The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted by David Warner & Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler (Reviews & #Giveaway)


The Little Match Girl
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert Series
by Han Christian Anderson
Adapted by David Warner
Illustrated by Heather Theurer
Children's Picture Book, Christmas
Hardcover, 32 Pages
October 17th 2017 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

The classic children's story The Little Match Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen, is retold for a Christmas audience as part of the annual Christmas concert series hosted by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

This beautifully illustrated edition shares the story of a young girl who attempts to sell her last bundle of matches on Christmas Eve. As the snow falls and the crowds pass her by, she strikes one of her matches, hoping for a little warmth. In its flame, she sees a vision of a roaring fire in a hot stove. The match goes out, taking the vision with it. A second match conjures a vision of a vast dining room complete with a feast fit for a king. The third match reveals a towering Christmas tree. With only a few matches left, she strikes them all and sees a vision of her beloved grandmother. Only this time, it is more than a vision as the spirit of grandmother takes the little match girl with her into heaven.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL is a wonderful adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's original tale. The illustrations and text are both beautiful. A sad, but inspiring tale that asks readers to consider those around them who may be less fortunate and the innocence of the young.

Here are some of the two-page layouts from the book (as posted on Amazon):




This is the first version of Andersen's tale I've read. The story was new to me, but I knew that it was going to have a sad ending. The ending ended up being more bittersweet than sad, and I appreciated the somewhat hopeful message at the end. It definitely made me do some thinking and be more aware of those around me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? A bittersweet story with beautiful illustrations to read with children that I enjoyed.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.


Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas: Children's Edition
A Family Nativity Tradition
by Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler
Illustrated by Ryan Jeppesen
Children's Picture Book, Christmas
Hardcover, 32 Pages
September 26th 2017 by Ensign Peak

Summary

This is a children's picture book edition of the best-selling adult book of the same title. Using illustrations and age-appropriate text, this children's edition features passages of scripture along with original text to tell the story of the birth of Jesus and provides ideas for family traditions that young children can understand to make the holiday more Christ-centered. Each spread uses one person from the nativity story to illustrate a theme and suggests one activity a child can do to remember the lesson learned from that character.

For example, the story introduces Mary and talks about the search for an inn where she could stay with Joseph and give birth to her baby. The book then presents a question for the child to ponder--"How could you make room for the baby Jesus as part of your Christmas celebration this year?"--and an activity to do--"Place an empty stable somewhere in your home where you can see it every day until Christmas."

Combining the biblical version told by Luke and Matthew with a beautiful story line and wonderfully charming, full-color illustrations, this book will help make Christ the focus of your celebrations this year.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review
CELEBRATING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS: CHILDREN'S EDITION is a wonderful book perfect for celebrating the Christmas season! Filled with beautiful illustrations, the scriptural account of Christ's birth, a simplified summary of those same scriptures, and suggestions for how to carry the spirit of Christ throughout the season will bring joy and the real meaning of Christmas into the home. Highly recommended to families who want something simple to keep Christ a central part of the Christmas season in their homes.

Here are some of the two-page layouts from the book (as posted on Deseret Book):




I really loved this! I loved the simple applications for each part of the the story of Christ's birth. The text is easy enough for children to understand and the suggested tasks make it easy to find ways of being a light to others. I loved the idea of setting up a nativity, one piece at a time, over several days. This is definitely a book I plan on using year after year.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Especially for young families, this is a fabulous way to keep Christ in Christmas and to help us all to do simple things each day to remember Him. Highly recommended!

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Hardcover copy of The Little Match Girl
US only
Ends January 31st

Complimentary copies of both books received as well as The Little Match Girl for the giveaway, with no obligation to give a favorable review, from:

Do you read Christmas books with your children over the holidays? Do you have any favorites?

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