Feek, Rory. Once Upon the Very First Christmas.  Illustrated by Christine Cuddihy. Nashville, TN: Tommy Nelson, 2023.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

Bestselling author and songwriter Rory Feek takes children and families on a beloved journey to Christmas past in Once Upon the Very First Christmas. On a picturesque farm, schoolchildren gather their homemade costumes and props and put on a heartwarming Christmas play for the community. As they don halos for the angel choir or round up sheep for the final nativity scene, readers will be immersed in the greatest blessings of Christmas—the gift of Jesus—and be reminded that we can rejoice together in the wonder of the season.

Rory’s soothing and lyrical retelling of the Christmas story

• is paired with magical illustrations by Christine Cuddihy of a homemade Christmas play,
• is perfect for ages 4 to 8, and
• is a great gift for Christmas, baby showers, and baptisms.

Take a moment to slow down this Advent and Christmas to treasure that first Christmas, God’s gift of Jesus, and every precious moment He’s given you to celebrate with family and friends.

Purchase Once Upon the Very First Christmas on Amazon

My Kid Review

I’ll admit – I love Christmas books. I don’t think you can ever have too many of the good ones. And, Once Upon the Very First Christmas is a good one. Rory Feek retells the Biblical Christmas story using rhyme – which will appeal to preschool and early elementary children. 

Christine Cuddihy’s illustrations take the story a step further. She focuses on a Christmas pageant put on in a country setting. 

I found the whole style of the book to be very appealing. I can see this becoming a family favorite at Christmas time. 

Once Upon the Very First Christmas would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian School library. Preschool and elementary teachers and students alike will enjoy this title.

I received a complimentary copy of Once Upon the Very First Christmas. This is my honest review. 

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