The First Christmas

by: Lois Rock; Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp

Published by: Lion Children's

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

The first and greatest Christmas story never grows old and never loses its wonder. Angels appear to Mary and Joseph. A child is conceived and is born to save the world. Hosts of angels appear to lowly shepherds, and kings follow a star to worship a child. Even now, thousands of years later, it can give me goose bumps.

In The First Christmas, a new version of the timeless story, Lois Rock tells the wonderful story of Jesus’ first years. Nicely bound and gorgeously illustrated, I wouldn’t hesitate to hand this book to any child as a gift. My seven-year-old daughter is enchanted with the illustrations. I enjoy the more common language used in dialog (especially with the shepherds) and that Jesus is depicted as a child when the wise men show up in Bethlehem.

This book works well as a read-aloud and the language is simple enough that early readers will probably be able to manage it as well—though it is no “easy reader.” I was surprised to find a dropped word, but other than that, there is little I would change about this book.

Armchair Interviews says: It is a great Christmas book to keep around all year long.