Chris Tomlin is inviting families to experience Christmas through the eyes of a young shepherd-and his latest announcement reveals a wish to bring the story of Jesus' birth into the moments parents and children share at home.
The Grammy-winning worship artist has announced Good News of Great Joy, a Christmas picture book illustrated by his friend Scott Ligertwood. Scheduled for release November 10 through Tommy Nelson, the 32-page hardcover is intended for children ages 4-8 and is available for preorder.
"I am so excited to share that I've been working on a Christmas picture book, Good News of Great Joy," Tomlin wrote on Instagram, introducing a project whose central character faces an unfamiliar responsibility before encountering extraordinary news.
The story follows Shep, a young shepherd spending his first night watching the sheep alone, accompanied by his faithful dog, Shadow. When the angels' song interrupts their nighttime watch, the pair begin a journey to Bethlehem, where they encounter the newborn Savior.
That opening gives the book an emotional point of entry for young readers: a child facing something new, with a trusted companion close by. The Christmas announcement enters an ordinary night of responsibility and uncertainty, making the familiar Nativity story accessible through a character children can follow.
Tomlin's explanation of the project places particular emphasis on what happens beyond the printed page. He hopes families will gather to read about the first Christmas night and remember the significance of Jesus' birth together. His announcement presents shared reading as an opportunity to begin conversations about the news at the heart of the season.
Music also remains central to the story. Shep sings to comfort the animals before hearing the angels' announcement; after meeting Jesus, he wants to tell others what he has discovered. For a worship songwriter, that movement from hearing to responding gives the picture book a natural connection to his musical work. The publisher describes it as a family read-aloud suited to Advent and Christmas Eve traditions.
The book is also part of a broader Christmas rollout. Tomlin's album, Good News of Great Joy (Christmas Songs of Worship), arrives November 6, followed by the book four days later. His Christmas tour begins November 30, bringing the same theme into his seasonal concerts.
What distinguishes the book within that campaign is the intimate setting Tomlin imagines for it: families sitting together, reading aloud and returning to the story. His stated hope gives the release a purpose beyond another seasonal purchase-a Christmas tradition built around remembering why the celebration began.
Good News of Great Joy is available to preorder through FaithGateway. Follow Chris Tomlin on Instagram for his announcements.
