Share the Joy! Book Review {& Giveaway!}

December is finally here and it’s time to share the joy! One way to do that with your little ones is by reading a Christmas Lift-the-Flap book: Share the Joy!

Also, since this is a season of giving, the publisher, Paraclete Press, is generously donating a copy of this book to be given to one of you! Check for the details at the end of this post.

The Author

Valerie Ellis is a children’s book author, speaker, certified teacher, and nonprofit consultant. When she’s not reading or writing children’s books, she loves sharing about parenting and kids’ books.

“I’m a mom and teacher who understands how tricky it can be to help kids discover and develop a vibrant, authentic faith amidst life’s many challenges. That’s why I’m passionate about helping families find simple, everyday ways to engage kids in natural conversations, fantastic children’s books, and fun activities centered around faith and love.”

–Valerie Ellis

She and her husband have two boys and live in Houston, Texas. You can learn more about Valerie at valerieellis.com. 

The Contents of Share the Joy!

Share the Joy! is a fun, interactive board book for children ages four and younger. The rhyming text carries readers on a merry journey as they discover numerous expressions of Christmas joy.

Seasonal delights such as decorating the tree, baking cookies, and shopping are mentioned. When children lift the flaps, they see how the joy they experience doing these things is even greater when it’s shared with others.

The book includes bright, colorful illustrations by Sergio de Giorgi. People of all colors and ages are represented. One child is shown in a wheelchair.

Also, children will see Christmas trees,  poinsettias, pinatas, several nativity decorations, pets, gifts, crosses, a communion table with a goblet and a loaf of bread, advent candles, and a picture of Jesus. The only Santa in the book is in the form of a small toy in a toy shop window. Santa is not mentioned or implied in the text.

In conclusion, the book wraps up with these two stanzas, which is the essence of the whole book:

Jesus came from heaven above . . . He changed the world with His great love.

That’s why Christmas is such fun . . . We show God’s love to everyone.

Recommendation & Giveaway

I love this board book! The illustrations are simple, yet engaging. The book is perfect for Christian families who want to introduce their little ones to the joys of Christmas. This book will make a wonderful addition to all homes, church libraries, and Christian preschools.

Would you like to win a free copy of this book?

Make sure you are on the email subscriber list for this blog. It’s easy and free to sign up. See the info in the sidebar on the right. You’ll receive 1 -3 emails per month letting you know about new blog posts and other giveaways.

We’ll select a name from the email subscriber list as the winner of this book on December 14, 2023, and announce it here as well as on my Facebook page. As always, I’ll pay all shipping costs. Merry Christmas!

Would you like your name entered into the drawing two more times? We’ll add your name two more times to the pot if you comment below and if you share this post on social media. You’re welcome to use the images I created on Instagram, Facebook, and X . Thanks for helping me share the joy!

WINNER, WINNER! The name selected from the email subscriber list as the winner of this sweet book is E. McCrary. Merry Christmas! I’ll be in touch about where you’d like me to mail your book.

Motivated by the power of story, history, and His Story, Sally Matheny’s passion is telling the next generation wondrous things.

Her nonfiction writing appears in worldwide, national, and regional publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., and The Old Schoolhouse. Sally’s first nonfiction picture book, T is for Together is scheduled for release by End Game Press in the spring of 2025.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies.

Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.