The Spirit of Christmas

A celebration of the most magical holiday of the year, by the incomparable bestselling author Nancy Tillman.

Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for The Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!) 

Nancy Tillman is the author and illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book On the Night You Were Born and its companion journal, The Wonder of You: A Book for Celebrating Baby's First Year. Her other books include Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You and Tumford the Terrible. A former advertising executive, Tillman now writes and illustrates full-time. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon.

Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) expertly swirls together reality and fantasy--the narrator's child delights in the sight of the decorated tree, the lion lies down with the lamb--as is fitting for such a magical night." --Shelf Awareness

"Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. ...Tillman's sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time." -- Booklist

"A beautiful and timeless book." -- School Library Journal

"As the adult speaker of the story nods off in a comfy red chair, the Spirit of Christmas appears, ready to get the narrator in the holiday spirit. What follows is a buoyant, imagistic tribute to the season, as the Spirit lists joys both and intangible, before offering the reminder: 'Because it took nothing but love to begin it, / it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it.' Tillman's ethereal illustrations are surreal but captivating." -- Publishers Weekly

"Bestselling author Tillman offers a dreamlike interpretation of the collective spirit that permeates the holiday." -- Kirkus Reviews
"The wonderful colored illustrations convey a sense of joy and peace." -- Children's Literature