If Jesus Came to My House [Hardcover]

Joan G. Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1951 | Age Level: 4 and up

A little boy imagines what it would be like if Jesus came to spend the afternoon with him -- the little boy Jesus, of course, "about the age that I am and about the size of me."

It is easy to see why this friendly little book, originally published in England, has already sold 19 editions. It offers the Golden Rule in concepts easily grasped by small children and indirectly suggests some ways to carry them out.

"I still can share with Jesus
the nicest of my toys
by lending them or giving them
to poorer girls and boys.

And though He may not visit me
as I have wished He would,
yet even so He'll bless my house
if I am kind and good."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—First published in 1951 and newly illustrated, Thomas's rhyming reflection on the place Jesus has in a young boy's life still provides inspiration and comfort to today's readers. The nameless narrator imagines greeting Jesus, a child "about the age that I am/and about the height of me," at his front door. He describes how he would make Jesus feel at home, giving him a "comfy seat," making him tea, and sharing his toys. The lad realizes that Jesus will never come to visit, but comforts himself with the prospect of going to church to pray, sing, and worship. He takes to heart the timeless mandate from the Gospel of Matthew to do for the least of Jesus's brothers what you would do for him. Painted in glowing jewel tones, McElrath-Eslick's luminous portraits mirror the old-fashioned charm of the text. She depicts Jesus as an appealing barefoot boy dressed in shorts and a T-shirt and in the latter half of the book portrays the young narrator offering a cup of tea to a friend, giving his toys to less fortunate children, and taking a bouquet to an elderly woman. The idyllic landscapes further emphasize the gentle message of the lilting text. Pair this fine addition to religion collections with August Gold's Where Does God Live? (Sky Light Paths, 2001).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Joan G. Thomas was an author and illustrator of several books, including The Christmas Angel and A Stands For Angel: A Book of the Alphabet in Picture and Rhyme.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 1, 1951)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688409814
• ISBN-13: 978-0688409814
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #884,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A few simple words that add up to a timeless treasure., January 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: If Jesus Came to My House (Hardcover)

Taking a refreshingly simple approach to a very complex subject, Thomas has given young people, and those older people who still seek insight in all places, a wonderful perspective from which to view the most basic Christian principles. Unencumbered by hidden agenda, or an author's need to correct the social problems of the day, this book achieves more in its few beautiful words than others could hope to achieve in volumes. The youngest child and the most experienced adult cannot help but hear its gentle message about the joy of keeping Jesus first in our hearts and sharing that joy with others.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Treat Your Guests, July 24, 2002

By 

James A. Carter (San Antonio, TX.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If Jesus Came to My House (Hardcover)

This was my very first book. I was about five when my mom got it for me and read it to me. I was so impressed with how this little boy went to all the trouble to see that the little boy Jesus had the best of everything when He came for a visit. It was a great lesson in reminding children how important it is to not only share when other kids come for a visit, but to treat them as if Jesus Himself had come to visit. It teaches children how to treat others with respect, courtesy, kindness and love. It's a wonderful little book and I wholeheartedly recommend that it find a home in every child's library. It's theme has stayed with me all of my life and it is the single most influential book, aside from the Bible, that I have ever read!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars timeless, June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: If Jesus Came to My House (Hardcover)

I was given this book 40 years ago, and still read it not only to myself but my children. A classic.