"Goodnight, Manger" by Laura Sassi and Jane Chapman

With a stable full of noisy animals, some itchy hay, and a whole procession of visitors from angels to the three kings (wisemen), it seems impossible to get newborn Jesus to fall asleep! Mama and Papa, and even some helpful animals, are doing all they can to tend to Jesus and soothe his crying, but it's not until Mama can organize everyone to join in on a lullaby that Jesus is finally able to enjoy some peaceful rest.

With lively and beautiful illustrations from Jane Chapman, Laura Sassi's imaginative retelling of the events of when Jesus is born is sure to capture the attention of your children. The story is written with rhyming text, which flows well from page to page. The tale will have your young readers (age 4-8) thinking about what exactly it was like for Jesus to be born in a stable. What animals were there? Was it loud and boisterous? Who came to visit? Not only will this story entertain your kids, but it will give them a new appreciation for the story of Jesus' birth (though, of course, the author has taken some poetic license in this case!). And, if they are anything like my kids, they will greatly enjoy picking out the small details in the pictures in this book. Since arriving at our house, the story has been poured over again and again, which is always a good sign!

"Goodnight Manger" is a story that you can read year round, even though it will be especially meaningful around Christmas. I give this book a solid rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

 A review copy was received from the publisher via the Booklook Bloggers program, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

About the Author

Laura Sassi has a passion for telling humorous stories in rhyme. She writes daily from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie.

About the Illustrator

Jane Chapman is a multi award-winning artist who has illustrated over one hundred books including five New York Times bestsellers. She lives in Southern England with her husband, Tim Warnes, two children and five chickens. Visit Jane Chapman at www.ChapmanandWarnes.com.

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Goodnight, Manger