The First Christmas

by Tomie dePaola

Simple text and pop-up illustrations retell the story of the birth of Jesus, from the Annunciation to the visit of the shepherds and the three kings.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Faith, Religion

13 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 1984

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[April]

This is the best Christmas book ever. It's a pop-up book with great artistry. I used it for my children and now my grandchildren. If you can find a copy, buy it. Amazon is pricing a used one at over $50.00. It's worth it!

[Abigail]

Prolific author/illustrator Tomie dePaola presents the Nativity Story in this holiday pop-up book. The first page gives the whole story, opening in Nazareth with the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, and closing in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus, and the adoration of the shepherds and Three Kings. Six subsequent two-page spreads present a series of scenes from the story, in a pop-up creche that can be stood up on a table. Additional movement is possible in some of the scenes with the use of tabs that can be pulled...

Published in 1984, The First Christmas is the twentieth book I have read from dePaola, whether written and illustrated by him or just illustrated by him, that has a Christmas theme. Clearly, he loved the holiday! Despite its age, the copy I managed to track down was in pristine condition, with all pop-ups still intact, and all tabs still functional. I enjoyed it, appreciating narrative, artwork and paper engineering, although I do wish credit had been given to whomever was responsible for the latter. This would make a lovely book to display around the holidays, I think, with different scenes opened up at different times. I'd recommend it for that purpose, as well as to fans of the artist, and of vintage pop-up books.

[Kris Dersch]

Beautifully illustrated Nativity pop-up book. Includes full Christmas story at the front and then brief sentences about each scene happening.

[Joy Gerbode]

Lovely, pop-up depictions of the story of Christmas, with just a few words so beginner readers can enjoy it for themselves

[Jean Bowen]

One of our beloved Christmas books kept with our Christmas decorations. The children love rereading it each year.

[Sue]

#1987 Gift The story of the arrival of baby Jesus in Bethlehem, lovingly illustrated by Tomie de Paola.

[Jennifer Hughes]

This is a great pop up Christmas book that I got secondhand some years ago. The illustrations are delightful and the retelling of the Christmas story simple and true to the scriptures.

[Rachel]

This is a perfectly beautiful pop-up book. The final scene could serve as a decorative nativity scene at Christmas time.

[Kristin]

great pop-up book!