J Is for Jesus: The Sweetest Story Ever Told

by Crystal Bowman

I want a candy cane too! Everyone loves a candy cane-but it's easy to overlook the meaning of this familiar Christmas tradition in all the hustle and bustle of the season. This sweet story reminds little ones that the candy cane represents Jesus' birth and the gospel message too.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Christian

20 pages, Board Book

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Crystal Bowman is an author, speaker, and former preschool teacher. She graduated from Calvin College with a degree in elementary education and studied early childhood development at the University of Michigan. Her writing career began in 1990 as a lyricist for children's piano music. She began writing children's books in 1993 and has since written more than 100 books for children and 3 for women. She has written books for many popular children's series, such as Little Blessings, BOZ the Bear, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Berenstain Bears, and I Can Read! She has also written two books of humorous poetry for children, numerous magazine articles, Bible study materials, and educational resource books. As a speaker, Crystal enjoys sharing her stories and poetry with students in the classroom and also with adults at teachers' conventions, writers' conferences, and women's seminars. "Writing and speaking can be intimidating because in order to connect with your audience you need to be personal and transparent, exposing what's in your heart and soul. But when readers or conference attendees respond positively to something I've said or written, it is humbling and rewarding all at the same time!" Crystal and her husband, Bob, have enjoyed 44 years of marriage and are the parents of 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. They spend summers in Michigan and winters in Florida.

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the online reading of this book.

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of our favorite Christmas books! A cute rhyming story about a candy maker who creates a new treat for the holiday. He explains why the shape (the letter J and the shepherd’s crook) and why the colors. The last page says “I wanted to share this message with you/ So Jesus can be your Savior too” (that’s from memory, so may not be word perfect) This is just nit picky semantics, but we believe that Jesus is everyone’s Savior, even if they don’t believe. Everyone can choose to take advantage of His mercy and grace. This line seems to stem from the view point that you must accept Christ to be saved, so I just wanted to point it out, in case that’s a big deal to someone. It in no way changes the amazing story, in my opinion. It’s a rhyming poem, so you can chalk it up to trying to get a couplet to rhyme. Or just think of it as different wording. It doesn’t push a different view on the reader, it’s just me reading into it and picking apart a few words and adding subtext to it. So, yeah, there you go. That’s the only note to add about this beautiful book that my kids remember from last year. They are young and don’t remember much from a year ago, but even the youngest remembered this book. It’s fun and has a great message, reminding us to look to Christ in all things Christmas.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Kids want to read it because its about candy, grownups want to read it bc it reinforces the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for the preschoolers and young elementary. I read to a three year old and he enjoyed it.

However, there is a racist line in the middle. "The white on the candy is there to show that when we're forgiven, we're white as the snow." How could you read that to black or Hispanic children? I hope that further printings of this book will replace the world "white" with "pure", as most Bible translations have done. It will align with the true, biblical meaning and not hurt our brothers and sisters of color.

Five star story, minus two stars for the racist line in the middle.

[Emelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my grandchildren recently. Very cute story with purpose!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this look at the Legend of the candy cane. Although they're all a little different, this one has the most Christian base, I think and is wonderfully packaged as a board book with bright illustrations for young readers.

[Carol Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to read during the holidays as it shares insight into the real meaning of Christmas. A book that talks about the many holiday items that hold a significant place in the holiday season. A good book to read to children of any age, but especially ages newborn to 10.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good anecdote for the origins of the candy cane. My daughter and I enjoy reading this book.

[Deana Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this one! It is a really good version of the legend of the candy cane.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction; Juvenile/Christmas
5 stars

The story of the candy cane just in a different format. I like these books that keep Jesus at the center of Christmas.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Sunday School Lesson

Great Reason for the Season story to read and then do candy cane crafts, colorings and pass out candy canes!