Humphrey's First Christmas

by Carol Heyer

This book is suitable for ages 4-8. We have all heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. In addition to an engaging text and gorgeous, whimsical artwork, this story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Christian, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an elementary librarian, I read a lot of books. As a Christian school elementary librarian, my mission is slightly different than a public school librarian. I try to incorporate books that communicate and illustrate the true meaning and origin of Christmas and the birth of our Savior. This is not easy to do, believe it or not. There are not that many quality Children's books depicting the birth of Christ while truly appealing to their audience. (There...I said it. Whew! The burden has been lifted. :) ). But Humphrey is different. The ignorance and selfish nature of Humphrey the Camel connected with my 1st graders. They loved him! They laughed at his antics AND his teeth. The illustrations are gorgeous and helped my students feel like they were with Humphrey on his journey to meet Christ. Many authors find it difficult to show reverence and honor in sharing a story about the birth of Christ while interjecting humor. Carol Heyer does both and she does it well.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a good book for your family's Christmas collection- this is an amazing one. I get choked up every time I read it out loud to my kids. The pictures are incredible and it's just an all around gem. Highly highly recommend!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben loved this book because he, too, has a favorite blanket that goes everywhere with him.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

2016 Read with Julia
12/25/17 Read with Julia.
12/14/19 Read with Naomi and Julia
11/30/20 Read with Julia
12/6/21 Read with Naomi and Julia
12/19/22 Read with Julia
12/10/23 Read with my preschool class
12/24/24 Read with Naomi, Julia, and Skylar

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a camel who feels like he is hard done by until he learns he is on a great journey to meet the king of kings.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A histrionic camel and gorgeous illustrations are perfectly juxtaposed in this humorous, yet reverent Christmas story. A family favorite that makes us laugh and think.

[Renee Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute! I just love it so much!

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover illustration is the best part of the book. According to the poor camel, he is left without adequate warmth, food, or rest. I feel bad for him.

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Heyer’s original story of a surprise gift from Humphrey, a grumpy, albeit loveable camel, to a “most beauteous and exalted king” makes a perfect addition to any family’s Christmas library. With a children’s story about a gift from the heart that carries a surprise ending and important Christmas message about the true meaning of Christmas in its closing pages.

Her spectacular, eye-catching illustrations capture Humphrey’s comical expressions and postures that reveal his growing annoyance at the loss of his blanket, his only warmth on cold desert nights. Especially since the two camels that travel with him still have theirs. Humphrey thinks he deserves better.

With each turning page children learn of Humphrey’s hilarious schemes to replace his greatest treasure, from putting his big nose inside his master’s tent to show his “chattering” teeth, to squeezing his entire body inside the tent….Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/c27jlw6

[Twinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative and very funny story told from the perspective of one of the camels carrying the Three Wise Men. Humphrey is preoccupied with his own importance, and the loss of his beloved blanket, until his caravan reaches its destination and he is prompted to look beyond himself and his own comfort.
With an engaging style and lush (and very comical) illustrations this book manages to engage a busy pre-schooler right to the end. It has a lovely message about the importance of giving.

“Beloved, Most Beauteous, and Exalted King of All should be my name. Instead, they call me…Humphrey!”

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-centered Humphrey thinks his name should be "Beloved Most Beauteous and Exalted King of All", and is very unhappy when first he loses his dearest possession, a carpet blanket, then is forced to carry "huge chests" (tiny containers) on his back. He is also surprised to find their destination is a lowly stable instead of the palace he expected. But somehow, that tiny Baby has a way of changing even the most self-centered among us.

Love-love-love the close-ups of Humphrey. Camels are such beautiful creatures, no? (Eh...no.)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

2014 - What a cute story!! I love the different approach on the story of meeting baby Jesus by using a camel as the main character. Humphrey is so worried about getting a new blanket, that he tries many ways to get his master's attention as they are traveling to Bethlehem. Humphrey's job is to carry the three gifts from the wise men. Once they get to the stable, he is overcome with emotion and changes his way of thinking.

The illustrations are perfect for the story to keep kids engaged and learn a little bit about the Nativity story from a camel's perspective!

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humphrey thinks hey should call him “wonderful” and other very positive adjectives, but they call him Humphrey. He is on a caravan to a very special scene, but is cold because he has lost his blanket. He finally gets one, but then has to decide whether to share it when he meets all other (tiny) creature who he believes they should also call “wonderful” and all those fancy words.

It’s a fun story from a camels point of view, so the kids are engaged. And the story is beautiful- about giving, humility, and love. Perfect Christmas read!

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relayed with the pomp of an indignant camel and replete with starlit sandscapes, stunning, sometimes comical close-ups and loads of understated melodrama, this twist on the Christmas story is as hilarious as it is endearing.

Listen to our chat about Humphrey's First Christmas on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/1...

[Petrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful Childrens book about a self centered camel who ends up traveling with the 3 Wise Men to Bethlehem. There is even a bit of a nod to the old saying about letting a camel put his nose in your tent, but mostly it's about him seeing and worshiping the Christ Child and becoming unselfish. Colorful illustrations by the author give Humphrey his personality. I read it to the family on Christmas Eve.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Heyer must know some pretty funny animals to write and illustrate a character like Humphrey. He is hilarious! I get such a laugh reading about this funny camel and his plan to get a blanket by pestering his master in the most irritating ways. However, while this book could not be funnier, it also could not be more spiritual in the last few pages. In a time when Christmas is more about Santa and commercialism than it is the Savior of the world, this is a wonderful read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud because Humphrey pulls some ugly faces, but for some reason they're cute on this guy. I love how this book starts : "Beloved most beauteous and exalted king of all should be my name. Instead, they call me...Humphrey!" From there you hear more of his complaints and the injustices that come his way. But in the end he learns to not care so much about himself and love others and know what true joy is.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reread for me, but it was twelve years since I have read about the grumpy camel, Humphrey and his journey to Bethlehem carrying the gifts the Kings are bringing to the new born baby. Love the illustrations of Humphrey that are so up close and expressive and obviously Humphrey is a spirited camel.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a darling book about a disgruntled camel who doesn't understand why he is following a star and carrying three heavy boxes. He doesn't know why his blanket was taken away either. But, when he meets the King, he bows down and knows that all his suffering was for a reason. A cool perspective for a little kid.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hoot! The illusrations are great fun-a cranky camel has lost his blanket, finally gets another one and arrives at the Nativity stable. He is overwhelmed by the wonder of the baby in the manger and gives his blanket to the baby. The book is both funny and moving and the illustrations of the cranky, tired, cold camel are hilarious.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Our church had a nativity event last weekend. There were hundred's of nativity sets on view. Story telling was another of the activities for the children. I checked three books out of the library, and this was the one I liked best. It is funny. The artwork is wonderful. The children loved the book. I had them make comments on many of the great pictures.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations...love the camel Humphrey's expressions. Some of the illustrations are humorous, some are uplifting, all are beautiful. Humphrey is NOT happy to be carrying boxes of treasure with three kings, but when he sees who the gifts are for, his heart is changed and he, too, worships the newborn baby king.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and touching, this story of a selfish camel who doesn't know he's on a journey to meet baby Jesus offers plenty of positive messages for little kids. And it manages to be humorous while maintaining reverence for the true message of Christmas. As of 2015, we read it yearly as part of our "12 books of Christmas" tradition, one per night from Dec 13th to the 24th.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this board book for Toddlers. This can be a fun book for grandparents to read with grandchildren to introduce them to the Christmas season and many years ahead. The pictures are beautiful and the story can bring great conversation with the story we need to share. I wholeheartedly suggest you look for this precious book.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! Humphrey is a bit consumed with himself and his own needs, but darn it if he isn't so stinking cute. And you can't really blame him for his antics. The ending of the book repeating the beginning with the tiniest (and yet hugest) change is very moving. I'd call this right up there The Crippled Lamb, and one I neeeed to add to my collection.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty cute book about a selfish camel who grips and moans about his misfortunes. Then when he meets Jesus, he realizes that he is nothing and Jesus is the King of Kings. It offers up a fun and unique look at the Nativity story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at the nativity story from the perspective of one camel in the wise men's camel train. While at the beginning, Humphrey is self-absorbed, by the end, he understands the gravity of Jesus' birth and gives away his most prized possession. Beautifully illustrated.

[Kaley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book on a unique perspective of the first Christmas story. It is a good way to talk about the First Christmas with Jesus in school through the means of a camel. It would be a good read-aloud as Humphrey has a great personality that shines through the pictures and story line.

[Yara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrator must've spent some time with camels to be able to draw the great camel faces. It's a darling new Christmas picture book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it is a great Christmas Story and the illustration is beautiful. It's my new favorite Christmas Story. I read it almost every night with my little boy.