Give the Reason for the Season This Year (review and giveaway)

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge,from Zonderkidz, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it,  all opinions are my own.

And now for our first two Christmas books of the season....

I know, I know....

But if you re gift giving this season, both of these books would make wonderful presents, as they are timeless, and would become a family treasure, whichever one you give!

The first comes from an author parents will know well:

night of great joy cover


Synopsis:

Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.
A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.
Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Check out the trailer, for pictures from the book:



Review:
This is a charming telling of the Christmas story, featuring kids in a class putting on the story as a play, something we are all familiar with. Primarily aimed at ages 3-6, it is a fun book for older kids to read with their siblings. Kids will enjoy pointing out things that are not part of the traditional story (like no donkey or who serves as Baby Jesus), and discussing why they were used instead! As always Mary's illustrations are bright and charming, and enchanting for kids, as you can see from the trailer above! This is the perfect book for giving to a child who will be in a Christmas play this season, as a way of preparing, and then remembering, the fun they had.
About the Author/Illustrator:
Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more. Mary’s dearest wish has always been to illustrate for children. Her New York Times bestselling The Night Before Christmas is already part of the holiday tradition for families across the country.


and the second:

goodnight manger cover

Synopsis:


It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosanas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars.
With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.


goodnight manger sample 1

Review
Also aimed at the preschool to 1st grade level, this is an adorable rhyming book, that features charming illustrations, that will entrance younger kids- Miss Grace thought some were very cute, like the one below with the donkey looking over Joseph's shoulder. Parents will be happy with the more realistic look for Mary and Joseph, and the multi-cultural choir or angels! Kids and parents will relate to having a new baby that won;t sleep, or keeps getting awakened. It's part of the charm of taking a familiar story and adding a realistic touch to it, that all kids understand- don't wake the baby!  We recommend it as a way to shake up the traditional storytelling, and offer some humor to the season!

goodnight manger sample 2

About the Author/illustrator:
Laura Sassi has a passion for telling humorous stories in rhyme. She writes daily from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. Check out her website for more info.
Jane Chapman is a multi award-winning artist who has illustrated over one hundred books including five New York Timesbestsellers. She lives in Southern England with her husband, Tim Warnes, two children and five chickens. Visit Jane Chapman at www.ChapmanandWarnes.com.

flashing Win
Giveaway:
One lucky BTHM reader will win Goodnight Manager for their own family, or for gift giving!

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