In Review
December 05, 2011
When you put a book out in the world, it’s only natural for you to hope people like it. I mean, it’s a labor of love, and you get really close to your work, and you really have no idea how it will be received out in the big (critical) world out there.
I finished this book a year and a half ago. Can you believe that? I started it when Ella was born. It’s a weird idea to promote something that people are seeing as fresh and new, but really it’s something that is a part of your soul….from 2009. I know it’s part of the industry that I’m in, but I still can’t get used to it:)
So finding out that A Christmas Goodnight has received some warm praises, is such a highlight. This is my first experience with having my name in papers, and online reviews, so you can imagine how I’d be a little shy about hearing what people have to say. I’m just so glad that readers are finding it a classic and special way to bring in the Christmas Season!
Yesterday, A Chrismtas Goodnight was featured in the NEW YORK TIMES Book Review section, which is pretty neat. And I realized, that I haven’t really shared any reviews with you! Here you go:
“…a debut for Wright, the illustrator, “A Christmas Goodnight” features sweet faced children and animals and an especially cosy looking manger, which work well with Buck’s graceful rhymes.”
The New York Times
“Buck and debut illustrator Wright produce a book that deserves special status, to be kept off-season with other holiday decorations and then brought out each year at Christmas. Great for grandparents to give.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Quietly charming. A fine read-aloud for a group of little ones, but also a cozy choice as a December bedtime story. A terrific introduction for preschoolers who are just learning about the Nativity story.”
Kirkus Reviews
“The soothing rhyming text and soft palette of the illustrations is ideal for bedtime read-alouds while also serving as a straightforward introduction to the important characters in the story of that first Christmas. ”
The Horn Book
The most important reviews are the ones from the kids though. I love getting your emails sharing with me your children’s reactions….their favorites little characters (everyone loves either the little tiny bunny or the baby lamb) and it’s so special for me to hear that! Reactions from the children are the most important. I’m a newbie here in the publishing world, but I’m already working on more books…and if you have a review to share, I’d love it if you could post one online.
Last week, Kenneth and I took the kids out for a little family date night (ice cream cones and a trip to Barnes and Noble) and as we walked into the children’s section, guess what we saw for the first time! Addie and Ian had the cutest faces. The face that says: “No way! This store has the same book that mom made?” Ian was sure to hurry and point out the little hidden secrets in the book that he loves to see
Happy Monday! I’ve got tons of fun downloads and activities and Christmas play things to show you in conjunction with the book and with Christmas. I feel like a Christmas Elf!
Thanks all of you who have shared your wonderful emails and comments about the book. It’s a sweet, simple, uncomplicated book…the way the Christmas Story should be. It’s the kind of book that you have to read slow and feel. And I’ve loved reading your comments:)
And just a reminder…there are just a few more days (Dec. 10th internationally and Dec. 15th within in the U.S.) that you can get autographed bookplates from me that I’d be happy to sign and write a message on. You can get them here.
Happy Monday!!
xo
sarah
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It has been tradition that I add 1new Christmas book to our collection each Christmas and this year your book was ” the one”. We have been enjoying each and every page!!
Hi Sarah,
I bought the book for both of our Grandchildren when you asked us to preorder. They are happily waiting under our tree for our little ones. BUT…I now see you do the autographed bookplate, but when I have tried to order them ( again and again) at your site, it won’t let me. Am I doing something WRONG, or is your site frozen ( like ME this morning)!!!! Please let me know. The babies are so young we can add them as an after Christmas gift, but I SO want to have your signature on the books. BTW….our Granddaughter has dresses I have made from your fabric, and our bitty Grandson has your illustrations framed in his nursery. XXX Annelies
Oh my….operator error!!! I have ordered the bookplates. Sorry for my LONG message above. God bless your Christmas season. He has blessed mine abundantly with family and babies…the best gift of all!!!! XXX
Oh Sarah, I am so happy for you and so proud of your work. my daughter saw your page above with the angels and said “Jesus was born on a night of angels.” what a perfect description elicited from your illustration!
I received my copy of ‘A Christmas Goodnight’ today and I am IN LOVE!! I have popped over and shared my review and will also be reviewing it in depth on my blog VERY soon!! We will be sharing this book every christmas eve and I hope one day that my children will be hunting for a ‘vintage’ version for their children to keep our tradition alive. I am so BEYOND happy to have bought your book and am excited to have my very own ‘Sarah Jane’ book in my possession!! Well Done!
Gab xx
I received my order of 4 books for my family–I give a Christmas book each year and this year it was yours. They are all wrapped up ready to be shipped. So wonderful–mine is sitting in the bookcase, with the cover facing out (instead of the spine) so it adds to our Christmas cheer and decorations. Congrats!!
We just read “A Christmas Goodnight” this evening. My little one commented on the beautful pictures. Congratulations on your debut!
Congratulations, Sarah on the success of the book! It’s just lovely. Such a wonderful little legacy that you have created for your children and their children and so on… Soak up all of the excitement and enjoy the season. Merry Christmas, friend!
Hugs, Lori
Your book is in my Amazon.com shopping cart and I will be buying it tomorrow…along with an extra copy for our good friends.
I got my Bookplates this week and the books are wrapped waiting to be opened on Christmas EVE, I’ve instructed this in my boxes to my Children. I personally love the Book and am so happy to share it with my Children and 17 Grandchildren.