'Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Christmas Season

by Glenys Nellist, Elena Selivanova (Illustrator)

Overview

Celebrate the Advent season with this beautiful and heartwarming collection of devotions and stories from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Told in the style of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, make this read aloud your new holiday tradition.

‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional that will inspire your family as you eagerly await the arrival of Christ’s birth! Written in both prose and poetry, this beautiful picture book will engage children and adults alike and become a new holiday tradition for families everywhere!

‘Twas the Season of Advent:

• Is a wonderful holiday read aloud for children ages4-8
• Brings Advent to life through 25 devotions featuring stories from the Old and New Testaments
• Features beautiful artwork by celebrated illustrator Elena Selivanova
• Serves as the perfect gift for the family as you prepare for the Christmas season
• Presents portions written in the familiar rhyme scheme of Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Makes a great holiday, Advent, or Christmas gift for readers young and old
• Is the perfect addition to a Sunday school or children’s ministry lesson, classroom setting, or homeschool library

Join Glenys and families around the world as you and your family wait, prepare for, and look forward to the arrival of God’s son, Jesus.

Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books from Glenys:

• ‘Twas the Morning of Easter
• 'Twas the Evening of Christmas
• Snuggle Time series
• Love Letters from God series

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310734154
Publisher:	Zonderkidz
Publication date:	11/02/2021
Series:	'Twas Series
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	398,081
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple children's books including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and the popular series Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Learn more at Glenys Nellist.com

Elena Selivanova graduated from the Moscow State University of Printing Arts and has worked for twenty years as a children’s book illustrator. She has illustrated over one hundred books and has created a wide variety of memorable and beloved characters.

Editorial Reviews

A Southern Christian Writers Conference Notable Book Award finalist in the Children's/Young Adult Category for 2022

Southern Christian Writers Conference

In this children's Advent devotional, author Glenys Nellist replicates the familiar cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to relate the good news of Jesus Christ. Each of the 25 devotions begins with a verse from Nellist's poem, setting the stage for the celebration of Advent. For Dec. 1: ''Twas the season of Advent, when all through the earth, / People were pausing to ponder Christ's birth. / The bright lights hung 'round the door frames with care / In hopes that Christmastime soon would be there.' Scripture passages, an imaginative reflection on a participant in the biblical Christmas story, and a prayer round out each devotion. Illustrator Elena Selivanova's artwork masterfully contrasts light and darkness as she portrays the coming of Jesus, the light of the world.

Sonya Vander Veen Feddema The Banner

2021-08-11
A day-by-day Advent adventure for families to share together.

Beginning on Dec. 1 with an introduction to the season of Advent and this book, and ending on Dec. 25 with just a short rhyme, Nellist’s text familiarizes children with the Christmas season and events ranging from Genesis’ “Let there be light” and Isaiah’s foretelling the birth of a baby to Mary’s visit with Elizabeth and the arrival of the Magi after Jesus’ birth (on Dec. 21 here). A rhyming verse starts each day’s entry. The meter and rhyme sometimes force the word order and choices and, in four entries, unfortunately and jarringly reflect the classic poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas.” The bulk of each page explains the Bible verse that follows the rhyme and humanizes the main characters: Joseph’s indecision about marrying a pregnant Mary, the job of a shepherd, and the treasure box of memories that Mary stored in her heart. The entry ends with a brief prayer: “Dear God, thank you for Mary who was so brave and trusted you. When I need to be brave, help me remember that you are with me.” Depending on their ages, children within a family may find some content too simple and some over their heads. Jewel-toned illustrations in luminous colors and lots of detail fill half of each spread. All the people, save the three Magi, are Middle Eastern in skin color, facial features, and dress. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A religious centering amid the run-up to Christmas. (Religion. 4-10)

Kirkus Reviews