Goodnight, Manger! {A Book Review + Easy Christmas Kids Craft}

**Book received for review. All thoughts are my own.

Have you heard of the popular Christian children's book, 'Goodnight, Ark'?

Now, I must admit, it's not one we have in our collection just yet, but it is a fantastic book full of fun pictures and rhymes, giving a favorite Bible story a cute bedtime twist! If you're not already a fan, it's certainly worth checking out. But if if you are already a fan (and okay, even if you're not), you will be thrilled to know that there is a new book out just in time for the Christmas season, Goodnight, Manger'!

Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth. It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosanas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.


As a Christian mom, teaching my children the story of Christ's birth is very important to me. We have many children's story books that tell the full story, which I love...but this one is a fun, unique addition to our collection. This isn't just your basic retelling of the Christmas story like so many other children's books featuring the nativity scene... but an all new look at the noises of the stable. As a mom who has tried with everything in me to get a little one to sleep, I too appreciated the truth and humor to this story. This is the perfect bedtime story to read to my little ones as the holidays grow closer, to help remind them in a fun way what the season is all about!

My kids and I loved this book and cannot wait to come back to it year after year. You can purchase it now at your favorite Christian book retailers.

And because I love bringing books to life with my children, how about an easy kids craft to go along with it?

Easy Popsicle Stick Manger Kids Craft

• 5 Popsicle Sticks
• Wooden Craft Star
• Paint
• Glue
• Ribbon 

1. First up, paint your craft sticks and wooden star. Personally, I prefer a classic look of a brown manger and yellow star, but allow your little ones to have fun with it. Try out Christmas colors or their favorite colors instead, if you'd like!
2. Allow to dry.
3. Now, it's time to construct your manager. Use two sticks for the side and glue one stick straight across the bottom.
4. Next, it's time for the roof. Attach two stick angling up to meet in the center. 
5. Now, add your star to the top of the manger (where the two sticks meet).
6. Finally, add ribbon for hanging, if desired. 

This easy craft is fun for little ones and such a fantastic way to keep Jesus at the center of the holidays! It's ideal for home or the classroom!

Are you a Goodnight, Ark fan? Will you be adding Goodnight, Manger to your collection?