If you haven’t come across Laura Sassi’s adorable new Christmas board book, you’re missing out. I mean, just look at the sweet cover!
In her impeccable rhyming style, Laura takes us on a counting journey from one stable to ten tiny toes, and the result is a joyous, fun, interactive way to celebrate the season with little ones.
I’m delighted to welcome Laura to my blog today, not only as she shares five fun facts about Happy Birthday Christmas Child, but also to host a giveaway of her new book, kindly sponsored by Paraclete Press. So, without further ado, here’s Laura (and do be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!)
Fact #1: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD: A Counting Nativity Book is my seventh published children’s book and the sixth one that rhymes. I decided early on that this one would both rhyme and count because it had all the right components: a kid-friendly setting and theme (It’s Jesus’ birthday in the stable), fun, countable characters and items, a young intended audience (I wrote this for littlest readers who LOVE rhyme and numbers) and a poignant, upbeat feel, which I think is essential for my rhyming style.
Fact #2: This is the fastest spark to publication journey any of my manuscripts has ever taken! I got the idea in fall of 2021, my agent pitched it in early November of 2021, I signed the contract in January 2022 and it released in October 2022.
Fact #3: The overarching feel of the story is inspired by a favorite verse in the gospel of Luke that describes Mary’s soul-filling wonder as the events surrounding the birth of Baby Jesus unfolded. The verse reads, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV) It is my hope that by infusing counting into my story, littlest readers and their caregivers, will similarly slow down and explore and count and marvel at this special birth on each and every spread. I hope readers will find the story soul-filling and fun in a joyfully Christmas way.
Fact #4: I was delighted when I saw Gabi Murphy’s illustrations for the book. Her color palette and sweet characters warm my heart and I know little ones will enjoy exploring each and every spread of the book. The book trailer gives a wonderful sense of her art and of the story. Sweet, right?
Fact #5: I love creating special resources for my books. With that in mind, Paraclete Press and I had a ball creating a HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD party plan chock full of more ideas than you’d ever need for a single party PLUS, sticker templates, printable cupcake toppers, coloring pages, counting worksheets and more, so you have… choices! Get the free printable with all the details here.
Thank you so much for sharing, Laura. And now for the giveaway! If you would like to win this sweet book, just leave a comment below, letting me know what you are looking forward to this Christmas. (If you share this post on social media, or email it to a friend, just let me know and you’ll be entered twice.) Open to USA residents only. Giveaway closes on Saturday 3rd December. Good luck!
What a sweet sounding book! My grandbabies born this year will love it. Don’t tell a soul I may or may not buy it for myself 💕
You will love it, Maureen. Thanks for being our first entrant!
Oh my goodness, this IS absolutely adorable! Lyanna is counting everything these days, and it’s a MUST HAVE!!
Oh, Kate, she would LOVE it! Thanks for entering!
Enjoying some good food with family. Thank you
Oh, yes, I love that too, Wendy. Thanks for entering!
These illustrations are adorable!!! I love the message of this sweet story!
I love the illustrations too, Brooke. Thanks for entering!
The story of Jesus’ birth is my favorite and I never stop wanting to read it over and over. The illustrations are adorable. This Christmas I’m looking forward to having all of my family home to enjoy time together. I shared on tumblr. Thank you for the chance to win a copy–I enjoy Laura’s books!
I hope you have a wonderful time with your family, Danielle. Thanks for sharing too…you’ve been entered in the giveaway twice!
Oh, lovely, both to be on your blog and to see all these lovely comments streaming in. Thank you, Glenys!
It’s a joy to have you here, Laura!
What a sweet book to share with my granddaughter.
It absolutely is, Peggie. Thanks for entering!
I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my family.
Yes! That is always the best time!
Thank you Glenys and Laura! What a sweet, beautiful book! This year I’m looking forward to our Christmas Eve service where all five of my daughters will participate in various ways. (I’m sharing this post on Twitter!)
Oh, how lovely that will be, Kate! And thanks so much for sharing the post. You’ve been entered twice!
Kate! I’m thrilled to let you know that you are the winner! Please email your address to glenysnellist@gmail.com
Oh this book looks so sweet!
I’m looking forward to a slower paced Advent this year.
Oh, yes, Megan. Wouldn’t that be lovely!
Popping in again to say thank you, once more, to Gleyns for hosting me with these five fun facts and to all you wonderful commenters for commenting! Merry Christmas!