'Twas the Night Before Jesus

by Donna Wyland, Courtney Smith (Illustrator)

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781649493903
Publisher:	Elk Lake Publishing Inc
Publication date:	09/14/2021
Pages:	42
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

DONNA WYLAND is an award-winning author, editor, and coach who believes in writing books that entertain, encourage, and inspire. Her bestselling children's book, Your Home in Heaven, sold thousands of copies and was gifted to more than 4,000 children around the world through churches, schools, and various ministry organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Reprinted in 2020 by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., Your Home in Heaven has become a classic story that shares the love of God and the hope of heaven with an increasing number of children. If I Could Ask Jesus, Donna's premier Christian bedtime story is bringing young hearts closer to God too. Donna lives in Ohio with her husband and a couple of bunnies that hide under the bushes outside. She loves to read, ski, jump on the trampoline with her grandson, and cross items off of her personal Bucket List. To connect, email [e-mail].

COURTNEY SMITH grew up in southwestern Colorado and later, attended college at Regis University where she met and married a handsome rocket scientist. Together, they have welcomed five children and live in Franktown, Colorado. Courtney raises Great Pyrenees puppies, teaches CPR, travels internationally with USA Olympic wrestling hopefuls as an athletic trainer, and cheers on her children. In her free time, she loves to draw and sketch, creating images to enhance incredible stories.

Editorial Reviews

KIRKUS REVIEW

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

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.

From the Publisher

2023-03-06
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 Christmasby 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.

Kirkus Reviews