In Case You Need More Christmas Books for Kiddos

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Carmen

Here are some other books David and I discovered that are not part of his Christmas countdown:

Stable in Bethlehem: A Countdown to Christmas by Joy N. Hulme. This is a simple board book – we enjoy counting the different things on each page.

Clopper the Christmas Donkey by Emily King. Illustrated in a cartoon-ish style, this book tells the Christmas story through the perspective of a donkey. I included it in this list because it’s so different from other Christmas books I’ve found.

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell. Cute story featuring the animals in the stable. I’ve seen this in paperback and board book versions.

The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher. Beautiful illustrations and lyrical verse. Thanks to a friend for this book!

A Book a Day ‘Til Christmas

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Carmen

david christmas books Just for fun, I wrapped 24 books for David to unwrap in the days leading up to Christmas. Some are Christmas books, and some are winter-related. (Don’t tell David, but most of them came off of our bookshelf.) It’s a good after-breakfast activity.

Here’s the list:

1) First Picture Book of Christmas Carols – illustrated by Mary McClain

2) The Christmas Story – Pingry

3) Who is Coming to Our House? Slate & Wolff

4) Baby Jesus is Here – Holley Gerth

5) Winter is Here – Weinberger & Dubin

6) One Night in Bethlehem – Lord

7) Touch & Feel Christmas – Henning

8) Jingle Bells – illustrated by Darcy May

9) My Very First Christmas – Rock

10) The Little Drummer Boy – Keats

11) Come and See – Mayper

12) The Snowy Day – Keats

13) The Story of Christmas – Pingry

14) This is the Stable – Cotten

15) The Story of Jesus – Pingry

16) The Friendly Beasts – illustrated by Ruth Sanderson

17) Where is Home, Little Pip? -Wilson & Chapman

18) Christmas in the Manger – Buck

19) A Star for Jesus – Bowman

20) A Christmas Goodnight – Buck

21) The Colors of Christmas – Phifer

22) The Christmas Pageant – Winthrop

23) The Snow Bear – Moss

24) Song of the Stars – Lloyd-Jones

My (Current) Top 5 Children’s Christmas Books

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Carmen

I love children’s books. Sometimes I think I should have been a children’s librarian. But that’s a whole other blog post. For now, I want to share some of my (current) favorite children’s books for Christmas. These are ones I found on my own bookshelves. I’m sure if I went to our local library, I would pick 5 OTHER books as my favorites!

1. Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff

In this book, the animals in the stable get ready for some special visitors: Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The rhyming text does use some old words (1980s!) but it is still appropriate for a small child. David loves this board book, even though he just moo’s through the whole story.

2. The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot, illustrated by Ruth Brown

I loved this book as a child, probably because I love cats. Unfortunately I discovered I am allergic to them, but I can still enjoy this book. Written by a veterinarian, this book has no ties to the biblical narrative, but it still gives me warm fuzzies when I read it. Because of its length, it is more suitable for an older child with a longer attention span. (Sorry David)

3. The Little Drummer Boy – by Ezra Jack Keats

I have trouble not singing the song as I read this book. For those of you who are not familiar with the song or book, a little boy plays his drum for baby Jesus. I know that this is not necessarily based on the Bible, but I do appreciate the message: do what you do well for Jesus, and that will probably make Him smile.

4. This Is the Stable – by Cynthia Cotten and illustrated by Delana Bettoli

I found this treasure at some yard sale or thrift store, where I find most of my books. Simple rhyming text tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Young children enjoy reciting the repetitive words.

5. Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Alison Jay.

Wow. I saw this in a bookstore and bought it at full price – it is that good! If you’re familiar with The Jesus Storybook Bible, then you may recognize the author’s style. All of creation is waiting and getting ready for the birth of Christ. I love how Sally Lloyd-Jones ties Jesus as baby and Jesus as co-creator together in this story.