Like the Velveteen Rabbit’s Skin Horse, my copy of ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas will eventually become well-worn with years of love and use. I teach at a Christian school and each year, I read the Christmas story to my preschool and kindergarten music students−before we begin practicing for our Christmas program. The last two weeks, I have read Glenys Nellist’s ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas in all seven of my Early Ed music classes. It will be my go-to Christmas story picture book for years to come.
Glenys Nellist
Nellist’s retelling was age-appropriate and engaging, while Elena Selivanova’s stunning illustrations were large-sized for a group read-aloud. The story helped students grasp Christmas vocabulary like “stable,” “inn,” and “myrrh,” and at least one student learned the difference between “fairies” and angels. This teacher had fun reminiscing about Clement C. Moore’s Twas the Night Before Christmas as Nellist skillfully wove elements of the original poem into her nativity version.
Although my copy was provided by Zonderkidz, I will be buying another. The first copy will be kept at school and the second in my personal picture book collection. 
Denette, what a wonderful review. Your words blessed me. I am so glad that you are sharing the book in school. Thank you!
My students loved it! I have had a hard time finding a book that simply and beautifully tells the Christmas story for this age group. At the Early Ed age, many do not know or remember the Christmas story. Also, all of the animals in your book were a plus. We sing a song about the animals at Jesus’ birth, so it was excellent background.