This book is bright, with shiny stars on the front; it will appeal visually to any child. The back cover says ‘Come with all the children to the very heart of Christmas.’ And this book does just that. It is part of a series published by Lion including My Very First Bible, My Very First Prayers and My Very First Bedtime Book.

This colourful book tells the story of the birth of Jesus through a group of children in a nativity play. The story follows Jennifer and her mother preparing for and talking about Jennifer’s role in a Nativity play. They talk about the real story of Christmas and we follow the play through the eyes of the children performing it.

What did you like about it?

The illustrations are lovely, and are very appealing to children. I liked the fresh way of looking at the story of Jesus’ birth. I liked the innocence and childlike wonder of Jennifer. It was a warm and humorous story.

What didn't you like?

There was the possibility of confusion for the very young child who cannot separate the children in the play from the story they are telling.

What will you still remember a year from now?

Nativity plays always bring a tear to my eye, and this one was no different! I will remember it for that.

Who would you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book to anyone who knows a young child, especially a child who is taking part in a nativity play too.

Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?

The Christmas play was about to begin. Suddenly Jennifer didn’t feel as brave as before. ‘Everyone chose you to be Mary,’ said her mother, ‘because you’ve just had a new baby brother.’

‘Was the play good?’ she asked her mother as they walked home. ‘Did you think you were really in Bethlehem?’ ‘Oh yes,’ said her mother. ‘And more than that, I thought I could see all the way to heaven.’

review by Hilary