What do you think?
Rate this book
Teacher #8
SILENT NIGHT
Silent Night
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
13 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Jack Sheffield
42 books77 followersJack Sheffield (born Jack Linley, 1945) is a British author who wrote a series of books of fiction about the headmaster of a village school in a fictional Yorkshire village. The stories are set from the late 1970s to the early 1980s and attempt to portray life in Yorkshire as it was at that time.
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 19, 2019
The words of the Christmas carol silent night are accompanied by painted scenes of the nativity story. There is a page at the front about the history of this carol. At midnight mass on Christmas Eve 1818, in the Austrian town of Oberndorf, a mouse who could find no food in the church nibbled through the organ bellows. Finding they could play no music, Father Joseph Mohr decided to write some lyrics for a song and Franz Gruber set the words to music. Words and music are at the back.
January 8, 2020
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
A nicely illustrated version of this carol. The illustrations vary in appeal to me, the cover and some of the illustrations of the angels playing instruments are very nice. Some, where characters are looking straight at the reader weren't so appealing for me.
Read on open library.
A nicely illustrated version of this carol. The illustrations vary in appeal to me, the cover and some of the illustrations of the angels playing instruments are very nice. Some, where characters are looking straight at the reader weren't so appealing for me.
Read on open library.
December 3, 2018
Silent Night, illustrated by Susan Jeffers.
The classic Christmas carol Silent Night - "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" in the original, it was composed by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr, set to music by local schoolmaster and oragnist Franz Xaver Gruber, and first performed in Oberndorf bei Salzburg in 1818 - is used as the text for this lovely holiday book, with accompanying artwork by Susan Jeffers. Each two-page spread features a sentence or two, with full-page color illustrations depicting the scene being mentioned in the text. The result is a gentle, contemplative Nativity story that makes for a wonderfully quiet reading experience.
Reissued in 2003 with new cover art, Susan Jeffers' interpretation of this beloved carol was first published in 1984, and it is this earlier edition that I read. With such a simple text, there isn't much of a "story," but the artwork fills in the blanks, and when read while listening to a recording of the carol - I chose a performance done by The Deller Consort, myself - the experience is quite evocative. I was reminded of candle-lit Christmas Eve carol services I have attended, over the years. Although Jeffers, who has done quite a few well-received fairy-tale retellings as well, is not one of my very favorite illustrators, I do enjoy her work, and this was no exception. The scenes with the angels were particularly well done, making it no surprise that they ended up on the cover of the new edition.
The classic Christmas carol Silent Night - "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" in the original, it was composed by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr, set to music by local schoolmaster and oragnist Franz Xaver Gruber, and first performed in Oberndorf bei Salzburg in 1818 - is used as the text for this lovely holiday book, with accompanying artwork by Susan Jeffers. Each two-page spread features a sentence or two, with full-page color illustrations depicting the scene being mentioned in the text. The result is a gentle, contemplative Nativity story that makes for a wonderfully quiet reading experience.
Reissued in 2003 with new cover art, Susan Jeffers' interpretation of this beloved carol was first published in 1984, and it is this earlier edition that I read. With such a simple text, there isn't much of a "story," but the artwork fills in the blanks, and when read while listening to a recording of the carol - I chose a performance done by The Deller Consort, myself - the experience is quite evocative. I was reminded of candle-lit Christmas Eve carol services I have attended, over the years. Although Jeffers, who has done quite a few well-received fairy-tale retellings as well, is not one of my very favorite illustrators, I do enjoy her work, and this was no exception. The scenes with the angels were particularly well done, making it no surprise that they ended up on the cover of the new edition.
January 14, 2020
Silent Night, Holy Night, illustrated by Maja Dusíková
The words of the classic Christmas carol, Silent Night - Stille Nacht in the original German - are paired with the luminous artwork of Slovakian illustrator Maja Dusíková in this beautiful holiday picture-book. A brief note from the illustrator lays out the history of the carol - written on Christmas Eve in 1818, by Father Joseph Mohr, the priest of Oberndorf, Austria, and set to music by church organist Franz Gruber - while the main body of the book is given over to the beautiful words of this song, and the lovely illustrations of Dusíková...
Originally published in Switzerland as Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, this is the third picture-book presentation of this carol that I have read, following upon the ones done by Susan Jeffers and Lara Hawthorne. All told, I think I prefer this version done by Dusíková, whose artwork I have also enjoyed in Dorothea Lachner's The Gift from Saint Nicholas and Selma Lagerlöf's What the Shepherd Saw , both of which are also Christmas books. I loved the use of color and of light here, and the way the setting shifted from Austria to the Holy Land, and then back again. Recommended to anyone seeking picture-book presentations of this carol, as well as to those who are, like me, admirers of Dusíková's work.
The words of the classic Christmas carol, Silent Night - Stille Nacht in the original German - are paired with the luminous artwork of Slovakian illustrator Maja Dusíková in this beautiful holiday picture-book. A brief note from the illustrator lays out the history of the carol - written on Christmas Eve in 1818, by Father Joseph Mohr, the priest of Oberndorf, Austria, and set to music by church organist Franz Gruber - while the main body of the book is given over to the beautiful words of this song, and the lovely illustrations of Dusíková...
Originally published in Switzerland as Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, this is the third picture-book presentation of this carol that I have read, following upon the ones done by Susan Jeffers and Lara Hawthorne. All told, I think I prefer this version done by Dusíková, whose artwork I have also enjoyed in Dorothea Lachner's The Gift from Saint Nicholas and Selma Lagerlöf's What the Shepherd Saw , both of which are also Christmas books. I loved the use of color and of light here, and the way the setting shifted from Austria to the Holy Land, and then back again. Recommended to anyone seeking picture-book presentations of this carol, as well as to those who are, like me, admirers of Dusíková's work.
December 14, 2013
i have read all of Jack Sheffield books in order of publication. so far they have reminded me of my time in primary school,especially this one as 84 was the year i left primary and started High school. Its a nice reminder of the fads of the 80's. i would recommend Jack Sheffield to anyone that likes a little reminder of the late 70's early/mid 80's. A funny book at times and an easy read. Cant wait for the next, does Beth take the job????
December 25, 2017
This book was chosen for Day 25 of my "25 Days of Christmas Books" blog series: https://www.theproblemsite.com/book-s...
December 15, 2023
I enjoy books that are illustrated and go along with the words of songs. My students look forward to these as well!
December 7, 2013
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I have read some of Gervase Phinn's books that are along similar lines to this so I was really looking forward to reading this book by Jack Sheffield.
MY REVIEW
I was lucky enough to be accepted and to download an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
So the cover shows the scene of a typical school nativity play which is a scene from the book which of course makes the book perfect for it's release prior to Christmas.
So would the cover attract me enough to buy the book? Yes it being "that time of year I'd definitely pick this one up to learn more.
So Jack Sheffield the Author of this book is the headmaster of the fictitious Ragley Village School. However through reading the book we learn this school exists in the North Yorkshire area. I love how the book is set out. At the beginning of each chapter we get the official School Log Book entry, and then you get the "normal" headmasters version of what happened.
The book contains lots of funny stories about the children at the school, as well as their parents, the school teachers etc. There are "laugh out loud" funny ones, "poignant ones", "heart-warming" and "heart-breaking" ones too. I think there really is something in this book to appeal to everyone! I'd say the book would be read by all ages, especially those that are mothers,grandmothers aunties etc.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, had both tears of laughter and a little sadness at a certain point in the book too. Would I recommend the book? Yes, it's the ideal stocking filler gift to mothers, aunties and grandmothers! Would I read another of this style of book by Jack Sheffield? I think I probably would yes, though I read this one exclusively for reviewing purposes this is the type of book you could dip in and out of.
I have read some of Gervase Phinn's books that are along similar lines to this so I was really looking forward to reading this book by Jack Sheffield.
MY REVIEW
I was lucky enough to be accepted and to download an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
So the cover shows the scene of a typical school nativity play which is a scene from the book which of course makes the book perfect for it's release prior to Christmas.
So would the cover attract me enough to buy the book? Yes it being "that time of year I'd definitely pick this one up to learn more.
So Jack Sheffield the Author of this book is the headmaster of the fictitious Ragley Village School. However through reading the book we learn this school exists in the North Yorkshire area. I love how the book is set out. At the beginning of each chapter we get the official School Log Book entry, and then you get the "normal" headmasters version of what happened.
The book contains lots of funny stories about the children at the school, as well as their parents, the school teachers etc. There are "laugh out loud" funny ones, "poignant ones", "heart-warming" and "heart-breaking" ones too. I think there really is something in this book to appeal to everyone! I'd say the book would be read by all ages, especially those that are mothers,grandmothers aunties etc.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, had both tears of laughter and a little sadness at a certain point in the book too. Would I recommend the book? Yes, it's the ideal stocking filler gift to mothers, aunties and grandmothers! Would I read another of this style of book by Jack Sheffield? I think I probably would yes, though I read this one exclusively for reviewing purposes this is the type of book you could dip in and out of.
May 31, 2016
Listened to in audio format.
Jack Sheffield is the pen name of Jack Linley, who was the headmaster of two primary schools in North Yorkshire. When he retired he started writing the Ragley Village School books about a fictional headmaster.
Although the book is titled Silent Night this is not a Christmas book. The Ragley School choir is asked to appear in a 10 minute slot at the end of the Calender Programme on Yorkshire TV
Jack's latest book starts in September 1984. I was 8 years old at the time, the same age range as the school children at Ragley.
I have read all Jack Sheffield's books and they are a blast from the past. I lived in a village in the South East of England at the time, I remember my primary school had maypole dancing, lessons outside in the summer, and sitting down in a circle listening to my teacher read.
Jack often mentioned the common curriculum in his books, later known as the National Curriculum. It is a shame that Primary schools have to follow a set curriculum nowadays with lesson plans, it somehow takes the magic away.
If you went to call school in the eighties do not hesitate to buy this.
Jack Sheffield is the pen name of Jack Linley, who was the headmaster of two primary schools in North Yorkshire. When he retired he started writing the Ragley Village School books about a fictional headmaster.
Although the book is titled Silent Night this is not a Christmas book. The Ragley School choir is asked to appear in a 10 minute slot at the end of the Calender Programme on Yorkshire TV
Jack's latest book starts in September 1984. I was 8 years old at the time, the same age range as the school children at Ragley.
I have read all Jack Sheffield's books and they are a blast from the past. I lived in a village in the South East of England at the time, I remember my primary school had maypole dancing, lessons outside in the summer, and sitting down in a circle listening to my teacher read.
Jack often mentioned the common curriculum in his books, later known as the National Curriculum. It is a shame that Primary schools have to follow a set curriculum nowadays with lesson plans, it somehow takes the magic away.
If you went to call school in the eighties do not hesitate to buy this.
December 6, 2017
Lovely pictures by Thomas Kinkade, with words to Silent Night. I picked this book out to use in our story time, at our Nativity Event at church. I think I will read the book, and show the pictures, and then have everyone sing Silent Night.
I spent time at the branch library yesterday, reading children's Christmas books. I picked this book last year to read at our Nativity Event, and I checked it out again. I love Kinkade's beautiful illustrations, and of course I love the song, "Silent Night."
I read this book twice at our nativity event this weekend, and showed the beautiful pictures to the children, and then we all sang Silent Night. December 2017.
I spent time at the branch library yesterday, reading children's Christmas books. I picked this book last year to read at our Nativity Event, and I checked it out again. I love Kinkade's beautiful illustrations, and of course I love the song, "Silent Night."
I read this book twice at our nativity event this weekend, and showed the beautiful pictures to the children, and then we all sang Silent Night. December 2017.
April 22, 2017
I usually enjoy the Jack Sheffield book, but they are now getting a little repetitive and somewhat unbelievable. Many of the comments/jokes attributed to the children of the school are either old jokes or comments I have read on the internet. I'm sorry, but it just doesn't ring true any more. It's a pity, but I think the series has run its course and I'm not sure that I will be reading any more. On a positive note, the characters are well-written (its mainly the dialogue I have a problem with) but the plot moves at a slow pace.
January 6, 2015
Lovely memoirs/stories about life in a Yorkshire village school in 1984. Loved the kids names! Dallas sue-Ellen and not forgetting Suzy-Quattro!
December 27, 2022
This is actually a newer version of a book published in 1984. I think it is the illustrations that kept it alive into a new printing. Susan Jeffers was a wonderful illustrator. I hope her books will stay in print for a long time, even though I know the odds are against it (since it seems children’s books often go out of print way before their time). This is such an awesome hymn and such a way to share it with little ones!
December 25, 2016
Delightful pop-up book about the birth of Jesus! Delightful artwork pops up to form a nativity scene. I was captivated by the artwork!
December 20, 2017
This is basically the lyrics to the song with illustrations.
January 9, 2018
Simply the lyrics of the song with beautiful full page pictures. There is a 2 page story of the creation of the song. A simple bedtime story that my boys love for me to sing as I read.
January 31, 2018
Great read aloud for the very young.
July 20, 2018
There was a brief introduction for the origin of the song and then the lyrics were the narrative. The illustrations were peaceful and nice. I enjoyed this book.
December 14, 2018
Appealing, but unexceptional. A bit too cutesy.
December 17, 2018
Beautiful illustrations for all three verses.
June 25, 2019
Beautiful.
December 7, 2019
Beautiful illustrations!
December 26, 2019
Red 11th; illustrations were by Susan Jeffers NOT Thomas Kinkade--they weren't great, nothing special about this book
June 9, 2020
A book combining the lyrics of the song "Silent Night" with pop-up illustrations of the biblical story of Jesus' birth. Perfect to have for children to look at while singing the song.
October 10, 2021
The artwork by Susan Jeffers really makes the story of the Nativity come alive.
January 9, 2023
Lovely.
December 19, 2024
Angels need a few more eyes 👀
December 13, 2022
Save book just a different cover that made me think it was a different one. But I do love a Christmas carol book!
May 14, 2017
Enjoyed this as a child. A favorite of mine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews