Review: My Advent Nativity Press-Out-and-Play Book {and Giveaway!}

I’m reviewing lots of Chirstmas books this month! If you’re looking for a children’s interactive Advent book, consider this review of MY ADVENT NATIVITY PRESS-OUT-AND-PLAY BOOK.

The Author

Tama Fortner and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee. They have two grown children and a feisty little pup, who she says is convinced he’s a person.

Also, Fortner is an award-winning author of over fifty books. She’s “collaborated with such well-known authors as Max Lucado, Levi Lusko, Sadie Robertson Huff, and Emily Ley to create inspirational books for all ages.

Tama’s upcoming releases include God, I Feel Sad  and God, I Feel Scared with coauthor Michelle Nietert (Zonderkidz, 2023 and 2024)

In addition to her Christmas book for adults, Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays, she also wrote this delightful board book for children.

MY ADVENT NATIVITY PRESS-OUT-AND-PLAY BOOK

This is a unique board book for ages 3-7. The older children may enjoy reading the book in one sitting. But, this book is perfectly set up for the young ones with shorter attention spans.

The first two pages of text contain an introduction to the story of Christ’s birth. Unlike many other children’s Christmas books, this book begins with God’s plan, before he created the world, to provide a way for His people to be with Him forever. I love how Fortner included this essential component.

Another delightful element of this book, is the “press-out-and-play part. The left-hand side of the book contains the text. Located on the right side, are the press-out pieces.

The pieces are sturdy. They pop out, and back into place easily. Clear instructions are printed lightly on the pages directing you where to place the pieces in the scene.

The two introduction pages include pop-out pieces that form the base for which all of the other pop-out pieces will connect. Also, these two pages contain pop-out pieces with different illustrations underneath.

After the introduction, the story is then presented in short passages. Each passage is dated from December 1 to December 25. The portions of one-to-five sentences are a perfect length for each day’s reading during the Advent season.

Unlike the introduction pages, the rest of the press-out illustrations match the illustrations underneath them. I like this for two reasons.

1. Children can enjoy the illustrations even when the pop-out pieces are removed and in use.
2. If any of the pop-out pieces are lost, you’ll still have the book with all the illustrations.

One thing I would’ve liked to have seen were a few scripture references. On the back cover, it does mention the scriptures were taken from the International Children’s Bible. But, no specific verses are referenced within the story.

The Illustrations

The illustrations are beautiful. The colors are rich and bright. It’s nice to see the various shades of skin tones.

To note, three wise men made it into the illustrations, and so they’ll be represented in the completed Nativity scene with Jesus in the manger.

Did you know the Bible doesn’t specify how many wise men there were—just that they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Nonetheless, that’s why we often see this part illustrated with three wise men.

The fact that the wise men came from afar to worship Jesus Christ is an amazing part of Jesus’ story. Most likely, the wise men came later and visited Jesus in a house (Matthew 2:1-12, ESV). But, usually due to today’s time constraints, people often add to their Christmas plays and books, the wise men viewing Jesus in a manger at the same time as the shepherds.

One thing I really like about this book is how the author doesn’t mention the number of wise men. And, she does mention that they came “sometime later.”

How I Plan to Use This Book

If my kids were still little, I’d read to them a portion of this book each day leading up to Christmas. They would have loved taking turns setting up the pressed-out pieces!

But, since they’re grown, I plan to use this with the grandkids who are between the ages of one and four. They will love this book!

This year, I’d like to FaceTime the ones who live out of town and read to them each day’s short passage. I’ll send them a copy of the book as well. After I read, they can take turns adding the next piece to their Nativity scene.

I think this book will provide a wonderful way to interact with them as I share about the greatest gift of all–Jesus.

Giveaway of MY ADVENT NATIVITY Board Book

The publisher and the author have kindly donated a copy of this book as a giveaway prize. Thank you, Tommy Nelson and Tama Fortner!

As usual, we’ll randomly select a name from this blog’s subscriber list. If you want your name placed in the drawing two times, then also leave a comment below. Perhaps share one way you celebrate Advent, or prepare for Christmas.

The winner will be selected and contacted on November 18, 2022. As always, I’ll pay all shipping costs so there’s no charge whatsoever to the winner.

Even if you don’t win, I highly recommend getting this book. To learn more, visit tamafortner.com.

Congratulations to Stephanie of Barnesville, PA. You won this book! I’ll be emailing you soon!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things. Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.