Monday, December 21, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards



Asleep on the Hay (1) 

Asleep on the Hay

Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards

It’s Christmas Eve when a knock comes at the door of Paul’s family farmhouse. A small family is stranded due to a broken-down truck and seeks shelter for the evening. Paul’s grandfather not only welcomes them in, but offers them dinner and a bed for the night. Even though it is a season of giving, Paul’s heart is not filled with charity. It’s the height of the Dust Bowl and food is scarce. Why should he share what little he has with strangers? Worse, in order to help the sick baby, Paul will have to sell his beloved calf to buy a part to fix the truck. Angry, he retreats to the barn, where he sleeps and dreams of faraway Bethlehem. In his dream, he visits Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The family offers Paul food and shelter and warmth—extending to him the love and charity he lacks and teaching him of the true meaning of Christmas.
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My Review: 5 stars / It was amazing

I've fallen in love with the art in this book! It's always wonderful to discover an artist whose work resonates with me. The painterly quality, the light and expression depicted in the illustrations made the story come to life. I appreciated the realistic feelings of the boy who is conflicted about the sacrifice he is being asked to make, and how the comparison of the Christmas story puts things in perspective and blesses him with charity, the pure love of Christ. Highly recommend for children and families, would make a perfect gift!

(Thank you to Deseret Book Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

ben sowards 
Author & Illustrator Ben Sowards

Ben Sowards is the illustrator of many well-loved picture books, including A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Seven Miracles that Saved America, and Christmas Oranges. Ben Sowards teaches others to paint both traditionally and digitally at Southern Utah University, where has directed the illustration program since 2001.



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$25 Blog Tour Giveaway Giveaway Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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