A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book [Hardcover]

Grace Maccarone (Author), Sam Williams (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Rhyming text retells the story of the birth of Jesus.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ages 2-5. Maccarone retells the story of Jesus' birth in very short, rhyming sentences: "A Newborn cried, His mother sighed. Shepherds feared as angels appeared." The rhyme scheme and rhythm are erratic, and the use of the word trough for manger (because it rhymes with off ) is awkward at best. However, Williams' watercolors, outlined in soft, black pencil, are tenderly expressive, and the details of the setting are caught with accuracy and pleasing simplicity. Young children will especially enjoy the animals--from the playful dog in the market to the awestruck sheep to the amusingly proud camels bringing the Three Kings. Suggested for libraries needing additional Nativity books for this age group. Susan Dove Lempke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439182964
• ISBN-13: 978-0439182966
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,569,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Grace Maccarone is the author of many children's books, including Mother, May I?, Thank You Prayer, and Bless Me. She lives in Greenburg, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars not what i expected too short, December 31, 2011

By 

Bobby J. Castine "luv cupcakes" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book (Hardcover)

It is too short of a story it really doesn't say that this is the Baby Jesus being born . I was disappointed oin it

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good for Pre-school, December 26, 2011

By 

Carolyn - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Child Was Born A First Nativity Book (Paperback)

This rhymning story keeps my 2-1/2 yr. old grand-daughter entertained and give me an opportunity to talk about the birth of Jesus. It's short, entertaining and she even like to "read" it to us!

However, I was expecting the book to be in better condition. It stated "good" and I guess my definition of good is different. While it was not damaged, I was expecting to be in a less "used" condition, and I didn't see an option to buy it new, probably because it's published by Scholastics. While I couldn't use it as a gift, it works well for storytime and bedtime.

4.0 out of 5 stars A child's Nativity book, November 6, 2009

By 

Christine M. Irvin (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book (Hardcover)

Now is the time to share with your young children the story of Jesus' birth. A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book, written by Grace Maccarone and illustrated by Sam Williams, tells the story of Jesus' birth. Written in rhyme, the short verses introduce young children to the New Testament story.

Here's a sample:
Mary and Joseph
arrived at night,
in a city asleep
and locked up tight.

Short verses, like this one, relate the events of that blessed night: Mary and Joseph's arrival in Bethlehem (although the city's name is never mentioned); Jesus' birth in the stable; the Angels announcing the birth to the Shepherds; and the Wise Men bearing gifts.

The watercolor illustrations are kid-friendly, with amusing animals and charming, cherubic angels.

What I Like: I like the short verses and the illustrations. The illustrations will capture a child's attention and the short verses will keep them interested.

What I Dislike: I'm not a big fan of rhyming picture books because it's so difficult to make the rhyme natural and keep the rhythm smooth. The rhythm in this book is erratic and the rhyme schemes are forced at times. For example, the author uses the word "him" to rhyme with "inn." Fortunately, the verses are short. And, a young child won't notice that everything doesn't rhyme properly.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 2-5.

Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review