The Spirit of Christmas

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 4–&I had just nodded off,/at a quarter past four,/when the Spirit of Christmas/stepped in through my door. So begins this lovely story in which all the delights of the season are presented. Realism and fantasy are satisfyingly paired to bring the mixed-media illustrations of treasured holiday scenes to life. Many of the paintings include bits of lyrics and music from well-known carols. The message is sweet; no matter how fancy one's decorations, no matter how elaborate one's feast, or how many pretty packages wait beneath the tree, &It is love that makes the angels sing. A beautiful and timeless book.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library END Product Description A celebration of the most magical holiday of the year, by the incomparable bestselling author Nancy Tillman. Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love. Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for The Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!) From Booklist Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. In rhymed verse and a first-person voice, the narrator begins: “I had just nodded off, / at a quarter past four, / when the Spirit of Christmas / stepped in through my door.” The “Spirit” conjures up scenes, symbols, smells, and tastes of the season that are encapsulated in spare, rhythmic words: “Candy cane tongues / and marshmallow mustaches. / Everyone caroling songs of goodwill.” A toy-soldier band, a lion and lamb, snow angels, and Santa Claus are beautifully depicted and lead to the Christmas tree and the message behind the celebration. The Spirit reminds the narrator, “Remember, this all began with a child. / Because it took nothing but love to begin it, / it’s not really Christmas if love isn’t in it.” Tillman’s sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time. Grades K-3. --Julie Cummins Review “Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) expertly swirls together reality and fantasy--the narrator's child delights in the sight of the decorated tree, the lion lies down with the lamb--as is fitting for such a magical night.” ―Shelf Awareness “Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. …Tillman's sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time.” ―Booklist “A beautiful and timeless book.” ―School Library Journal “As the adult speaker of the story nods off in a comfy red chair, the Spirit of Christmas appears, ready to get the narrator in the holiday spirit. What follows is a buoyant, imagistic tribute to the season, as the Spirit lists joys both and intangible, before offering the reminder: ‘Because it took nothing but love to begin it,/ it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it.' Tillman's ethereal illustrations are surreal but captivating.” ―Publishers Weekly “Bestselling author Tillman offers a dreamlike interpretation of the collective spirit that permeates the holiday.” ―Kirkus Reviews “The wonderful colored illustrations convey a sense of joy and peace.” ―Children's Literature “This is one of those rare baby books that should make both skeptics and sentimentalists of all ages happy.” ―Publishers Weekly on On the Night You Were Born “A beautiful tribute to the uniqueness of every child.” ―Kirkus Reviews on On the Night You Were Born “Many parents will welcome this opportunity to tell their children how special and loved they are.” ―Booklist on On the Night You Were Born About the Author Nancy Tillman is the aut