
Member Reviews

Thank you so much to Familius and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
A beautiful timeless classic poem, a Christmas song many know but isn’t heard about as often as others. This book shares the poem with a beautiful illustrated story of a market during the holidays with families all around.
I loved the way that this book was created, sharing the images that correlated perfectly with the lines of the poem and sharing the beautiful words of hope, peace and the holidays truest meaning.
A great poem for the season, it’s got such a lovely tune to it and I really enjoyed the way it was displayed within this book. A great read for over the Christmas period for families as they can all enjoy it together, singing the tune as they read and look at it.

Absolutely gorgeous. I'm looking up the rest of the "Illustrated Keepsake" series as we speak and putting them on my wish list. Modern-style illustrations bring a classic new poem to life.

The words of a beautiful classic Christmas hymn-a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow set to music-is wonderfully and beautifully illustrated in a style reminiscent of Grandma. Moses, the folk art painter. The story behind the song is tragic, Longfellow’s wife died in a fire, but its message is eternally inspiring.
I strongly recommend this book for any public or school library.

This picturebook is such a cozy Christmas read.
The illustrations from Janna Steagall take you on a journey through the famous poem: ‘I heard the bells on Christmas day’.
In the book you travel through a snowy village around Christmas time. Despite of all the difficulties and worries one can have, through the story and pictures you get reminded why the bells of Christmas remind to peace.
At the end of the story there’s an interesting piece on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s life, the writer of the poem.
This book is excellent to read around the festive period, in a classroom or at home.
And also a perfect book to give as a Christmas present.
Thanks to Familius and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review

The artwork is beautiful. I think this would make a nice edition to a Christmas book collection. The poem has a nice lyric quality to the words that will make it entertaining to younger children. It is also simple enough for older children to follow and explore the structure of a poem. The biography at the end is also a nice addition for older children and is a good tool for teaching.

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a timeless and deeply moving poem that beautifully captures the complex emotions of the holiday season, particularly during times of hardship. While often adapted into a beloved carol, the original poem offers a profound and poignant reflection on faith, despair, and the enduring hope for peace.
It's a perfect read for anyone seeking a classic piece of literature that offers both profound reflection and a message of hope, particularly during times when the world feels troubled.

This book is officially going to be my favorite Christmas book. Not only are the illustrations so beautiful but the message is exactly what we should be teaching our children. So much is fun about Christmas but the best thing about Christmas is remembering Jesus’ birth.

Such a lovely poem! The illustrations are simply magnificent. It's still May, but it made me excited for Christmas already haha

my son and i read this beautiful adaptation of i heard the bells on christmas day and it gave us chills. the words are so powerful and full of hope, even when they touch on sadness. it’s one of those books that makes you pause for a moment and just feel the meaning of the season.
the illustrations are absolutely stunning. they matched the mood of the poem perfectly and really helped my son connect with the message. even though the language is more poetic, he was engaged the whole time, and we talked afterward about what peace means and how the world still needs it.
this one’s going on our shelf of christmas must-reads. it’s a meaningful, emotional, and truly timeless book we’ll come back to every year.

A charming illustrated children’s book about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. The illustrations revolve around Christmas and fit each of the lines of the poem, and it brings the warm feelings from the holiday season. I think this is the perfect book to read with your kids on Christmas.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This illustrated edition revitalizes Longfellow's nineteenth-century poetic voice for contemporary readers. The original poem's voice maintains its distinctive balance between lamentation and hope—moving from acknowledgment of despair ("And in despair I bowed my head") to transcendent resolution ("The Wrong shall fail, / The Right prevail")—while gaining new resonance through modern visual interpretation.

A beautiful rendition of one of my favourite Christmas carols. Read this in April but it's a beautiful carol no matter the time of year.

This beautifully illustrated edition of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day masterfully blends Longfellow’s timeless message of hope and faith with Janna Steagall’s beautiful, modern artwork. Through heartfelt verses and captivating visuals, it reminds readers that God’s presence endures even amid grief and hardship. A stunning keepsake that resonates with both children and adults, this edition is a perfect gift for the holiday season.
Thank you to Familius for the eARC!

What a cute book full of hope for peace and beautiful illustrations. I look forward to displaying this book all season long.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When the reader opens the book, they are immediately drawn in through the gorgeous hand-drawn illustrations in muted reds and greens. The text, from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, introduces new readers to an old text with a message still poignant today. The back matter included allows the reader to learn more about Longfellow's life. This title is highly recommended.

This is an illustrated work of a well-known Christmas poem, with an uplifting and inspiring end. It's far from December right now but it is very cold where I am, and these images are so cosy, comforting and in beautiful colours. This will be splendid gift, not only for kids, but for the whole family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Familius for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

This illustrated edition of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day reimagines Longfellow’s iconic poem (and beloved Christmas carol) with warmth and reverence. Janna Steagall’s artwork is lovely—gentle, nostalgic, and perfectly suited to the reflective, hopeful tone of the text. I especially appreciated the inclusion of a brief biography of Longfellow and historical context for the poem at the end, which helps readers of all ages understand its significance and enduring message of peace.

What a beautiful way to preserve this poem!
I loved the illustrations and information about the poem in the back of the book.
Very well done. Would recommend for families.

I received a free copy of, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I Heard the bells on Christmas Day is a famous and old fashion poem by, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. There are illustrations to go along with the poem, not all the poem is shown. A nice read.

What a charming rendition of the classic poem I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The illustrations by Janna Steagall bring the poem to life with a modern touch, while still maintaining a timeless feel. This book would make a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. I’ll definitely be adding it to my children’s box of holiday books that we bring out each year—this one is sure to become a favorite. Thank you to NetGalley and Familius for the ARC!