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'Twas the Season of Lent: Devotions and Stories for the Lenten and Easter Seasons
‘Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. From beloved author Glenys Nellist, this book focused on Jesus’s mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to. Written in both prose and poetry, this gorgeous picture book shares the true story of the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. The read-aloud rhymes and stunning illustrations by Elena Selivanova make this a perfect read for the whole family during the Lenten season. With an eye-catching cover decorated in shining foil and embossing, this book is designed to be a treasured tradition for families and church ministries for the Lenten season for years to come. ‘Twas the season of Lent, when for forty whole days The people were trying to think of new ways To be more like Jesus—to love, care, and give, In hopes that they’d choose the right way to live. ’Twas the Season of Lent :
48 pages, Hardcover
Published January 2, 2024
1 person is currently reading
1777 people want to read
About the author
Glenys Nellist
85 books340 followersI'm the author of forty+ books for children, including the best-selling Twas the Evening of Christmas, I Wonder: Exploring God's Grand Story, The Wonder That is You, and six popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, Little Mole, Twas, Good News and Bedtime Blessings.
Here's my little story...
Although I live in Michigan, USA, I was born and raised in a little village in northern England.
I grew up in a big old house, with two wonderful parents and seven siblings. My dad was the one who introduced me to the gospel. My mum was the one who encouraged me to work with children.
And at primary school, my teacher was the one who urged me to write. One day a week, I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers' lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write.
Four long decades later, I would find myself living across the pond, married to a wonderful man, mum to four adult children and three daughters-in-law, and grandma to three bouncing boys and one gorgeous girl. And as if all that wasn’t blessing enough, I somehow became an author, despite giving up on my first book halfway through.
And if you would have told me then, that this book would one day become a series, that I would begin a second series, and a third… I never would have believed you. The only possible explanation is that our great God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or possibly imagine.
And to God alone, be the glory.
Here's my little story...
Although I live in Michigan, USA, I was born and raised in a little village in northern England.
I grew up in a big old house, with two wonderful parents and seven siblings. My dad was the one who introduced me to the gospel. My mum was the one who encouraged me to work with children.
And at primary school, my teacher was the one who urged me to write. One day a week, I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers' lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write.
Four long decades later, I would find myself living across the pond, married to a wonderful man, mum to four adult children and three daughters-in-law, and grandma to three bouncing boys and one gorgeous girl. And as if all that wasn’t blessing enough, I somehow became an author, despite giving up on my first book halfway through.
And if you would have told me then, that this book would one day become a series, that I would begin a second series, and a third… I never would have believed you. The only possible explanation is that our great God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or possibly imagine.
And to God alone, be the glory.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 27, 2024
I have always loved devotionals—as a child and as an adult. “Twas the Season of Lent” is a beautiful devotional that centers on Jesus’s ministry and His care and love for others. Each day’s readings and prayers encourage and inspire young readers to emulate Him in their daily lives by loving and caring for others.
The illustrations are detailed and colorful, reminiscent of the Bible story books of my younger years. I love the simplicity and ease of this book, with an organized plan of reading with a simple prayer at the end of each day. It also includes corresponding Scripture verses for further reading or study, but the passages are explained well in a one-page devotional. The rhymes are enjoyable, the messages are clear, and the illustrations help readers visualize each concept.
This is an enjoyable and meaningful book to read through each year with the family. My only wish for this book is that it would share a clearcut Spiritual message of Jesus’s forgiveness and our salvation through Him.
First Line: Welcome to the holy season of Lent.
Series: Part of the Twas series
Genre: Children, Devotions
Author: Glenys Nellist
Page Count: 48
Reading Age: 6-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
The illustrations are detailed and colorful, reminiscent of the Bible story books of my younger years. I love the simplicity and ease of this book, with an organized plan of reading with a simple prayer at the end of each day. It also includes corresponding Scripture verses for further reading or study, but the passages are explained well in a one-page devotional. The rhymes are enjoyable, the messages are clear, and the illustrations help readers visualize each concept.
This is an enjoyable and meaningful book to read through each year with the family. My only wish for this book is that it would share a clearcut Spiritual message of Jesus’s forgiveness and our salvation through Him.
First Line: Welcome to the holy season of Lent.
Series: Part of the Twas series
Genre: Children, Devotions
Author: Glenys Nellist
Page Count: 48
Reading Age: 6-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
January 12, 2024
I've been a huge fan of this author's children's books, as have my boys. For Advent, we use her 'Twas the Season of Advent devotional each day. So, when I learned she had a Lenten/Easter book releasing, I was thrilled!
With 40 days of devotionals, beginning on Ash Wednesday and going through Easter Monday or so, this book takes readers---families/children---through the Gospels and Jesus' story leading up to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
I'm excited to work though this book with our family this Easter season. I highly recommend you check out these books, too.
*I both purchased and received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review required. Opinions my own.
With 40 days of devotionals, beginning on Ash Wednesday and going through Easter Monday or so, this book takes readers---families/children---through the Gospels and Jesus' story leading up to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
I'm excited to work though this book with our family this Easter season. I highly recommend you check out these books, too.
*I both purchased and received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review required. Opinions my own.
January 13, 2024
Glenys Nellist’s most recent Christian book is something you won't want to miss! ‘Twas the Season of Lent is a heartfelt picture book with exquisite writing. The illustrations complement the narrative beautifully.
This 40-day Lent devotional includes gospels and accounts of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Glenys Nellist's well constructed poetic phrases effectively encapsulated the spirit of Lent.
Perfect for reading aloud to the family as a group or for individual devotional time each day. Everyone can learn something special from this picture book, regardless of age.
I adore this book. If you are looking to add meaning to your Lenten season, this might be right for you.
Thank you, Glenys!
This 40-day Lent devotional includes gospels and accounts of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Glenys Nellist's well constructed poetic phrases effectively encapsulated the spirit of Lent.
Perfect for reading aloud to the family as a group or for individual devotional time each day. Everyone can learn something special from this picture book, regardless of age.
I adore this book. If you are looking to add meaning to your Lenten season, this might be right for you.
Thank you, Glenys!
March 29, 2024
I was so excited for this book. I’m a huge fan of Nellist’s ‘I Wonder’ Bible, which has been helpful in pondering faith with my children.
I pre-ordered this book as I’ve been intrigued by the popular series Nellist has created on the back of the famous Christmas poem (I’m a sucker for a good theme!). My hope was that it would foster the same poetic language as her Bible interpretation, whilst inspiring conversations around Lent with children.
My main issues with the book can be outlined as so:
- The devotionals are simple and short. VERY simple and short in some cases. The meaning and message conveyed through the choice of words and the omission of certain important parts of Bible stories reduces lent to a season of ‘being a good person’ at best, and removes the divinity of Jesus at worst (see Panda’s helpful review amongst the comments here for more helpful insight). Words are attributed to Jesus which he didn’t say, which, whilst I get that a certain amount of creative license is sometimes helpful to convey meaning, here they create a very different narrative.
In her interpretation of John 14:1-6, Jesus apparently says “Heaven is an easy place to find…It’s a place full of love. So if you keep loving others, you already know the way.” The prayer for that devotional is “Thank you, God, for heaven.” I get that soteriology and eschatology are big theological subjects, but we do children a disservice by reducing salvation to “heaven is a nice place” wrapped up in universalism.
- Alongside some flawed interpretation, the actual ‘journey’ through the Lenten season feels incoherent. The choice of stories and the movement towards the cross is paced weirdly, with the ending feeling rushed over the last few days. For those of us who observe Holy Week, the stories don’t match up necessarily with the days in the church calendar, which feels strange for a Lent devotional… it’s out of sync. Here, Jesus dies on day 36 of Lent, which is Tuesday of Holy Week, and Good Friday only has a trite final paragraph to the poem which is randomly dispersed throughout the book:
‘As we think about Lent and the stories we’ve heard,
Of who Jesus was and the love that he shared,
Imagine God whisper:
“Now, go - spread the light.
Happy Lent to all and to all… a goodnight.”’
A goodnight? My husband read it out loud over lunch as we reflected together as a family, and looked at me with a puzzled expression, which I think we all shared. The theme is not incorporated enough, so that when there is a nod to the famous poem, it feels quite silly.
———
In summary, I’m just disappointed. It was good to have something we consistently read each day to keep us focused on Lent, a habit to keep and set apart the time. However, I would not recommend this resource. I think there are probably better things you can engage with as a family which feel less disjointed and are able to concisely, yet accurately and beautifully, convey the stories of Jesus in a way that journey through the church season of Lent well.
I pre-ordered this book as I’ve been intrigued by the popular series Nellist has created on the back of the famous Christmas poem (I’m a sucker for a good theme!). My hope was that it would foster the same poetic language as her Bible interpretation, whilst inspiring conversations around Lent with children.
My main issues with the book can be outlined as so:
- The devotionals are simple and short. VERY simple and short in some cases. The meaning and message conveyed through the choice of words and the omission of certain important parts of Bible stories reduces lent to a season of ‘being a good person’ at best, and removes the divinity of Jesus at worst (see Panda’s helpful review amongst the comments here for more helpful insight). Words are attributed to Jesus which he didn’t say, which, whilst I get that a certain amount of creative license is sometimes helpful to convey meaning, here they create a very different narrative.
In her interpretation of John 14:1-6, Jesus apparently says “Heaven is an easy place to find…It’s a place full of love. So if you keep loving others, you already know the way.” The prayer for that devotional is “Thank you, God, for heaven.” I get that soteriology and eschatology are big theological subjects, but we do children a disservice by reducing salvation to “heaven is a nice place” wrapped up in universalism.
- Alongside some flawed interpretation, the actual ‘journey’ through the Lenten season feels incoherent. The choice of stories and the movement towards the cross is paced weirdly, with the ending feeling rushed over the last few days. For those of us who observe Holy Week, the stories don’t match up necessarily with the days in the church calendar, which feels strange for a Lent devotional… it’s out of sync. Here, Jesus dies on day 36 of Lent, which is Tuesday of Holy Week, and Good Friday only has a trite final paragraph to the poem which is randomly dispersed throughout the book:
‘As we think about Lent and the stories we’ve heard,
Of who Jesus was and the love that he shared,
Imagine God whisper:
“Now, go - spread the light.
Happy Lent to all and to all… a goodnight.”’
A goodnight? My husband read it out loud over lunch as we reflected together as a family, and looked at me with a puzzled expression, which I think we all shared. The theme is not incorporated enough, so that when there is a nod to the famous poem, it feels quite silly.
———
In summary, I’m just disappointed. It was good to have something we consistently read each day to keep us focused on Lent, a habit to keep and set apart the time. However, I would not recommend this resource. I think there are probably better things you can engage with as a family which feel less disjointed and are able to concisely, yet accurately and beautifully, convey the stories of Jesus in a way that journey through the church season of Lent well.
March 12, 2024
This picture book devotional features forty daily readings for the Lenten season. It also includes occasional fully illustrated double page spreads that tell the story of Jesus through a poem in the structure of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Glenys Nellist wrote this book at a kid-friendly level, with lots of simple sentences and conversational questions, and the illustrations from Elena Selivanova depict scenes from Jesus's life with realistic details.
Each daily reading includes a Scripture reference at the beginning, showing where you can find that day's story in the Bible, and each reading ends with a short example prayer. The reading themselves vary widely in quality. Some of them are straightforward descriptions of Bible stories, with a biblically accurate takeaway message. Other readings involve a lot of creative license, and sometimes end with a message that the author wants to share instead of the point that's clear in the biblical passage she's supposedly representing. Even though her conclusion will be generally true and reflect the Bible's teaching, she will go for a basic moral about doing good deeds over and above the specific message you can find in that day's Bible passage.
Worst of all, Nellist repeatedly puts words in Jesus's mouth, attributing statements to him that he never said. She puts these statements in quotation marks, but they’re not even paraphrases! They’re fictional. For example, when Nellist retells the parable of the sower, she says, "And Jesus told them, 'Close your eyes. Imagine all those seeds. Imagine how the farmer feels about each one. Now suppose God is the farmer, sowing seeds of love in your hearts. Is your heart a place where love can grow?' And then the disciples knew. They needed to take care of their hearts like a garden, so those seeds of love could grow." This description of the parable's meaning is not biblical. Sure, it's important to give and receive love in the Christian life, but that's not what Jesus told this parable about, and it's not the meaning that he explained to his disciples afterwards.
If people read each Bible passage before they read the devotionals, they will be able to see where Nellist shifts the focus or totally changes what Jesus says, but many people will just read her version of the story, without also reading the source material. I have a serious problem with her changing the messages of Bible stories here, and this leads into my next critique. Nothing about this book explains the message of the gospel. This book presents Jesus as a good moral teacher, but nothing more.
Nellist never writes anything about sin or repentance, and she says nothing about Jesus offering salvation. Even when she writes about John 14, she falsely claims that Jesus said, "Heaven is an easy place to find. It's a place that's full of love. So if you keep loving others, you already know the way." When Jesus told the disciples that they already knew the way to heaven, he was saying that they knew HIM. He then goes on to explain that he is the way to heaven, and whether someone believes this or not, you have to deal with what he actually said.
Also, unless I am mistaken and missed some small reference in one of the readings, there is nothing about Jesus being God incarnate. Even when Nellist writes about Jesus's death, she just says that some enemies didn't like what he said about following God and loving others. She says nothing about people opposing Jesus because he claimed to be the Messiah, referred to himself as being equal to God, and claimed to have the power to forgive sins. This book says a lot of true things and retells many Bible stories accurately, but as a whole, it presents a deceptive and distorted image of Jesus's identity and mission.
This book is part of a popular series that appeals to lots of families, but I cannot recommend it. Even though parts of this book accurately portray Bible stories, there are too many distortions and omissions here, with the author leaving out key aspects of Jesus's message and attributing things to him that he never said. Although many people can read this book without noticing these problems, filling in surrounding context from their own prior knowledge, this book does not represent Jesus rightly.
The author's messages about doing good deeds, loving others, and making good choices send a message of holy living via your own works and accomplishments, without teaching anything about the reality of sin, Jesus's offer of salvation, the way that Christians are empowered by the Spirit to live differently, or the ways that Jesus rescues and forgives us when we fail to follow God and love others well. Even though this book has a lot of positive elements, it does not rightly represent Jesus or the gospel message he taught, and I cannot recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Each daily reading includes a Scripture reference at the beginning, showing where you can find that day's story in the Bible, and each reading ends with a short example prayer. The reading themselves vary widely in quality. Some of them are straightforward descriptions of Bible stories, with a biblically accurate takeaway message. Other readings involve a lot of creative license, and sometimes end with a message that the author wants to share instead of the point that's clear in the biblical passage she's supposedly representing. Even though her conclusion will be generally true and reflect the Bible's teaching, she will go for a basic moral about doing good deeds over and above the specific message you can find in that day's Bible passage.
Worst of all, Nellist repeatedly puts words in Jesus's mouth, attributing statements to him that he never said. She puts these statements in quotation marks, but they’re not even paraphrases! They’re fictional. For example, when Nellist retells the parable of the sower, she says, "And Jesus told them, 'Close your eyes. Imagine all those seeds. Imagine how the farmer feels about each one. Now suppose God is the farmer, sowing seeds of love in your hearts. Is your heart a place where love can grow?' And then the disciples knew. They needed to take care of their hearts like a garden, so those seeds of love could grow." This description of the parable's meaning is not biblical. Sure, it's important to give and receive love in the Christian life, but that's not what Jesus told this parable about, and it's not the meaning that he explained to his disciples afterwards.
If people read each Bible passage before they read the devotionals, they will be able to see where Nellist shifts the focus or totally changes what Jesus says, but many people will just read her version of the story, without also reading the source material. I have a serious problem with her changing the messages of Bible stories here, and this leads into my next critique. Nothing about this book explains the message of the gospel. This book presents Jesus as a good moral teacher, but nothing more.
Nellist never writes anything about sin or repentance, and she says nothing about Jesus offering salvation. Even when she writes about John 14, she falsely claims that Jesus said, "Heaven is an easy place to find. It's a place that's full of love. So if you keep loving others, you already know the way." When Jesus told the disciples that they already knew the way to heaven, he was saying that they knew HIM. He then goes on to explain that he is the way to heaven, and whether someone believes this or not, you have to deal with what he actually said.
Also, unless I am mistaken and missed some small reference in one of the readings, there is nothing about Jesus being God incarnate. Even when Nellist writes about Jesus's death, she just says that some enemies didn't like what he said about following God and loving others. She says nothing about people opposing Jesus because he claimed to be the Messiah, referred to himself as being equal to God, and claimed to have the power to forgive sins. This book says a lot of true things and retells many Bible stories accurately, but as a whole, it presents a deceptive and distorted image of Jesus's identity and mission.
This book is part of a popular series that appeals to lots of families, but I cannot recommend it. Even though parts of this book accurately portray Bible stories, there are too many distortions and omissions here, with the author leaving out key aspects of Jesus's message and attributing things to him that he never said. Although many people can read this book without noticing these problems, filling in surrounding context from their own prior knowledge, this book does not represent Jesus rightly.
The author's messages about doing good deeds, loving others, and making good choices send a message of holy living via your own works and accomplishments, without teaching anything about the reality of sin, Jesus's offer of salvation, the way that Christians are empowered by the Spirit to live differently, or the ways that Jesus rescues and forgives us when we fail to follow God and love others well. Even though this book has a lot of positive elements, it does not rightly represent Jesus or the gospel message he taught, and I cannot recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
About the Book:
‘Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. From beloved author Glenys Nellist, this book focused on Jesus’s mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to. Written in both prose and poetry, this gorgeous picture book shares the true story of the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. The read-aloud rhymes and stunning illustrations by Elena Selivanova make this a perfect read for the whole family during the Lenten season. With an eye-catching cover decorated in shining foil and embossing, this book is designed to be a treasured tradition for families and church ministries for the Lenten season for years to come. ‘Twas the season of Lent, when for forty whole days The people were trying to think of new ways To be more like Jesus—to love, care, and give, In hopes that they’d choose the right way to live.
My Review:
For those of you that dont know, Lent lasts for 40 days. Lent by definition is a period of 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. So even though your denomination or church does not celebrate Lent its still a good idea to practice it because it helps to reflect more on Jesus and all He has done for us.
'Twas the Season of Lent is a great way to introduce your child to this concept. Not something that has to be strictly followed but something that would help draw them closer to Jesus. Its real simple to implement and could get them to ask further questions about Jesus, the Bible and even Christianity.
This book contains 40 devotionals one for each day of Lent. It contains a small summary of scripture, Bible verse, and a short prayer. Really straightforward and to the point and has some illustration included, as well. Really great way to introduce the kiddos to Lent.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
‘Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. From beloved author Glenys Nellist, this book focused on Jesus’s mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to. Written in both prose and poetry, this gorgeous picture book shares the true story of the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. The read-aloud rhymes and stunning illustrations by Elena Selivanova make this a perfect read for the whole family during the Lenten season. With an eye-catching cover decorated in shining foil and embossing, this book is designed to be a treasured tradition for families and church ministries for the Lenten season for years to come. ‘Twas the season of Lent, when for forty whole days The people were trying to think of new ways To be more like Jesus—to love, care, and give, In hopes that they’d choose the right way to live.
My Review:
For those of you that dont know, Lent lasts for 40 days. Lent by definition is a period of 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. So even though your denomination or church does not celebrate Lent its still a good idea to practice it because it helps to reflect more on Jesus and all He has done for us.
'Twas the Season of Lent is a great way to introduce your child to this concept. Not something that has to be strictly followed but something that would help draw them closer to Jesus. Its real simple to implement and could get them to ask further questions about Jesus, the Bible and even Christianity.
This book contains 40 devotionals one for each day of Lent. It contains a small summary of scripture, Bible verse, and a short prayer. Really straightforward and to the point and has some illustration included, as well. Really great way to introduce the kiddos to Lent.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2024
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2024/03/24... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU!
Get Ready!
Come on an adventure called, "Lent." It takes place during the forty days leading up to Easter, and is a time to think about the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus. It is an occasion to get ready for Easter.
This very readable book is a great way to explore Lent with young ones. Whether it is the first time observing it, or something that has been done before, this book will add to the Easter season.
There are forty kid friendly entries, one for every day of Lent. Each narrative is attention-grabbing, and there is also a simple prayer that is only a line or two long. Rhyming verse is sprinkled throughout the book, along with lovely pictures that illustrate the different points of the story.
This picture book is written for children, so it is definitely something that little ones will enjoy, as well as, learn what Easter is about. This is a wonderful way to get the entire family involved by gathering together. Then an adult or older child can read an entry out loud. Natural discussion of what things mean will easily follow. These times can be simple, or more involved, as wanted.
This five-star book will be enjoyed by ages four through ten-years old, remembering that the younger ones will need to be read to.
Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
Get Ready!
Come on an adventure called, "Lent." It takes place during the forty days leading up to Easter, and is a time to think about the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus. It is an occasion to get ready for Easter.
This very readable book is a great way to explore Lent with young ones. Whether it is the first time observing it, or something that has been done before, this book will add to the Easter season.
There are forty kid friendly entries, one for every day of Lent. Each narrative is attention-grabbing, and there is also a simple prayer that is only a line or two long. Rhyming verse is sprinkled throughout the book, along with lovely pictures that illustrate the different points of the story.
This picture book is written for children, so it is definitely something that little ones will enjoy, as well as, learn what Easter is about. This is a wonderful way to get the entire family involved by gathering together. Then an adult or older child can read an entry out loud. Natural discussion of what things mean will easily follow. These times can be simple, or more involved, as wanted.
This five-star book will be enjoyed by ages four through ten-years old, remembering that the younger ones will need to be read to.
Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
March 17, 2024
Lent is a season when many turn their thoughts to Jesus, His suffering, and how to be more like Him. Glenys Nellist has written devotionals for children for each of the forty days of Lent. Each page in the book represents one day of Lent and includes a Scripture reference, devotional and prayer. Each of these devotionals is designed to help children think more about Jesus and His teachings.
Elena Selvanova’s pictures illustrate each of the pages - some are larger illustrations and some are small decorations on the page.
‘Twas the Season of Lent would be a wonderful book to use for family or classroom devotions during Lent for elementary-aged children. It could also be used as a personal devotion book for older elementary or even middle school-aged children.
Because it is a devotional, I’m not sure ‘Twas the Season of Lent is appropriate for a library, but it is a great book for the Lenten season.
I received a complimentary copy of ‘Twas the Season of Lent. This is my honest review.
Elena Selvanova’s pictures illustrate each of the pages - some are larger illustrations and some are small decorations on the page.
‘Twas the Season of Lent would be a wonderful book to use for family or classroom devotions during Lent for elementary-aged children. It could also be used as a personal devotion book for older elementary or even middle school-aged children.
Because it is a devotional, I’m not sure ‘Twas the Season of Lent is appropriate for a library, but it is a great book for the Lenten season.
I received a complimentary copy of ‘Twas the Season of Lent. This is my honest review.
January 12, 2024
Have you always wished there was a Lenten devotional text your kids could use or that you could read and discuss together as a family? THIS is the picture book you've been waiting for! It takes readers on a journey through scripture and the life of Christ with an emphasis on God's presence and love and the lessons Christ taught about Godly living. Each day has a beautiful image, a scripture lesson, a brief devotion about the scripture and common Lenten practices, and a prayer. Readers of all ages will benefit from this beautifully written and inspiring text! Glenys Nellist does a particularly outstanding job handling the death of Christ on Good Friday---it is brief and not graphic, simply mournful, so perfect for the younger readers in your life! Don't hesitate---order it now!
January 29, 2024
Twas The Season Of Lent: Devotions and Stories for the Lenten and Easter Season is a wonderful book! There is a devotion to read as a family each day for the 40 days leading up to Easter. This book has forty devotions, is beautifully written, includes realistic illustrations, and important messages. I love it!! Each page is filled with meaning and prompts reflection for children and adults. Jesus's love, his teaches, and his death and resurrection are all highlighted in this book. Familiar stories and less familiar stories are included. Each lesson is told through a mixture of prose, poetry, scripture, and prayer. This captures your attention, heart, and is the perfect new family tradition! I highly recommend it!
December 29, 2023
"Twas the season of Lent, when for forty whole days
God's people were trying to think of new ways
To be more like Jesus--to love, care and give--
In hopes that they'd choose the right way to live."
This is just a sample of the many beautiful, lyrical passages Nellist has thoughtfully woven throughout this book. She marks each of the forty days of Lent with a biblical story about Jesus and a short, child-accessible prayer, so that children and their caregivers can consider and ponder his teachings and what they mean to us. I highly recommend this book for leaning more deeply and lovingly into the season of Lent--arguably the most important for Christians.
God's people were trying to think of new ways
To be more like Jesus--to love, care and give--
In hopes that they'd choose the right way to live."
This is just a sample of the many beautiful, lyrical passages Nellist has thoughtfully woven throughout this book. She marks each of the forty days of Lent with a biblical story about Jesus and a short, child-accessible prayer, so that children and their caregivers can consider and ponder his teachings and what they mean to us. I highly recommend this book for leaning more deeply and lovingly into the season of Lent--arguably the most important for Christians.
January 9, 2024
"Welcome to Lent"
If you are looking for a beautifully poignant picture book with forty days of scripture, stories, and prayers, this book is for you! Beloved children's author Glenys Nellist, along with illustrator Elena Selivanova, have captured the essence of Lent in an intentional and meaningful way. Your family can read together each day to uncover the mission, message, ministry, and mystery of Jesus through poetry, prose, and prayer. Day 40 concludes with a brilliant poem that matches the book title, 'Twas the Season of Lent. This stunning picture book is a must-have for every home and church library!
If you are looking for a beautifully poignant picture book with forty days of scripture, stories, and prayers, this book is for you! Beloved children's author Glenys Nellist, along with illustrator Elena Selivanova, have captured the essence of Lent in an intentional and meaningful way. Your family can read together each day to uncover the mission, message, ministry, and mystery of Jesus through poetry, prose, and prayer. Day 40 concludes with a brilliant poem that matches the book title, 'Twas the Season of Lent. This stunning picture book is a must-have for every home and church library!
January 18, 2024
This is a great devotional for children to help them get ready for the season of Lent.
Is using a familiar children's Christmas rhyme, the author, Glenys Neist, already captures the kids' attention.
Each day, for 40 days, is a simplified retelling of a Bible story, with a short prayer to recite at the end in line with that day's Bible reading.
The format makes it a quick read and the language is simple for the children to understand.
It would make a great tradition as families prepare for the season of Lent.
Is using a familiar children's Christmas rhyme, the author, Glenys Neist, already captures the kids' attention.
Each day, for 40 days, is a simplified retelling of a Bible story, with a short prayer to recite at the end in line with that day's Bible reading.
The format makes it a quick read and the language is simple for the children to understand.
It would make a great tradition as families prepare for the season of Lent.
February 9, 2024
I really enjoyed 'Twas the Season of Lent by Glenys Nellist! 'Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional/story book to prepare young kids for the Easter season. I love the way Ms. Nellist breaks down the events of and surrounding Easter and that the Bible references were included as well as prayers with entry. I highly recommend 'Twas the Season of Lent and believe it would be perfect for kids to read during the Easter season or as part of the family devotional time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
March 11, 2024
What a wonderful way to experience the season of Lent with your kids. When mine were younger, I struggled with ways to make the season real to them while still being relatable and this book is such a smart way to do that. I also love that the devotions are do-able timewise amidst busy days of school and activities. A perfect way to share the season as family! Thanks for sending a copy for review my way, Zondervan!
March 11, 2024
My thoughts: I loved this book of Lent devotions for children. Our church doesn't celebrate Lent but I really believe it is something all Christians should consider. Why did Jesus do it? What was the purpose? What are we supposed to learn from it? I enjoyed this book and have much to consider from reading it. As we're approaching Easter this would be a great book for families of young children to read and discuss. I was given a copy free and all opnions are my own.
February 11, 2025
Great resource for families with young children who want to understand and instruct about Lent! A collection of short devotionals with a small prayer at the end to read during the season. Each week is introduced with a few stanzas of an overall poem about Lent to the familiar cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The full poem is at the end. Just the right size for small kids and thoughtful illustrations on each page.
November 5, 2023
Netgalley Arc
This is such a nice devotional. I would highly recommend this for the Season of Lent or even during the month of Christmas.The illustrations are so pretty. You can move through this one night at a time, or go through it like a Bible Study. I would recommend this for a family to do at night before bed.
This is such a nice devotional. I would highly recommend this for the Season of Lent or even during the month of Christmas.The illustrations are so pretty. You can move through this one night at a time, or go through it like a Bible Study. I would recommend this for a family to do at night before bed.
January 8, 2024
Nellist provides a wonderful guide for preparing youngsters for Easter. She presents simple concepts for littles while offering Bible stories in greater detail for older children. Her focus on love, kindness, and inclusion for all remind the adults reading the book to model these virtues regularly. Selivanova's illustrations are lovely.
March 13, 2024
This is one of the most beautifully illustrated devotion books I have read!
Such a stunning devotional to have and read every single Lenten season.
The passages are quite long, so I would recommend this book for older children. It would make a really nice family devotional, one to read every day during this season.
Such a stunning devotional to have and read every single Lenten season.
The passages are quite long, so I would recommend this book for older children. It would make a really nice family devotional, one to read every day during this season.
April 15, 2025
This book is more on the devotional side. It explains Bible stories briefly and add it's own commentary. The poem woven throughout is great and really adds to the book. My only critiques are that there are not a lot of big pictures for the younger readers and it would be nice if it followed the timeline of Holy Week more closely.
January 11, 2024
Great book for starting discussions during the days of Lent. Uses poetry, devotions, brief scripture references, and a short prayer to engage children in meaningful conversation. Beautiful illustrations as well. Great gift and perfect title for church libraries.
March 9, 2024
I received a complimentary copy.
A great day by day experience for faith based readers. Each page features a beautiful prayer as well as a devotional selection to make it easier for youth to explore God and the season of Lent. Really well done illustrations.
A great day by day experience for faith based readers. Each page features a beautiful prayer as well as a devotional selection to make it easier for youth to explore God and the season of Lent. Really well done illustrations.
February 4, 2024
I liked this book so much that I bought a lot of copies for my adult church members to use during Lent, and of course the children will be reading it too.
February 5, 2024
Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated, this book isn't only a story but a devotional to enjoy during Lent. A great addition to the Twas series by Glenys Nellist.
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