmas time, but I am a sap when it comes to Mary/Jesus. Highly recommend for folks who want to give their kids a book with the nativity without being preachy.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story that focuses on the different animals reactions to finding baby Jesus in their manger. Collin loves "night night baby Jesus" book.

[Meagan]

My daughter LOVES this book. She's almost 2 and always asks to read it. It's very cute and sweet. I love the illustrations too.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations depict the barn animals as the each visit the baby Jesus only to be shushed by Mary so he can sleep.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story with amazing illustrations!