'Twas the Night Before Jesus - by Donna Wyland (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The world tells children Christmas is about presents.

But God tells a different story.

'Twas the Night Before Jesus brings that story to life.

"I think this book is amazing. I love the pictures and the wording. Also, I love how the story goes through Jesus's whole life and then comes back and relates to a family at Christmas time. I think this book deserves a 10 out of 10 for every little word and drawing."

-Levi, age 12

"I really like this book. I would recommend this to everyone but especially to people who have young kids who are just starting to read. The illustrations are good, and I like the way the words rhyme."

-Natalie, age 10

"This book really makes me feel happy inside. I think the author and illustrator did a really good job. The story is calming and tells us about Jesus, so I really like this book."

-Karis, age 9

"I love the pictures. This is a great book!"

-Elin, age 6

"I like the story and pictures."

-Aliyah, age 4

Review Quotes

KIRKUS REVIEW

In this picture book, the life of Jesus is related in the form of a classic Christmas poem.

"'Twas the night before Jesus / and all through the land, / lived people not knowing / that God would be man." In this Christian tale for young children, Wyland tells the biblical story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the structure of the 19th-century poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Wyland deftly maintains the rhythmic cadence of Moore's classic, beginning with all of the elements of the traditional Christmas story: the shepherds, angels, guiding star, Joseph and Mary in the humble stable, the animals, and the Magi. The tale progresses quickly, encompassing King Herod, Jesus' arrival in Nazareth, and what his death and resurrection mean to Christians ("He's waiting to meet us. / One day we will see, / our heavenly home / filled with God's family"). The verses, spaced one or two to a page in a clear font, are set against full-color, illustrated scenes, which are rendered in a thoughtful cartoon style reflecting the ethnicity of the people in the region (Jesus has brown skin and brown eyes). Smith's skillful images are well calibrated to remain child-appropriate throughout: The crucifixion is mentioned but not shown.

An engaging, child-friendly, rhyming approach to the religious foundation of the Christmas story.