Goodnight Manger by Laura Sassi {Children's Christmas Book Review}



Written by Laura Sassi
Illustrated by Jane Chapman
Juvenile Fiction / Christmas

Stars are twinkling.
Baby's fed.
Mama says, "It's
Time for bed."

It's bedtime for baby Jesus, but who knew a stable could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels singing, and three kings bearing gifts, it's just too noisy. Cuddle up as Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars.




My Thoughts

Each year for the month of December I wrap up 24 Christmas books for each of my grandchildren's homes. I'm always on the lookout for a new title to add to the mix. This year I came across Goodnight Manger and decided it had to be included. 

We have previously enjoyed Goodnight Ark so I was pretty sure the kiddos would like this one as well. The combination of Sassi's witty rhyming verse and Chapman's vibrant illustrations make both of the books appealing to the younger crowd as well as the narrator. 

My favorite verse from the story is this:
"Mama's frantic,
In a tizzy.
Who knew stables
Were so busy?"
Truer words have not been spoken!  Can you just imagine the real scene? Smelly and noisy animals. Itchy hay. Angels singing. Shepherds and Wisemen visiting. Didn't they know a baby needs its sleep? (Not to mention the momma!) But of course this is no ordinary baby. This is the long anticipated Messiah so of course the angels are going to sing and the shepherds and wisemen are going to come and pay homage.

But in the end after a few choruses of Away in the Manger perhaps, everything and everyone settles down and finds rest.

We enjoyed this somewhat silly telling of the Nativity story. While all the facts aren't included and it doesn't stick strictly to Scripture it is still a delightful tale to read to your little one as they too drift off to sleep.

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