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Over in a Stable
Over in a Stable , written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson, is a beautiful and engaging Christmas read-aloud for you and your little ones that tells the story of the nativity, featuring the memorable counting and rhyme of the beloved classic poem “Over in the Meadow.” Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children.?Over in a With a shiny cover that features glitter accents,?Over the Stable?is a treasured picture book your family will cherish for many years.
Board Book
Published November 24, 2019
22 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Nelson
22 books632 followersWhen she was in kindergarten, Suzanne Nelson jotted down in a school keepsake album that she wanted to be a “riter.” Though she clearly had issues with spelling, she persisted, composing cryptic poems about rainbows, fairies, mud, and even "Star Wars" in spiral notebooks all through elementary school. When she was seventeen, she filled four journals with her handwritten first novel, titled “The Dream Keeper.” To escape her chores, she often lied to her parents about what time her shift started at the local fast food joint so that she could spend an extra hour writing in the parking lot in her mom’s faded Buick. Her first published novel was The Sound of Munich, followed by Heart and Salsa, The Ghoul Next Door, Cake Pop Crush, and Dead in the Water. She is a shameless fan of “The Sound of Music,” Hershey’s kisses, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen, and can often be caught daydreaming of romping about gothic castles in lovely Victorian gowns. She was born in New Jersey, grew up in Southern California, attended college in Texas, and spent eight years as a children’s book editor in New York City. She now lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 6, 2020
4.5 Stars
Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,
grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.
“Give,” said the mother.
“We give,” said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great.
This is the first book by award winning author Suzanne Nelson that I have read, but I loved the way this story was shared, from the little drummer boy to the sheep, to the birth of the newborn babe in the manger. The rhythm of the story of would make a lovely read-aloud story during the Christmas holiday season, while the colourful and brilliant illustrations seem to glow from the lights shining from above in the heavens, and around the newborn babe.
Published: 06 Oct 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Zonderkidz-Books / Zonderkidz
Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,
grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.
“Give,” said the mother.
“We give,” said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great.
This is the first book by award winning author Suzanne Nelson that I have read, but I loved the way this story was shared, from the little drummer boy to the sheep, to the birth of the newborn babe in the manger. The rhythm of the story of would make a lovely read-aloud story during the Christmas holiday season, while the colourful and brilliant illustrations seem to glow from the lights shining from above in the heavens, and around the newborn babe.
Published: 06 Oct 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Zonderkidz-Books / Zonderkidz
June 30, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
3.5 Stars.
This is an absolutely gorgeously illustrated book but unfortunately the flow of the words rhyming together and how the numbers followed in the the verse didn't really gel for me. This book is a Christmas nativity story about baby Jesus but is also a counting book from numbers 1 to 10. I found the way the rhyming verse that was written through the story may confuse children with their counting too.
I couldn't give the book a 4 star review due to the above but loved looking at the illustrations.
3.5 Stars.
This is an absolutely gorgeously illustrated book but unfortunately the flow of the words rhyming together and how the numbers followed in the the verse didn't really gel for me. This book is a Christmas nativity story about baby Jesus but is also a counting book from numbers 1 to 10. I found the way the rhyming verse that was written through the story may confuse children with their counting too.
I couldn't give the book a 4 star review due to the above but loved looking at the illustrations.
July 6, 2020
This board book with it's stunning illustrations is written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson. It is a perfect read-aloud to share with your children regarding the Christmas nativity.
"Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,
grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.
"Give," said the mother.
"We give," said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great."
This rhyming counting book features the cadence of the classic poem "Over in the Meadow." It highlights gorgeous imagery: the humble stable where the baby is born, the diverse people and animals that come to honour him, and heavenly angels who hover over the scene to pay homage to this providential birth. It is a glorious celebration of the miracle that took place that night in little town of Bethlehem.
The book features numbers 1-10 for those learning their numbers for the first time or those reviewing them if need be. The cover shines with glitter accents making it a perfect Christmas gift. I highly recommend "Over in a Stable." It is a beautiful addition to your Christmas collection.
"Over in a stable, though the hour was growing late,
grazed one mother sheep and her fleecy lambs eight.
"Give," said the mother.
"We give," said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed to rest a King so great."
This rhyming counting book features the cadence of the classic poem "Over in the Meadow." It highlights gorgeous imagery: the humble stable where the baby is born, the diverse people and animals that come to honour him, and heavenly angels who hover over the scene to pay homage to this providential birth. It is a glorious celebration of the miracle that took place that night in little town of Bethlehem.
The book features numbers 1-10 for those learning their numbers for the first time or those reviewing them if need be. The cover shines with glitter accents making it a perfect Christmas gift. I highly recommend "Over in a Stable." It is a beautiful addition to your Christmas collection.
June 22, 2020
Another book with the tune of "Over in the Meadow?" Yep. We have another one.
But this one is set at the Nativity with all of the major players--animals, angels, and all. Oh how I loved it!
The illustrations are fun. The diversity represented is admirable. Yep, I want to see this one get added to our collection.
**Thanks to NetGalley and ZonderKidz for an ARC of this book!**
But this one is set at the Nativity with all of the major players--animals, angels, and all. Oh how I loved it!
The illustrations are fun. The diversity represented is admirable. Yep, I want to see this one get added to our collection.
**Thanks to NetGalley and ZonderKidz for an ARC of this book!**
Want to read
June 8, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 3, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Zonderkidz Books through Netgalley.
Charming story of the nativity. Is it a retelling of the Bible story? No, but it is a terrific take on "Over in the Meadow" that young readers will enjoy. The vividly colored illustrations bring the characters to life. This also serves as a counting book from 1 to 10 so readers can count the characters on each page.
Families will enjoy reading this book together during holiday season. Older readers can read it to themselves and all levels of readers can practice their counting.
Charming story of the nativity. Is it a retelling of the Bible story? No, but it is a terrific take on "Over in the Meadow" that young readers will enjoy. The vividly colored illustrations bring the characters to life. This also serves as a counting book from 1 to 10 so readers can count the characters on each page.
Families will enjoy reading this book together during holiday season. Older readers can read it to themselves and all levels of readers can practice their counting.
July 15, 2020
The title of the book didn't really attract me to the fact that it sounds like and is a imitation of the well-known verse “Over in the Meadow". As such the book follows the same rhyming scheme as the original while at the same time retelling the Nativity to new readers.
The writing is definitely very simple and easy to follow so children would find this a simple story to read. Unfortunately since it was trying to mimic the original the replacement verses didn't really sound logical such as a donkey with five colts or a sheep with eight lambs. This is kind of disappointing since I felt these verses could have been replaced to better narrate the story.
At the same time the story isn't biblically factual either due to the first creature stirring outside the barn was the little drummer boy. Meanwhile other elements given in the text just suggest elements that have been made popular due to continuing traditions such as Mary wearing powder blue or the suggested three wise men.
The redeeming grace for the book, though, is the illustrations. They are bright, colorful and detailed while making this a charming book of inclusion.
All in all it was decent but for a Christian family or anyone who likes the actual details then it should probably be a quick read before moving onto the next Nativity story.
**Please note I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
The writing is definitely very simple and easy to follow so children would find this a simple story to read. Unfortunately since it was trying to mimic the original the replacement verses didn't really sound logical such as a donkey with five colts or a sheep with eight lambs. This is kind of disappointing since I felt these verses could have been replaced to better narrate the story.
At the same time the story isn't biblically factual either due to the first creature stirring outside the barn was the little drummer boy. Meanwhile other elements given in the text just suggest elements that have been made popular due to continuing traditions such as Mary wearing powder blue or the suggested three wise men.
The redeeming grace for the book, though, is the illustrations. They are bright, colorful and detailed while making this a charming book of inclusion.
All in all it was decent but for a Christian family or anyone who likes the actual details then it should probably be a quick read before moving onto the next Nativity story.
**Please note I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
December 5, 2020
Over in a Stable was a delightful counting book that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. This is a Christian Picture Book sharing the nativity with a twist. Each page shows someone/something from the beloved story, but not the ones you would think of. This story is for children so it sues things such as one drum played by the drummer boy, 2 arms to hold the baby, 3 camels etc. At the end there is a spread with all the the characters and animals shown. The cadence of the rhyming story made it easy to read aloud. We really enjoyed this story and even the little one tried to count with us. This is a beautifully illustrated book that I plan on buying for my Sunday School class and family Christmas library. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
July 30, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Zonder Kids for a copy of "Over In A Stable" in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is set for October 6, - perfect for the holiday season.
This book is richly and colourfully illustrated. The pages have lifelike pictures to capture the imagination of children. While recommended for the age group of 4 to 8, I think older children, parents and grandparents will also enjoy it.
The book is a wonderful read-aloud that will be an annual favourite the family will look forward to reading together.
The rhythm of the book follows the much loved "Over In The Meadow" rhyme that children are familiar with. The story also is a fun way to teach children to count from 1 to 10.
This book is richly and colourfully illustrated. The pages have lifelike pictures to capture the imagination of children. While recommended for the age group of 4 to 8, I think older children, parents and grandparents will also enjoy it.
The book is a wonderful read-aloud that will be an annual favourite the family will look forward to reading together.
The rhythm of the book follows the much loved "Over In The Meadow" rhyme that children are familiar with. The story also is a fun way to teach children to count from 1 to 10.
December 16, 2022
As much as I love "Over in the Meadow" and its structure, sadly there isn't much to love about this adaptation. I'm not a fan of the illustration style (animation), but it's the poem itself that's disappointing: it just strikes me as thoughtless and a bit lazy. For example, the cow has four calves, the donkey has five colts, the sheep has eight lambs, and the newborn talks ("'Love,' said the baby.").
Some may also be disappointed that the little drummer boy, as well as the wise men appear at the manger; the multitude of the heavenly host is reduced to "one archangel and soaring angels seven"; the shepherds "lifted prayers of peace and grace up to the Great Divine"; and the "children ten" are all multi-ethnic (great for the diversity agenda, not so much for historical accuracy).
Some may also be disappointed that the little drummer boy, as well as the wise men appear at the manger; the multitude of the heavenly host is reduced to "one archangel and soaring angels seven"; the shepherds "lifted prayers of peace and grace up to the Great Divine"; and the "children ten" are all multi-ethnic (great for the diversity agenda, not so much for historical accuracy).
December 17, 2020
If you see a glowing in a corner of a bookstore, I can promise you this book is the source. The use of color and chiaroscuro truly allows the illustrator to use the appearance of a heavenly light for dramatic storytelling that is matched and raised by the Nelson's gorgeous text. The diversity of characters is wonderful. All of this is on top of the rhythmic telling of what happened on the very first Christmas morning. A book to be treasured.
October 11, 2020
Over in a stable is a great retelling of jesus' birth. There werentwo things that stood out greatly sood out for me. First, the story is told in a way thats not too holiday season-ish. It can be read year round. Second, I love that it also has a numerical pattern to help teach kids to count. It is very well written and has great illustrations as well.
January 19, 2021
This is another variation on the original "Over in the Meadow" counting rhyme. It is a fictional account of the Nativity story, counting the visitors to the stable. This version is very sanitized and introduces some extra-biblical material. Illustrations are bright and clear. Tie-in with language arts study of variations.
August 28, 2020
This is a great nativity story for kids. The art is amazing and the story is well done and sweet. My son loved reading through this and wanted to read it again as soon as we finished it.
5 Stars!
5 Stars!
September 1, 2020
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a simple re-telling of the story of Jesus' birth and the illustrations are beautifully done. They capture the readers' eye and draw them in.
This is a simple re-telling of the story of Jesus' birth and the illustrations are beautifully done. They capture the readers' eye and draw them in.
December 8, 2020
Beautifully illustrated Christmas version of Over in the Meadow (the rhyme on 7 is sketchy)
August 3, 2020
This is an interactive and engaging book-perfect to read aloud with children. The beautiful illustrations help bring to life the words and story of Christmas.
February 7, 2023
A nativity counting and rhyming book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews