The First Christmas

by Phillips Brooks, Lewis H. Redner, Will Moses (Illustrator)

Overview

From the great-grandson of renowned folk art painter Grandma Moses comes a magical and shimmering picture book about the first Christmas.

Based on the lyrics of the beloved carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this beautiful picture book in Will Moses’s acclaimed folk art style is perfect for families to read together and cherish year after year.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534478794
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Publication date:	09/28/2021
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	NP (what's this?)
File size:	35 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) was an American Episcopal clergyman and author, remembered as lyricist of the Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Lewis Henry Redner (1831–1908) was an American musician and composer of the popular Christmas carol “St. Louis,” better known as “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” 

Will Moses creates paintings that reflect the quiet beauty of this tiny community nestled close to the Vermont border. Will has developed his own folk style and become an internationally beloved artist, his art displayed in collections throughout the world, including that of the White House. His career as a children’s book illustrator began with the picture book The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 1995. Today, Will lives and works at the Mt. Nebo Gallery in his hometown of Eagle Bridge, New York, with his wife, Sharon, and their three children.

Editorial Reviews

09/13/2021

Folk artist Moses offers intricate oil paintings to illustrate Brooks’s 1867 poem “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” which Redner set to music a year later. The art depicts the first Christmas, from Mary and Joseph searching for lodging to the Three Wise Men visiting the newborn King. Atmospheric art accented by dabs of gold and centering humans with indefinite features matches the reverence of the text: “How silently, how silently,/ The wondrous gift is given!” Though the cast includes a range of skin tones, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are shown as pale-skinned. This Christmas title, perhaps ideal as a readaloud with a knowledgeable adult, hints at the biblical meaning of Christmas, and is best appreciated by readers already familiar with the song or its theological origins. Back matter includes sheet music for “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” a note about the text, and an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

2021-08-18
A popular Christmas song is paired with painted illustrations of the Nativity.

Brooks’ “O Little Town of Bethlehem” lyrics are printed in couplets on tan-colored pages with spot art featuring human and angelic characters. Facing each page of text is a scene in the desert, beginning with a pregnant Mary riding a donkey alongside Joseph walking with his staff along a road. They enter a town at night and disembark in a barnyard, where angels gather above and then people come bearing gifts. The final spread shows Mary caring for tiny baby Jesus, both of them glowing; the facing text quotes Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Endmatter offers the music, additional verses, and a note about the text. Moses’ naïve art combines strokes of muted colors with the deep blue of a night sky and bright white and golden spots of robes and horns, moon, and stars. The scenes hum with the significance of the night represented. While the angels and the crowd are depicted in hues ranging from dark brown to pale, the three main figures are decidedly pink, and the baby’s hair appears golden. Some Christian families seeking to share the tale of Christ’s birth with their young ones will find this a fitting tribute. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Refreshing. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews