Cute book perfect for Christmas! Great modern edition with beloved words. I loved the artwork featured in the book. Would definitely recommend this for the kids during Christmas time!

Jumping right into this review, I think that this book is a bit too abstract for a young audience. Now, I would like to note that I'm not a religious person at all, so a lot of the references in this book go right over my head. However, I do have knowledge of Christmas meanings, so I get what the author was going for here. That being said, I still think that the author took too much of a "poetic" approach for this to make enough sense to kids. I do think that it's very possible to make a kids' book that's about the true meaning of Christmas. My advice, though, is to keep it simple and surface-level. For example, pages 8 and 9 are just too in-depth for a kids' book. It leans more on the side of philosophical rather than explanatory, for lack of a better word. What I'm basically trying to say: this book was not simple enough to be a kids' book and had too much depth in the wrong places. By the end of this book, I didn't know what the author was trying to get at, exactly.

A touching and inspiring poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1863. It is amazing that the words can apply to this current time, as well as every year since he wrote it.

The illustrations in this book are beautifully simple. They are perfect to go along with the words on the pages. I think little ones as well as older folks might like to try to copy the drawings and color or paint the scenes to get into the Christmas spirit. I know I feel that way.

This was a joy to read and view! Thank you to Familius and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

This is a beautifully illustrated rendition of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, with a color palate of reds, greens, ivory, and gold. Readers will want to display this or reread it for a Christmas tradition. It would also be a charming way to illustrate the song, by turning pages as one listens to the song.

I recommend this lovely book for a holiday read-aloud at church or at home. Schools and libraries would benefit as well.

This is a beautiful Christmas book with a poem. I love the art and graphics.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Wow! This is a MUST OWN book for children and literary lovers of all ages. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. The color and design was reminiscent to Nordstrom’s old Christmas bags with Olive, The Other Reindeer; a dog with antlers tied on. Seeing it gave me all of the nostalgic Christmas feels from my childhood. The writing was as beautiful as the illustration and the author highlight at the end left me with goosebumps. What an incredible way to introduce a young audience to one of America’s great literary poets!

10/10 Highly recommend!

Beloved Christmas song in story form. Fun illustration. Nice addition to any Christmas book collection.

The illustrations are adorable and I think this verse is reimagined! I lie the style. I believe the verse is from the 1870

Beautiful holiday story. I loved the illustrations and way the poem was split up on the pages. The way it read evoked a lot of nostalgia for childhood Christmas.

Verses 1, 2, 6, 7 and then 3 of the original Longfellow poem get given brand new illustrations for this book in honour of togetherness, religion and hope at Christmas – anything referring to the Civil War has been redacted. The palette is one where you see all the colours, but the overall feel is of a restricted one, and one very peach-heavy in appearance. But what the illustrations don't really do is work as a narrative, meaning they are but pretty tableaux and small town scenes. I think the sentiment of the verse still works, but as a picture book this might not be the enjoyable one of universal appeal it could have been.

These illustrations are amazing! A very beautiful book with a hopeful poem! Adding to my teachers recommendation pile for classrooms!

This is my first time reading this poem - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. The poem is easy enough to follow and the illustrations by Janna Steagall complement the poem well, with the soft colors and shapes used. It will make for a wonderful Christmas gift for friends/family.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas day is a time honored, beloved poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that holds a deserved place in our Christmas traditions and celebrations. This book has illustrations by Janna Steagall that capture the poignancy, power, and hope this poem evokes from readers. I love the simplicity of the artwork and the way important meanings are subtly emphasized and woven into the picture. Adults and children alike will find joy in these pages.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is an illustrated book of the classic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Prior to reading this book, I have never heard of this poem before, but I can see why it is timeless, and how its message still rings true today. The
illustrations are captivating and beautifully drawn.
A wonderful book to read to your children or gift to others.

I received an electronic ARC from Familius through NetGalley.
Lovely illustrations in this new keepsake book of an older classic. Whether you sang as you read or enjoyed the poetry, this version is true to his original poem. The artwork captures a simpler lifestyle and the people show the feeling shared in the portions of the poem on each page spread. A thoughtful book for families to read together at the holdays.

I'm not familiar with this poem. It is wonderfully written. The art style stands out to me as calming and warm (even though the illustrations are of winter and snow). It is relevant to today's world we live in. It felt appropriate for all ages, not just for children.

This book is refreshing as a children's book because it isn't empty, silly, or infantile. It's thoughtful and beautiful. The handsome illustrations beckon the eye; their color and textures reflect the poem’s depth. Children are not only introduced to Longfellow’s timeless poetry, but also invited to contemplate the problem of evil. That Longfellow does not leave this challenge unresolved will encourage children that God is victorious, and faith in Him brings assurance & hope.

One star was removed for lack of accuracy in the author’s biography. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow did not write this poem because of his faith in ‘the goodness of humankind.’ His lines:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
are a clear indication of his hope in a living God to bring about peace on earth. To misrepresent Longfellow is to undermine his message of faith through suffering. It’s intellectually dishonest and is a disservice to the readers.

This unassuming book with be a welcome addition to our Christmas shelf.

Thank you to the publisher, Familius, for allowing me to read a free, digital advance copy in exchange for this review.

A beautifully illustrated children's picture book from a classic Christmas poem. A must read to children at Christmas time. The illustrator captured the essence of the poem in art form in a way that is inviting and hopeful.

I wasn't familiar with this poem before reading this, but I feel like it resonates quite a bit with the climate we're currently living in inside the US. The art reminded me of some books I used to read when I was a child myself, and it made me feel very nostalgic. This will be a great addition to any child's little library for the holiday season

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7504180599

Although it is nowhere near Christmas, the cover of the book and never having heard of the poem caught my attention. The illustrations in the book were absolutely adorable. The poem was solid and the message of hope is something that we all need to read and hear. I think the message is especially important today as there is so much going on in the world that it can be easy to lose hope. May we all hear the bells and never lose hope.