The Something Wonderful: A Christmas Story [Hardcover]

Karen Hill (Author), Susan Reagan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In a little stable in Bethlehem, all the animals are eagerlyplanning for the Something Wonderful. No one knows exactly what orwhen it will be, but they are convinced a fancy celebration isrequired-complete with parade, party, food, and activities. Soonthe animals are squabbling over details and forgetting the reasonfor the celebration.

When a little lamb reminds the other animals what reallymatters-the Something Wonderful-everyone realizes it is time to bekinder to each other and patiently wait for the Something Wonderfulto happen. And on one starry night, it does!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Hill is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of several children’s books, including My Faith Journal. Karen and her husband, Art, have three children and three grandchildren.

Susan Reagan is a successful freelance and children’s book illustrator. Her first book series, Just Like Jesus Said, was a finalist for the 2003 ECPA Gold Medallion Award. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Frank.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (September 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581347324
• ISBN-13: 978-1581347326
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,304,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Graduated Ole Miss 1969, degree in Journalism. Did free-lance writing and taught creative writing while raising three children. I love the world of story and imagination.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to be a children's classic, January 13, 2006

By 

Christian Book Previews "Christian Book Previews" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Something Wonderful: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

In a brilliant tale that reads like telephone tag, the rooster tells the cow who tells the camel who tells the donkey who tells the lamb, important news that "something wonderful" is coming. This fanciful beginning of The Something Wonderful by Karen Hill immediately captures the attention of young readers and young-at-heart adults.

All the animals prepare in their own ways for the event, and begin to get annoyed with one another in the process. The lamb wisely suggests that they wait patiently for God to show them "the something wonderful," and in the meantime be kind to one another. And as they do so, they are amazed one starry night to see a special baby born in their stable-which was a truly wonderful something to behold.

Written in lilting, yet prudent prose, children will be eager for every page turn. The lovely illustrations by Susan Reagan not only convey the emotions of the animals cozily, but they are also artwork worthy of framing. This timeless message combined with delightful pictures destines The Something Wonderful to become a children's classic. - Anne Walker, Christian Book Previews.com

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book! Love it!!!, November 12, 2010

By 

C. Mullenhour - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Something Wonderful: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

Love it! This is an adorable Christmas book, with beautiful illustrations! Usually Christian books are lame with poor illustrations, but not this book. It explains that the Holiday should not be focused on parties and gifts, but rather by focusing on God! Our girls, ages 2 & 4, love the book. We actually ready it all year long to them!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight for children and parents alike!, December 11, 2007

By 

Tanya Dennis "www.TanyaDennisBooks.com" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Something Wonderful: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

Funny and poignant, the book is sure to delight children and their parents, all while sharing a valuable lesson.

In a stable in Bethlehem, Something Wonderful was about to happen. The animals could hardly wait. Donkey took the lead as "Project Manager." He delegated responsibilties of organizing the parade and the party to various barn residents. Everyone got to work. With so much activity and so much to do, it wasn't long until something went wrong. Arguments sprung up between this animal and that. Then something else went wrong. The parade route hit a glitch and no one could agree on the buffet.

Finally, Lamb asked a question: Did anyone know what The Something Wonderful was? No one did. "How can we make all these plans when we don't even know what The Something Wonderful will be?" Donkey balked, insisting they must be prepared, but Lamb persuaded the other animals to "watch and wait." He also encouraged them to be nicer to each other and try to get along. "Mr. Donkey, I don't think we have to make a fancy celebration. I think God will give us The Something Wonderful just because He loves us." Rooster added: "We can show God we love Him by being kind to each other." All the animals agreed.

"And then one night something did happen at the little stable in Bethlehem.
A special baby was born there.
A little baby boy named Jesus
... it was wonderful."

Luke 2:1-20 is quoted at the back of the book.

Susan Reagan, illustrator, fills this book with warm colors and delightful characters children will love.

What I Like: Everything! It offers a gentle reminder to children and adults that the holiday is not about the hub-bub surrounding it; Christmas is about Something much more wonderful.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Special Note: The recommended age is 4-8, but younger children will also enjoy it. My 2-year-old loves it!

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review