It’s hard to believe that Christmas Eve is one short week away! If you’re scrambling to find your little one just one more thing, I have a few suggestions. I may be a little biased, but you can never go wrong giving the gift of a book.
A picture book is more than just a book, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. #Christmas #KidLit
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It’s cuddle up time together as you read the book aloud and comment on the illustrations. It’s laughter and connection and memories made together that could last a lifetime. I wanted to share with you five Christmas picture books that I personally own and love. Maybe one of them will be the perfect gift for the little one in your life.
1. Dachshund Through the Snow by Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Ana Sebastián
Crosby was teeny. Even for a miniature dachshund. In fact, he was the teeniest dachshund in the whole town. But his small stature and big heart made Crosby one of the best burrowers in all of the North Pole. That’s why he couldn’t wait to enter the North Pole Animal Olympics and burrow his way to a gold medal. Finally old enough to compete, Crosby goes to town to register on Dec. 23, but when he encounters lots of hecklers and bullies who make fun of his small size, Crosby loses his confidence. With his tail tucked between his legs, he burrows as fast and far away from town as he can, running smack dab into a stranded Santa and his divine destiny. Will this unlikely hero save Christmas?
2. One Small Donkey: A Christmas Story for Little Ones by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens
This heartwarming Christmas book from Dandi Daley Mackall shares the nativity story from the experience of a tiny donkey who shows that God has big plans for little ones when he carries Mary to Bethlehem where she gives birth to Jesus. Though the donkey wasn’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, he had an important job.
3. C is for Christmas by Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Louise Hargreaves
Jesus is the reason for the season! It’s as easy as A-B-C! Pairing scenes from the first Christmas with the traditions of today, this book brings together all the very best elements of the season into a delightful read-aloud that families will turn to year after year. The gang’s all here—Mary and Joseph, the three kings, the shepherds, and the big man in red—but the focus is clearly on Jesus. On every page, this beautiful book witnesses to the great love that came into the world on the night a precious baby was born.
4. The Silent Noisy Night by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Kelly Breemer
The night Jesus was born is frequently referred to as a silent night. But how could it possibly have been silent if Jesus was born in a manger, with cows and sheep and donkeys and probably chickens and mice and birds all celebrating His birth? How could these creatures keep quiet? The Silent Noisy Night takes on a new twist to the Christmas story by exploring what the night may have been like if all the creatures and people celebrated the birth of Jesus in their own God-given, special ways. With cows mooing and donkeys braying, it may have been a very noisy night.
5. That Grand Christmas Day by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio
Discover the biblical story of Christmas in this luminous picture book, told in fun, rhyming verse that repeats and builds on itself. What happened on the first Christmas day? That Grand Christmas Day! answers that question, imagining the people, objects, and animals that played a part in the first Christmas ever. Luminous illustrations bring life to the story, which builds on itself with each turn of the page, right up to the grand moment of Jesus’ birth! The repeating text makes it easy for little ones to join in and help “read” the story. Perfect for sharing with children during the Christmas season, this book makes for a fun and interactive story time.
Christmas is almost here, but your local bookstore might have some of these in stock. If you live in a place where you can get Amazon Prime in two days instead of a week, you’re set! All done shopping for Christmas presents, but still want to read these to your favorite little ones? Check them out from your local library and still have that special time together.
If you’re ordering one or more of these books, can I suggest adding on a Palm Sunday/Easter book? Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw is available for pre-order right now and you can have an Easter gift already taken care of for next year. How great would that be?! I don’t know how long the sale will last, but it’s on a Christmas clearance sale right now on Christianbook’s website for $14.99, a savings of $5.00.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas this year. I pray that you will make special memories with your family and friends and that you take time to remember the reason we celebrate – Jesus!
Until next year,
Josie
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
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