Would you help me welcome our latest Sponsor to our Christmas Gift Guide: Bethlehem Barn, the Christmas Book written by Debra Westgate Silva illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski for children up to 8 years old which I disagree with this book is perfect for children and adults.
I have a question for you. Did you know legend has it that Animals are able to speak for one hour on Christmas Eve. I don’t know about you but I’ve never heard this before. Have you? Did you know Christmas is my favorite time of year.
My favorite gifts to give to children on Christmas is children’s books because a book is a gift that keeps on giving. I sat down this morning to Bethlehem Barn, even though I don’t like reading Christmas books or watching Christmas Movies until the day after Thanksgiving ie Black Friday.
Charlie was so surprised to see me reading a Christmas book that he climbed on the couch with me. As I read the book to myself Charlie begin reading the book out loud. I asked Charlie if he had heard of the legend about Animals and he said no. Just as David did.
Bethlehem Barn is a cute heartwarming story not only children should read but adults as well. Everyone should have a copy of this book under there Christmas Tree to read before Santa arrives that night reminding them of the reason for the Season.
As your reading share the Bible verse mentioned in the book with your family. To keep the story going ask the kids what happened next or to draw what they think should happen. What other Animals could be in the story and what would they say and why?
About:
Charming Christmas Story Takes Readers Inside the Bethlehem Barn
Bristol, RI, November 7, 2022 — If the Animals who witnessed Jesus’ birth could have spoken, what would they have said? In her 2022 Moonbeam Award-winning book, Bethlehem Barn, Debra Westgate-Silva gives young audiences a lighthearted retelling of the classic Christmas story — from the Animals’ point of view.
“The story was inspired by a Church service I attended several years ago when a Minister mentioned an ancient legend that for one hour on Christmas Eve, Animals are given the gift of speech,” Westgate-Silva said.
She immediately began envisioning different possibilities for a children’s story. What would the Animals have said on that very first Christmas Eve? How would the Cow have felt when she realized a baby was in her food trough? How would the Animals know who the baby was?
As the quirky Animals came to life in Westgate-Silva’s imagination, so did the message she wanted to convey.
“My goal was to create a fun story that children would want to read over and over that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas and the Spirit of giving, caring and community,” Westgate-Silva said.
With soft, beautiful artwork and a delightful Animal cast, Bethlehem Barn is geared toward children ages 4-8, and delivers a fun read that entertains while teaching the foundational Christmas story.
About the Author
Debra Westgate-Silva is a writer who worked in public education and child advocacy and welfare for many years. She has been published in Highlights children’s magazine and Teaching Tolerance (now Learning for Justice).
She is involved with Love Smiles, a Pediatric Cancer foundation that partners with Authors to share stories with patients and families, read by the Authors themselves. She is also involved with organizations that promote childhood literacy and causes related to child welfare.
Debra lives in Bristol, Rhode Island, with her husband and two sons. She loves reading, writing, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family. She also enjoys being part of writing organizations, which include The Writing Barn, 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and a cherished family tradition is baking a Birthday Cake for baby Jesus each year. Bethlehem Barn is her first picture book.
For more information about the Author, visit and connect with her on Instagram (@deb_westgate_silva) and Facebook
Bethlehem Barn: Available from Amazon.com and BN.com
Publisher: Stillwater River Publications
ISBN-10: 195512356X ISBN-13: 978-1955123563
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
