A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book

by Grace Maccarone, Sam Williams (Illustrator)

Enhanced with watercolor illustrations, a read-aloud tale provides readers with the true story of how Christmas came to be with the birth of Jesus in the manger so many years ago.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Christian, Holiday, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Grace Maccarone is an American children’s book editor and author, notably of Miss Lina’s Ballerinas, illustrated by Christine Davenier, and its sequel Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince. She has also worked as an editor at Scholastic, Wireless Generation, and currently Holiday House.

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have rated this one higher, but there were a couple of things the author added in that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Example: Instead, they slept in a shed- straw for a bed - with a mare, a cow, a ewe, and a sow. The illustrations are just okay... nothing special.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The simple rhyming text complements the beautiful, detailed illustrations. The text is so succinct that you don't want to use this book to introduce kids to the Christmas story though. Read this one after they've already heard about Jesus being born. It's a great way to review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple rhyming text and beautiful illustrations introduce the nativity story.

[Katie Eskilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rhyming story about the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nativity story with rhyming verses that are somewhat archaic at times (example: mare, ewe, sow in the stable instead of a horse, sheep, and pig), but is also beautiful in its older language: “Long ago, there was a tax on each man’s worth, so each returned to the place of his birth”. It wasn’t my favorite nativity picture books, but it is still one we will return to.

(Read at Nana's house from her children's book library)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful nativity book for ages 2-5. Simple rhyming text that tells the story in a meaningful way, paired with sweet illustrations.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple subdued illustrations accompanied by short poetic text retell the Nativity story. The illustrator is even scripturally accurate in depicting the adoration of the Magi when Jesus is a toddler rather than having them arrive in the stable with the shepherds on the night of his birth.

The pictures do a better job of telling the story than the words. The text actually detracts from the book. The need to keep within the rhyme scheme results in some unusual word choices and strange sentences, which would be confusing for children unfamiliar with the details in the story, and is a major flaw. This book, however, would still be an excellent book to read with small children.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good nativity story for young kids- maybe 1-3 yr olds would like it best? It's a little weird that the rhymes sometimes happen on the next page and because it rhymes, there are some words that are a little unfamiliar for the younger set (ie sow instead of pig since it rhymes with cow). It's nicely illustrated and not too many words for impatient listeners. Beautifully biblical also.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It rhymes, somewhat, and poorly on occasion. Story made sense it was just very basic and seemed to be missing something.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with Julia.
A sweet Christmas book for a young child.