J Is for Jesus: The Sweetest Story Ever Told [Board book]

Crystal Bowman (Author), Claudine Gévry (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2005 | Age Range: 2 - 5 years

I want a candy cane too! Everyone loves a candy cane-but it's easy to overlook the meaning of this familiar Christmas tradition in all the hustle and bustle of the season. This sweet story reminds little ones that the candy cane represents Jesus' birth and the gospel message too.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The candy maker has come up with a new candy that not only tastes good, but has a message everyone should hear.

Set in rhyme, this story explains to small children how one of their favorite Christmas treats, the candy cane, is a symbol of Jesus’ birth and gift of salvation.

About the Author

Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. 'But the most important part,' she says, 'is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much.' SPANISH BIO: A Crystal Bowman le gusta escribir relatos y poemas. Cuando tenia diez anos, su libro favorito era una coleccion de poemas divertidos que todavia conserva. Ademas de escribir relatos, poemas y rimas, Crystal disfruta pasando tiempo con su esposo y sus hijos ya crecidos, dando largas caminatas y comiendo helados. Ellos dividen su tiempo entre Michigan y Florida.

You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.

Product Details

• Age Range: 2 - 5 years
  
• Board book: 20 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310708915
• ISBN-13: 978-0310708919
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.6 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #532,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Crystal Bowman is a best selling author of more than 60 books for kids as well as 3 books for women. She also writes magazine articles and lyrics for children's piano music. She wrote her first poem when she was in the 4th grade. Her teacher told her she would be a poet someday. Her first book of poetry, CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALK, was published in 1993. It has been republished several times and is still in print. She also speaks at schools, churches, and writers' conferences. For more information on Crystal, you can visit her website at www.crystalbowman.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars CullensAbcs.com Review of J is for Jesus August 3, 2008

By Cullen Wood

Format:Board book

Length: 0:49 Mins

Cullen of CullensAbcs.com reviews this book and gives you ideas on how to use to use it interactively with your child. For you I have more video book reviews, free children videos and free activity idea videos at the CullensAbcs.com website. If you have a children's book you would like me to review and offer ideas on how to use it interactively with children please send an email to [e-mail]. Also, feel free to to add me, Cullen Wood, as a Facebook friend.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars A simple and sweet story. December 6, 2007

By Tanya Dennis VINE™ VOICE

Format:Board book

This oversized, die-cut boardbook relates the legend of the candy cane through simple rhyme and colorful pictures.

Families gathered to see something new at the candy store. The candy maker was eager to share his newest treat, but also the story behind it. While telling the story of Jesus' birth, he points out how his candy cane will help us remember.

- It's shaped like a 'J' for Jesus, God's Son.
- When you turn it upside down ... "It looks like a staff that the shephers used. They were the first ot hear the Good News."
- The stripes are to help us "remember the day that Jesus washed all our sins away." The red symbolizes his blood; the white is because once forgiven, we are made white as snow.

What I Like: It's a sweet story (no pun intended). The size and strength of the book are perfect for toddlers. The illustrations by Claudine Gevry fill every page with color and friendly characters.

What I Dislike: The rhyme seems forced, lacking a consistent flow. Also, there's not a ton of action in the illustrations. It's mostly the candy maker talking inside his store.

Overall Rating: Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Story! September 16, 2009

By YellowDaisy

Format:Board book|Amazon Verified Purchase

Crystal Bowman is now my favorite! My son loves the pictures in this book and I love that it is about God and His love. It has a very sweet message that children can understand.