B Is for Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet Board Book

by Isabel Wilner, Elisa Kleven (Illustrator)

Graceful couplets and radiant collage art tell the story of the Christian Nativity in an alphabet board book.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Poetry, Christian, Juvenile

24 pages, Board Book

First published September 6, 1990

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fellow librarian at Towson saw this book on our "Winter Wonderland" display and informed me that it was written by a former TU librarian so of course I had to read it! I was delightfully surprised - most alphabet books are simply a stating of the letters and corresponding words, however Wilner deftly tells the story of the birth of Jesus chronologically by pulling out key terms for each letter. The corresponding illustrations appear to be collages of sorts and are a lovely addition to the story.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alphabet book for the Christmas season. Found the illustrations a little to crazy distracting for my personal tastes. The author has to stretch a little for some of the more "difficult" letters. Don't know that we will check this one out next year, but it was worth getting once I guess.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art.
12/19/17 Read with my children at lunch
12/3/19 Read with Julia
12/11/25 Read with Skylar

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the layout of this book, telling the Christmas story in an alphabetical sort of way. The artwork was exquisite, and there was plenty to explore and examine in each picture. The story is laid out in kind of a Christmas pageant sort of way (so expect wise men at the manger) but it still gets the story across in a beautiful way. I liked this one, as it's a great way to underscore the alphabet while teaching about the true meaning of Christmas.

I'm going to give this book four stars as a couple of the letters at the end of the alphabet were a little bit of a stretch (especially Z).

[Exponent II · Rating 5 out of 5]

“B is for Bethlehem” by Isabel Wilner is one of my favorites. It goes through the entire alphabet, relating each letter to aspects of the Nativity story with lulling rhymes and gorgeous illustrations. It’s perfect for kids of all ages – younger children who are just learning letters will be delighted to see and name the letters that they recognize, and older children are able to recognize aspects of the Christmas story and appreciate the clever way the rhymes and stories are told.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These illustrations are beautiful, and I loved the verse and rhythm of this book.

[Rainbow Room TOL]

Shelved w/Christmas

[Little Seesaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the most gorgeous illustrations. This is a nice read for children.

[Laurie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet retelling of the Nativity story, with marvelous illustrations.

[Lisa Huettl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book telling the Christmas story through the alphabet. The illustrations were nice too. My granddaughter really liked it.

[Ian Hellman · Rating 2 out of 5]

B isn’t for Bethlehem…..B is for bad book BRENDA

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The nativity story from A to Z. Illustrated with intricate collage art. We liked it but it was a bit long and hard to grasp at times for Elliot. We will definitely try again next year!

(note to self: from church library)

[Kaitlyn Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for early primary grades and is a poetry book. Even though this book was a Christmas book I really loved it. Even though the book was a little longer I really thought that it was easy to read and easy to understand and have fun with. I would have my students read this book if they liked poetry even if it wasn't in December.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1995, this is a 25-year anniversary edition. This is an absolutely beautiful book. The detail and rich colors are just a joy to see. The art is whimsical and yet reminiscent of Russian or Ukrainian folk art.

The classification of this book is Children's Poetry, Christmas Poetry, Christmas, Nativity and that it truly is. This is a reverent poetic portrayal of events and personages surrounding the birth of the Savior. The little couplets tell the sweet and rich story as no other alphabet book I've seen to-date.

I am delighted that they have published this 25-year Anniversary edition. Don't miss this one!


GIVEAWAY - Begins November 12 ENDS December 1 @ 12:00 a.m. ET - Open to USA addresses only.
http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2015...

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated. The publisher is providing a copy as a giveaway for one of my readers.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
The story of the birth of Jesus is told through an alphabet of traditional Christmas words through couplets—one for each letter of the alphabet, A-Z. Each letter and couplet is accompanied by a collage art illustration.

This book is a visual treasure that sings gladness across the centuries and reflects my beliefs and Christian tradition.

Wilner deftly tells the story of Jesus’ birth beginning each Couplet with a letter of the alphabet. The word that matches each letter is a key word for telling the story naming place, setting, characters, or languages used in traditional church liturgy or hymns. Kleven’s illustrations are multicultural and illustrate each couplet. She uses a folk art style with a collage technique communicating warmth and joy as well as the universal reach of this Christian story.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this self-titled "Christmas Alphabet" at a thrift store a few years ago. I LOVE the illustrations! Colorful, unique, and elaborate in their conception and creation. The rhyming text is also quite clever: "X is for EXcelsis, the song angels sang. 'Gloria in excelsis' their clear voices rang." is just one of the many alphabet examples you'll find in "B is for Bethlehem". A great book to read to little ones at Christmas.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

.since discovering this older title three years ago, I have read it sometime during or near the Christmas season. The first two yeas ig was reading the text and enjoying who each leter represented something in the Chistma story. Tonight's read was mainly marveling a the detail in the collages--one of my favorite art forms. Although done for children this is a great adult Advent and Christmas read.

[Lynne Vanderveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little board book, but it is certainly for those well above the age for board books too! I found this book at the library book sorting and brought it home as something for my grand-daughter; however, I am thinking of making it part of my Christmas decorations for awhile. She is certainly at the age for board books, but I think this one is actually written for someone older. Lovely little book.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked this out from the library close to Christmas after the books had been picked over. Was surprised to find how wonderful it was: beautiful, whimsical art that follows the story of Jesus' birth and then the praise the world gives throughout history. The biggest surprise was that Mimi got it, though it is pretty abstract. Maybe the ABC tie connected with her. We will buy it!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just might be my favorite Christmas picture book. (if I was capable of choosing favorites) At any rate I love it very much. The illustrations are so vibrant and charming, and the text is lyrical and heartwarming. I highly recommend it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girls love alphabet books, and this one is perfect for the Christmas season... The pictures are lovely.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each letter of the alphabet the important parts of the Christmas story are represented. Beautifully written and illustrated.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book.

[Newmoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun artwork. Christmas alphabet book.

[Josette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book, and the fact that the author manages to not use a lame word for the letter "x". It rhymes, too!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Isabel Wilner while taking a literature class at Towson. She is delightful and I got her to sign this book.

[Marcelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the gorgeous illustrations in this book and I think I enjoyed it more than my kids. It is a creative holiday alphabet book--whether you are in Zeeland, Zurich or Zanzibar.

[Sally Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lovely Christmas book