"M is for Manger" by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley, illustrated by Claire Keay

ISBN-13: 9781496401953
Tyndale House Publishing
Hardcover $7.99

About the book: Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus' birth. Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God's chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season.

My thoughts: As colder weather approaches and with it holidays, we turn our thoughts to special holidays such as Christmas. I realize it is just barely mid-October as I am writing this, but some things just simply take a bit of forethought and planning ahead.

M is for Manger is a sweet young children's book (hardcover, 64 pages) with lovely illustrations done in soft tones. The rhymes on each two-page spread tell the story of Christ's birth from the beginning and through Jesus' presentation in the Temple. Each of the 36 letters of the English alphabet has a special word that is connected to the story...... "M" - manger, "E" - Elizabeth, "P" - peace, "J" - Jesus. A lovely drawing is on the left side with the letter entwined and on the right side is the four-line verse and also a connected verse of Scripture. Several versions of Scripture are used throughout the book. My preference, however, would have been the beautiful King James Version.

The INN was full in Bethlehem, 

 so they were turned away. 

They found a nearby stable

 and slept upon the hay. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

All along God had this plan

while ruling from above.

He sent his Son to save the world

and show us his great LOVE.

I like that the story verses and pictures stick very true to the Scripture - more than 3 wise men (Scripture says wise men came, not how many), shepherds arrive on the scene at a time different from the wise men, etc. I like, too, how it begins early in the narrative with the annunciation to Mary that she would bear a child and call him Jesus and then the visit by Mary to Elizabeth. I like that more of the infant Jesus' story is included in this Christmas story with Mary and Joseph taking baby Jesus to the Temple where they meet Simeon and Anna.

I recommend this little book as a gift from mom and dad, grandmama, auntie or uncle, or Sunday School teacher - and the price is right. I can see it being used in the home (or perhaps kindergarten classroom) for 36 days during the Christmas season as a daily devotional.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.