A Christmas Goodnight [Hardcover]

Nola Buck (Author), Sarah Jane Wright (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 27, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

On a quiet but wondrous Christmas Eve, the nativity story comes to life, and families everywhere celebrate the miracle of Christmas.

Nola Buck's simple poetic text and tender illustrations by Sarah Jane Wright make this gentle holiday goodnight book a joy to read and share with those you love!

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Buck and debut illustrator Wright produce a book that deserves special status, to be kept off-season with other holiday decorations and then brought out each year at Christmas. Great for grandparents to give.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

“Quietly charming. A fine read-aloud for a group of little ones, but also a cozy choice as a December bedtime story. A terrific introduction for preschoolers who are just learning about the Nativity story.” (Kirkus Reviews )

“The soothing rhyming text and soft palette of the illustrations is ideal for bedtime read-alouds while also serving as a straightforward introduction to the important characters in the story of that first Christmas. ” (The Horn Book )

“A cozy holiday read; no doubt plenty of families will appreciate this gentle version of the Christmas story.” (ALA Booklist )

“A quiet offering for those looking for a noncommercial take on the holiday.” (School Library Journal )

About the Author

Nola Buck (the pen name of Laura Godwin) is the author of many well-loved children's books, including Christmas in the Manger. With Ann M. Martin she also coauthored The Doll People, The Runaway Dolls, and The Meanest Doll in the World. She now lives in New York City but grew up in Alberta, Canada, and has fond Christmas Eve memories of watching Eeyore, the family donkey, play a part in the live Christmas pageant in her hometown.

Sarah Jane Wright is the creator of an original line of artwork that hangs in nurseries and children's bedrooms worldwide. A Christmas Goodnight is her first book for children. She grew up in the greater Washington, D.C., area, where her favorite Christmas Eve tradition was sleeping in the same room as her four siblings so they could all wake up together on Christmas morning. She now lives in Provo, Utah, with her husband and their three children.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006166491X
• ISBN-13: 978-0061664915
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and sweet September 29, 2011

By manda c

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I pre-ordered this book because I am a fan of the illustrator. This is a going to bed Christmas Eve book, but I couldn't wait to share it with my girls. At first glance, I was worried that my 5 year old would find it too "babyish", but her "favorite favorite part is the toy sheep", and she wants one just like it. The book is set in two places, firstly in the Nativity. We say goodnight to the Baby Jesus, people, animals, and figures from that story. The sleepy mother is my favorite, and I was struck by how beautifully Sarah Jane Wright captured the youth of Mary. After a seamless transition to the present the setting is Christmas night. We say goodnight to the things baby sees out of his bedroom window, and eventually, again to the baby Jesus, in the boy's bedside Nativity.

This is a perfect gift Christmas Eve gift.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest book ever September 28, 2011

By Scott

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is darling! The illustrations are simple and yet so expressive and sweet. Kids will want to look at the pictures over and over again. A precious find!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Little ones this Christmas! December 5, 2011

By Gab - CraftyMumma

Format:Hardcover

A Christmas Goodnight - Written by Nola Buck & Illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright

A Christmas Goodnight is a MUST this Christmas! The simply worded story softly introduces little ones to the birth of baby Jesus and shows how it relates to Christmas. Minimal text and rhyming makes this book both easy to read for beginners and simple to understand for younger children. The illustrations are gorgeous and spread across the pages in such a way it draws your children to search the pages for different interactions between characters. The illustrations also foster discussion's about what the characters are doing and why and it is this aspect that I personally love! This will be our first Christmas were we will be sharing 'A Christmas Goodnight' as part of our Christmas Eve reading and I can hardly wait. I HIGHLY suggest this book especially to families with young children!