'Twas the Evening of Christmas

by Glenys Nellist, Elena Selivanova (Illustrator)

Overview

’Twas the evening of Christmas, when all through the town,

Every inn was so crowded, no room could be found.

Tired Mary and Joseph, who went door to door,

At last found a place on a small stable floor.

For over 200 years, families have gathered on Christmas Eve to hear the much loved words of Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. This year, families can gather together to share the real Christmas story––the story of Jesus’ birth. ’Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar language and rhythm of Dr. Clements’ poetry, but instead of focusing on Santa, it focuses on the baby Jesus, who is, after all, the true hero of Christmas. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told. With a cover that comes alive with foil and sculpted embossing, this book is sure to become a Christmas classic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310745273
Publisher:	Zonderkidz
Publication date:	10/03/2017
Sold by:	Zondervan Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	78 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England.   Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Elena Selivanova graduated from the Moscow State University of Printing Arts and has worked for twenty years as a children’s book illustrator. She has illustrated over one hundred books and has created a wide variety of memorable and beloved characters.

Editorial Reviews

09/04/2017
In a skillfully composed text that mimics the phrasing and cadence of Clement C. Moore’s familiar holiday poem, Nellist presents a Nativity story that balances a lighthearted, anticipatory tone with an overarching reverence for the subject matter. “ ’Twas the evening of Christmas, when all through the town,/Every inn was so crowded, no room could be found,” she begins, incorporating the animals of the stable, the nearby shepherds, and the visiting Magi into her retelling (“The pigeons were nestled all snug in their beds,/ While visions of breadcrumbs danced ’round in their heads”). Russian illustrator Selivanova’s evocative paintings feature soft lines and gentle shifts between sunlight, moonglow, starlight, and shadow—as well as light that seems to emanate from the newborn child. Her gauzy, muted palette and shifting perspectives (in one scene, the shepherds are seen from above, through clusters of angels’ wings) fully immerse readers in the unfolding events. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

10/01/2017
PreS-Gr 1—The biblical story of Jesus's birth is told in the style of Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas": "And out in the fields, taking care of their sheep,/Some shepherds were just getting ready to sleep./When all of a sudden, they had such a fright,/As a whole choir of angels lit up the night." Each of the baby's visitors are included in the poem which faithfully follows the Book of Luke aside from Mary's "Merry Christmas" at the end. Selivanova's realistic digital art is rendered in jewel tones with soft edges. Light emanates from the baby Jesus, as well as the moon. The resulting illustrations, paired with the calm, rhyming text, have a peaceful effect, making this a perfect choice for bedtime. VERDICT A sweet take on a Christmas classic with a Nativity setting.—Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal