Author: Leona (Lee) Novy Jackson
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-0930643-18-8
Pages: 32
Book Type: hardcover, full color
Trim Size: 9 x 12 inches
On this Holy Night, the animals are restless and excited as two strangers enter the stable. It will be a night remembered by all the animals, especially the cat family.
This tender Christmas read-aloud story about the night Jesus was born will become a favorite for all children. In The Littlest Christmas Kitten, a little lost kitten falls asleep in the same manger the Christ Child will use for His bed. It is a rare child who can resist the animals, their sounds, and the straw-filled manger that were part of the first Christmas.
In this re-telling of the birth of Christ, a mother cat searches frantically for her little lost kitten. Before the night is over there is the crying of a baby and angels singing His praises. Animal witnesses to the nativity are in awe as they pay homage to this special baby. The night’s events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats.
Cats have been part of the celebration of Christmas for centuries. Many stories, poems and songs are written about them. They are featured on Christmas cards and on decorations and ornaments. Here is the legend of why the cats remember this day.
The story speaks to everyone, especially
- children, as they gain a close-up, richer understanding of that Holy Night more than two thousand years ago.
- parents, grandparents, and others who want to make the Christmas story more alive and meaningful to children.
- those who teach about the birth of Christ and spread the good news of peace and hope.
- anyone who has lost the wonder and anticipation of the real Christmas.
- all cat lovers and those who enjoy animals.
A listing of Christmas symbols at the end of the book gives the origin of the Christmas Tree, Candy Cane, Advent Wreath, Christmas Cats, and many others. It also offers an explanation of why it is not a good idea to give a kitten as a Christmas gift and, if cats are already a part of the family, how to make sure they have a safe Christmas.
Lessons children learn from this book include:
- Never give up searching for that which is important to you.
- No matter what happens, Mothers show love, care, and concern for their young.
- Special events such as the First Christmas are to be remembered, celebrated, and cherished.
- Stories handed down through generations link us to the past.
- Christmas customs, which enrich holiday traditions, have historic and symbolic meanings.
The author Leona Novy Jackson is a former family and consumer sciences teacher in the area of child development. She stresses the importance of having books available for children and reading with them often. This is the fourth book she has written.
The illustrator, Kelly Dupre, uses colorful, bold, and playful illustrations reflect the importance of that Holy Night. This is the third book she has illustrated.
Here is a YouTube 39 second clip about The Littlest Christmas Kitten. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU2yNjTkt0w
The Littlest Christmas Kitten :
