Consumer Critique: Christmas Books from Ideals Books

Disclosure: I received complimentary products as a thank you for this post. All opinions are my own.

If you like the rhythm of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and also enjoy stories that talk about the very first Christmas, then The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher is the book for you. It's beautifully illustrated and covers the story starting in Bethlehem and continuing through to the wise men. It's very nicely done, with a pattern that follows the poem almost exactly, incorporating similar images, related to Jesus' birth instead of Santa. My daughters loved reading this book. Rhymes are very engaging for kids, and the pictures held their attention too.

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie is a more unique story that celebrates giving. The sparkly box sits on the mantle, and when opened contains simply slips of paper. On each paper is written a good deed someone in the family did for another - helping them remember that Christmas isn't just about us, but about others. The book includes a sparkle box for you to use with your own family.

Keith Christopher is an award-winning composer, arranger, lyricist, and author. His music has been performed worldwide by choirs, orchestras and bands at numerous events and venues, including the National Christmas tree lighting, Hollywood Bowl and All-State concerts. Keith was formerly on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He holds a Master of Music in Composition from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.  

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children’s books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box and The First Christmas Night for Ideals Children’s Books. Christine’s recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming café in New Haven, Connecticut.