The Spirit of Christmas [Hardcover]

Nancy Tillman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 29, 2009 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all—the most magical gift of the season—is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for the Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy has hidden on every page!)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–&I had just nodded off,/at a quarter past four,/when the Spirit of Christmas/stepped in through my door. So begins this lovely story in which all the delights of the season are presented. Realism and fantasy are satisfyingly paired to bring the mixed-media illustrations of treasured holiday scenes to life. Many of the paintings include bits of lyrics and music from well-known carols. The message is sweet; no matter how fancy one's decorations, no matter how elaborate one's feast, or how many pretty packages wait beneath the tree, &It is love that makes the angels sing. A beautiful and timeless book.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library END

From Booklist

Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. In rhymed verse and a first-person voice, the narrator begins: “I had just nodded off, / at a quarter past four, / when the Spirit of Christmas / stepped in through my door.” The “Spirit” conjures up scenes, symbols, smells, and tastes of the season that are encapsulated in spare, rhythmic words: “Candy cane tongues / and marshmallow mustaches. / Everyone caroling songs of goodwill.” A toy-soldier band, a lion and lamb, snow angels, and Santa Claus are beautifully depicted and lead to the Christmas tree and the message behind the celebration. The Spirit reminds the narrator, “Remember, this all began with a child. / Because it took nothing but love to begin it, / it’s not really Christmas if love isn’t in it.” Tillman’s sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time. Grades K-3. --Julie Cummins

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (September 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312549652
• ISBN-13: 978-0312549657
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas

More About the Author

NANCY TILLMAN is the author and illustrator of the bestselling picture books On The Night You Were Born, The Spirit of Christmas, Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, The Crown on Your Head, Tumford the Terrible and Tumford's Rude Noises. She is also the illustrator of It's Time to Sleep, My Love, written by Eric Metaxas. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Nancy lives in Portland, Oregon where she creates books with the purpose of sharing with children the sentiment, 'You are loved.'

Nancy loves to participate and have conversations with all the wonderful families that have enjoyed her books. So check her out on Facebook.com/Nancy.Tillman.Collection or visit her website at nancytillman.com.



You can purchase Prints of Nancy's artwork here:
http://www.artistrising.com/_code/Product/Search.aspx?N=0&Ntk=all&Ntt=nancy+tillman&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Num=1&Pg=64

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic November 22, 2009

By Debra

Format:Hardcover

I purchased several books hoping to better explain Christmas to my 2 year old. The other books were all classics but this one was the best of the lot. The book had a message that applied to both my 2 year old daughter and my 29 year old daughter. It was beautiful and I found myself tearing up at the end of the book. My daughter loved the pictures and has had me read the book to her quite a few times.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spirit of Christmas December 7, 2009

By J. N. Riley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Every year I give my children, who are all over 21 now, a Christmas book. When I read "The Spirit of Christmas" I knew it was the one for this year. It is rhyming, which I love, and told in first person by a mother, or grandmother,or a favorite aunt, or simply the giver of the book. The spirit of Christmas comes to her and tries to help her feel the spirit of Christmas. He names several things the spirit of Christmas brings: "Bells, he said, Jingle bells! Bells right away! Bells on a one horse galloping sleigh" and "Snow that lies silent, As quiet as a mouse, And roads that all lead to your grandmother's house."
Near the end he reminds her that the season was started by a child and that's when it dawns on her, "That's when I got it! That's when I knew! The thing that was missing from Christmas was you!" My daughter-in-law read it and I ask her what she thought of it and she said, "I think you love us." That is true.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The most beautiful children's Christmas book ever! December 2, 2009

By M. McColl

Format:Hardcover

Nancy Tillman has created the most beautiful Christmas book ever! I purchased one for my little niece and I look forward to reading it to her at Christmastime.

This book is an absolute MUST for everyone's library! I would suggest that you buy one for someone you love AND buy one for the gift giving that is available in all of our cities for the underprivileged children.

The Spirit of Christmas has messages that will warm your heart. Sure, the children definitely "win" by having this book read to them, or by reading it themselves, but as an adult, you will find your spirit deeply touched by these words. Heck, you may even want to buy a copy for an adult who still has that "child-like" spirit -- I'm sure they'll love it too.

Peggy McColl, [...]