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!

This is one of my favorite poems. It is very moving, made even more so when you know the story behind it. (If you have not seen the movie of the same name by Sight and Sound films, I highly recommend it). This book is beautifully illustrated, still relevant and relatable for today, and appropriate for any time of year, not only Christmas. I absolutely love it! The physical copy is going on my wishlist.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from Familius Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don't remember ever reading this poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow before, and I thought it would be a jolly, Christmassy book, but a few pages in, it shows a depressed man sitting on a bench while everyone is happy and enjoying life, and he believes there's no peace on earth.

This poem brings you through highs and lows, and you don't learn about why until the "About Author" section at the end. It really does give you an inside perspective to an already sad, but hopeful poem about waiting for peace because it will come.

It was a quick and easy read. The art style is basic, but it made me happy to look at because it was very nostalgic for me. It is "traditional" in a sort of free-hand, hand-drawn, messy way that just comes across as cute and charming.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day: An Illustrated Keepsake Book by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Is beautifully illustrated by Illustrator Janna Stegall, and you will likely find yourself singing the song as you go through this book that is meant to be read aloud.
This beautiful poem by Longfellow, which most of us know as a Christmas carol, will be the perfect one to read to or with children on Christmas Eve, and is sure to become a tradition in many families. It will also be an ideal Christmas gift for fans of carols.
The wish for peace on earth and goodwill for all is one every reader can appreciate, and it is brought to life with adorable illustrations by Stegall.
Thank you to #FamiliusBooks and #NetGalley for the ARC of this book. It is a feast for the eyes and the heart.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Familius for my copy of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in exchange for an honest review. It publishes September 9, 2025.
This is one of my favorite Christmas carols, and the artwork that accompanies this poem is absolutely gorgeous. I think this would make a great gift for any child in your life.

A classic poem comes alive in this beautifully illustrated holiday book. The colors are modern and sure to delight any child or child at heart this Christmas season.

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!