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There's a Lion in My Nativity!
In this story of a Christmas nativity play, Mary thinks she is the star of the show. However, as the play goes on, she finds that every scene has been stolen by an unlikely character or object, such as a tent, a phone, and a lion! With the help of the narrator, Mary realizes that each one actually teaches us a profound truth about Jesus. Along with Mary, readers will see that Jesus is the true star of the show and that it is wonderful to know him.
24 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 26, 2020
If you and your kids feel like you need to switch up your Christmas children's books to something different and fun, look no further than There's a Lion in my Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and Kim Barnes.
There's a Lion in my Nativity! is a cute and colorful book full of surprises that remind readers what Christmas is really all about. Mary is ready to take her starring role in the nativity play and to be the center of attention. Then narrator Sam reminds Mary that it isn't all about her as things have been changed around to put the focus where it needs to be at Christmas.
The illustrations in There's A Lion in my Nativity! are so well done and fun to look at. The rhyming prose tells a fun story that brings out what is truly important in a way that will leave children with lessons learned without even realizing it. This book is so original and one that my family would enjoy over and over every year. The last page of the book reminds everyone what Jesus is all about and why Jesus came in a fun way too.
I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company. All opinions within this review are my own.
There's a Lion in my Nativity! is a cute and colorful book full of surprises that remind readers what Christmas is really all about. Mary is ready to take her starring role in the nativity play and to be the center of attention. Then narrator Sam reminds Mary that it isn't all about her as things have been changed around to put the focus where it needs to be at Christmas.
The illustrations in There's A Lion in my Nativity! are so well done and fun to look at. The rhyming prose tells a fun story that brings out what is truly important in a way that will leave children with lessons learned without even realizing it. This book is so original and one that my family would enjoy over and over every year. The last page of the book reminds everyone what Jesus is all about and why Jesus came in a fun way too.
I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company. All opinions within this review are my own.
September 25, 2020
A review written about the book without spoiling the actual story. It's biblical, it's cute, it's fun and unique, and it makes me smile as I read it and wish I could fast forward to Christmas and read this aloud to many, many precious littles!
Things I like about the book:
The way it is written, narrated by Sam, with the Rescuer King as the focus.
The element of surprise throughout the book.
The characters in the nativity and how they appear.
The rhythm and rhyme that continues throughout the tale
The scriptures shared with the cast of characters on the last page.
The twists in the plot that share the real meaning of Christmas but in a style like no other.
The illustrations are warm, friendly, detailed, yet simple, and I really enjoy the style and find it child friendly.
Education Connections:
Taking other events in the Bible and adding a few extra characters like this story.
Critical thinking skills are built.
Fluent thinking.
Point of View/Perspective
The spelling of words centre vs. center (why it's different for Americans)
Things I wonder about the book:
Will kids grasp what Sam is explaining?
With COVID, I don't have access to share the story with littles and gauge their reactions, so I do wonder what ages this book is best written for.
How will our teens find a way to enjoy this book written with a style that they will relate to, but will they be too cool to enjoy it. I really think it would be a great book for the youth group, and even as a game before the students have heard the book.
The physical books are en route to be ready for the October 1st released to date, and I will get one then, but I can't comment on the physical book yet because I had to read a pdf version, which in my mind also limits how I can share the book, as it's not the same to read a book on a screen to a group of kids.
Grateful to partner with goodbook children company. Once again they do not disappoint!
Things I like about the book:
The way it is written, narrated by Sam, with the Rescuer King as the focus.
The element of surprise throughout the book.
The characters in the nativity and how they appear.
The rhythm and rhyme that continues throughout the tale
The scriptures shared with the cast of characters on the last page.
The twists in the plot that share the real meaning of Christmas but in a style like no other.
The illustrations are warm, friendly, detailed, yet simple, and I really enjoy the style and find it child friendly.
Education Connections:
Taking other events in the Bible and adding a few extra characters like this story.
Critical thinking skills are built.
Fluent thinking.
Point of View/Perspective
The spelling of words centre vs. center (why it's different for Americans)
Things I wonder about the book:
Will kids grasp what Sam is explaining?
With COVID, I don't have access to share the story with littles and gauge their reactions, so I do wonder what ages this book is best written for.
How will our teens find a way to enjoy this book written with a style that they will relate to, but will they be too cool to enjoy it. I really think it would be a great book for the youth group, and even as a game before the students have heard the book.
The physical books are en route to be ready for the October 1st released to date, and I will get one then, but I can't comment on the physical book yet because I had to read a pdf version, which in my mind also limits how I can share the book, as it's not the same to read a book on a screen to a group of kids.
Grateful to partner with goodbook children company. Once again they do not disappoint!
October 19, 2020
In this charming, offbeat picture book, a little girl who stars as Mary in a Christmas pageant becomes increasingly aggravated with the strange props that keep showing up to change the show. She insists that a tent does not belong, and that there should never be a phone in a Christmas play, but each item serves as a metaphor for who Jesus is. He came and cast his tent to live among us, and he serves as our mediator and communication between heaven and earth. Over time, Mary recognizes that she is not the star of the show, and that Jesus is the true center of Christmas.
Lizzie Laferton's rhyming text has a strong rhythm, and the illustrations from Kim Barnes are bright and colorful. The illustrations are also racially diverse, and even though the text does not draw attention to this, I appreciate the conscious effort at inclusion and the underlying message that Jesus came for people of all nations and ethnic backgrounds. I would recommend this book to Christian families and churches, and even though older children can read this to themselves, the dramatic text makes for an especially fun read-aloud.
I really enjoyed this, and think that it is a great alternative for people who are turned off by overly sentimental takes on Christmas. There's a Lion in My Nativity! emphasizes why Christ came to earth, focusing on Him as God incarnate and "the Rescuing King," not just a cute baby in a manger. Parents who are looking for a picture book that focuses on Christ the Savior will find this helpful, and even though some people may find this story too quirky for their tastes, the book's surprise factor makes its messages memorable, providing a new perspective into the Nativity.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie Laferton's rhyming text has a strong rhythm, and the illustrations from Kim Barnes are bright and colorful. The illustrations are also racially diverse, and even though the text does not draw attention to this, I appreciate the conscious effort at inclusion and the underlying message that Jesus came for people of all nations and ethnic backgrounds. I would recommend this book to Christian families and churches, and even though older children can read this to themselves, the dramatic text makes for an especially fun read-aloud.
I really enjoyed this, and think that it is a great alternative for people who are turned off by overly sentimental takes on Christmas. There's a Lion in My Nativity! emphasizes why Christ came to earth, focusing on Him as God incarnate and "the Rescuing King," not just a cute baby in a manger. Parents who are looking for a picture book that focuses on Christ the Savior will find this helpful, and even though some people may find this story too quirky for their tastes, the book's surprise factor makes its messages memorable, providing a new perspective into the Nativity.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2020
Who is at the center of Christmas? There’s a certain self-centeredness that might be apparent in some of our children. In There’s a Lion in My Nativity! - Lizzie Laferton & Kim Barnes teach how Jesus is truly the star of the show.
Fun Surprises and Heartwarming Truth
In the setting of a Christmas play, this children’s story is full of fun surprises and heartwarming truth. Mary thinks she is the star of the show, but her perfect play is interrupted by some unlikely characters. She learns the lesson that Jesus is the one we need to see and worship.
Excitement on Every Page
As I read this story to my two boys, they enjoyed the rhyming words and beautiful illustrations. The book is bursting with vibrant red color, and the characters come alive with many different skin tones. There is excitement on every page, and it was a pleasure to experience it together with my kids.
Christ at Center Stage
In all honesty, I was moved to think about how I have been quite self-centered throughout this year. A children’s story can still have a profound impact on an adult. I am thankful that Christ still softens my heart. I’ll continue to see a Lion in my nativity, and I joyfully call him my King. This book will help you and your children keep Christ at the center stage of Christmas.
I received a media copy of There’s a Lion in My Nativity! and this is my honest review.
Fun Surprises and Heartwarming Truth
In the setting of a Christmas play, this children’s story is full of fun surprises and heartwarming truth. Mary thinks she is the star of the show, but her perfect play is interrupted by some unlikely characters. She learns the lesson that Jesus is the one we need to see and worship.
Excitement on Every Page
As I read this story to my two boys, they enjoyed the rhyming words and beautiful illustrations. The book is bursting with vibrant red color, and the characters come alive with many different skin tones. There is excitement on every page, and it was a pleasure to experience it together with my kids.
Christ at Center Stage
In all honesty, I was moved to think about how I have been quite self-centered throughout this year. A children’s story can still have a profound impact on an adult. I am thankful that Christ still softens my heart. I’ll continue to see a Lion in my nativity, and I joyfully call him my King. This book will help you and your children keep Christ at the center stage of Christmas.
I received a media copy of There’s a Lion in My Nativity! and this is my honest review.
November 3, 2023
A little girl is going onto the stage to play Mary in the Christmas play. But as soon as the play starts, things start to go astray as a tent, a lion, a cell phone, plus other random things outside of the Christmas story show up on stage. What is going on? Is this really the Christmas story about Jesus?
This was a different approach to the Christmas story that was creative and different. It's set to rhyme which makes it a fun read, but I think it may be a little confusing for young readers. The various miscellaneous items/characters that show up on stage all act as symbols that point to Jesus. However, the fact that they show up on stage at the same time and in the same space as the Biblical narrative, can be a little confusing. There's a helpful page at the end of the book that reviews the various items/characters and how they point to Jesus.
This was a different approach to the Christmas story that was creative and different. It's set to rhyme which makes it a fun read, but I think it may be a little confusing for young readers. The various miscellaneous items/characters that show up on stage all act as symbols that point to Jesus. However, the fact that they show up on stage at the same time and in the same space as the Biblical narrative, can be a little confusing. There's a helpful page at the end of the book that reviews the various items/characters and how they point to Jesus.
December 22, 2020
This was a nice little gift from our local church for my 4 year old brother and he really enjoyed it. He liked that the lion was “the king”. When asked the question “what they (the props) were all for”? He replied that they were all for Jesus and even gave more specific examples, such as the nurse was to help people. There is a lovely little message about the meaning of Jesus and what makes him special.
Personally I enjoyed how at first it appeared that the props appeared random, but the narrator revealed their purpose and what they represent. I also liked the change in the little girls attitude at the end. A nice class read aloud.
Personally I enjoyed how at first it appeared that the props appeared random, but the narrator revealed their purpose and what they represent. I also liked the change in the little girls attitude at the end. A nice class read aloud.
October 30, 2023
As the curtain opens on the Christmas nativity production, the girl playing Mary believes she is the star of the show. She also thinks she knows how this production is supposed to go, but weird things like phones and tents and even lions have been thrown in. What is going on? Could there be a purpose to these things? Maybe to show Mary and others who the real star of the show is?
A Christmas story retelling that helps readers get a more rounded picture of just who Jesus is and why He came to the world in extremely creative ways.
A Christmas story retelling that helps readers get a more rounded picture of just who Jesus is and why He came to the world in extremely creative ways.
October 2, 2020
This is a fascinating take on a nativity book, and I'd love to see it transformed into an advent devotional for adults. It uses images like an i-phone, a mop and a lion to show us who Jesus is and what he came to do for us, with fun illustrations (and a good mix of white and non-white children).
My only criticism is that it is all done in a jaunty rhyme scheme, which I think fights against the depth and beauty of the content.
My only criticism is that it is all done in a jaunty rhyme scheme, which I think fights against the depth and beauty of the content.
July 20, 2025
I love this book. A children's school Nativity play with a difference, the narrator explains so much more through different props and characters than we normally hear and the whole book rhymes. A brilliant Christmas book for children
September 24, 2020
What an amazing book! With a new look at the Nativity and Christmas story. It really focus on the true meaning of Christmas!!
December 6, 2022
So very creative!! And meaningful! And best of all, lyrical!
December 6, 2023
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Cute, original, heartfelt, but odd. Not sure if it'll become a yearly staple.
December 6, 2024
Creative though it's probably over younger kids' heads.
December 4, 2025
This is a fun book that delves into the richness of what Christmas truly means.
(There are images of baby Jesus.)
(There are images of baby Jesus.)
September 28, 2020
This was a very cute and keenly written book. It's already one of my favorite Nativity-themed books. The only wish I had was that it talked more about Jesus coming to free the world from sin instead of just individual sin. We need more cosmic reconciliation kids books.
Five stars.
Five stars.
December 15, 2024
#comedy #kids #Christmas
This book really tells us that Jesus is the true star of the nativity. It is an amazing Christmas book! It is now a family tradition of ours to read it on Christmas Eve. Perfect for every age. I highly recommend this book!
Grace
This book really tells us that Jesus is the true star of the nativity. It is an amazing Christmas book! It is now a family tradition of ours to read it on Christmas Eve. Perfect for every age. I highly recommend this book!
Grace
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews