On the first day of Christmas, my parents gave to me a great book of Jesus’ story.

Or was it Santa who got us started on a lifetime reading program?

No matter. Here are a dozen titles to help children fall in love with books as they prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

written by Michelle Medlock Adams illustrated by Amy Wummer

Candy Cane Press, 2006

24 pages, $6.95

Available in bookstores

In this chubby boardbook, little ones wonder about the meaning of Christmas and what makes the day so special. Is Christmas just about presents and cards? Cookies and mistletoe? Santa and reindeer? All these things are part of the holiday, but Christmas means so much more. “Santa Claus and Christmas trees / And presents are okay / But Jesus is the real reason / We have a Christmas Day!” With joyful rhyme, the meaning of the season is delivered in a way just right for the very young. Ages 2 to 5.

ONE SHINING STAR: a christmas counting book

written and illustrated by Anne Vittur Kennedy

Zonderkidz, 2006

20 pages, $6.99

Available in bookstores

Three kings, two parents, one shining star. Who knew there were so many things to count at Christmas? Preschoolers will love counting their way through the story of Christ’s birth. Soothing words, soft illustrations and a glittering star on the cover all add to the appeal. Ages 3 to 6.

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

illustrated by Kristina Rodanas

Clarion, 2001

32 pages, $15.00

Available in bookstores

It’s no wonder that generations of children have loved the story of the poor boy who, because has “no gift to bring that’s fit to give a king,” shares the only thing he has with the baby Jesus — his music, such as it is. Written and composed by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone, the song drives home the importance of offering our time, talents and love to Christ. In this version, the words of the familiar song spring to life with beautiful, richly detailed illustrations. Ages 4 to 8.

THE CHRISTMAS STAR

written by Jesslyn DeBoer illustrated by Roberta Beasley

Zonderkidz, 2006

12 pages, $3.99

Available in bookstores

The wise men spy a bright star. This star, they know, means a new king has been born. They pack their clothes, food, blankets and, best of all, presents for the baby. The star leads them up and down the streets of Bethlehem where, at long last, they find the baby king. Ages 1 to 4.

WHAT DID BABY JESUS DO?

written and illustrated by Virginia Esquinaldo

Pauline, 2006

12 pages, $6.95

To order: (800) 836-9723

pauline.org/store

Baby Jesus “came to us so small and new — A little baby just like you.” Toddlers see that Jesus, much like them, sleeps while his mother sings lullabies. He holds Joseph’s hand. He walks. He learns to talk. He grows. This boardbook introduces God’s only Son to the youngest of readers. Ages 1 to 3.

SAINT NICHOLAS: the real story of the real santa claus

retold by Mary Joslin illustrated by Helen Cann

Pauline, 2006

32 pages, $14.95

To order: (800) 836-9723

pauline.org/store

Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, seeks to help a poor laborer and his daughters. In the dead of night, he climbs on their roof and drops bags of coins down the chimney. The family awakes to find gold by the hearth and even in the socks and shoes that were drying by the fire. The family doesn’t know the identity of their special benefactor — but they do know that the source of all blessings is God. A great introduction to the legend of St. Nicholas and the traditions derived from him. Ages 4 to 10.

AN ANGEL CAME TO NAZARETH: a story of the first christmas

written by Anthony Knott illustrated by Maggie Kneen

Chronicle, 2004

24 pages, $15.95

Available in bookstores

Four weary travelers journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Along the way, an angel intercedes and asks animals to help them. Each beast of burden must choose whom he will carry. The horse selects the soldier; the camel, the wise man; the ox, the good Samaritan. As for the donkey: “He carried Mary gently / And brought her to this stall / Where Jesus Christ, Her child is born / The greatest of them all.” Ages 8 and older.

O HOLY NIGHT: christmas with the boys choir of harlem

illustrated by Faith Ringgold

HarperCollins, 2004

32 pages, $18.99

Available in bookstores

While “Silent Night” is one of five carols featured in this treasury, the illustrations are anything but quiet. Begging readers to take notice of the joy brought to earth on this special night, the paintings feature the holy family, shepherds and kings in rich, vibrant dress against a backdrop of primary colors. Words to the carols are superimposed on gold panels and song titles are written in flowing calligraphy. CD included. Ages 8 and older.

CRICKET AT THE MANGER

written by Edith Hope Fine illustrated by Winslow Pels

Boyds Mills Press, 2005

32 pages, $15.95

Available in bookstores

A grouchy cricket hears a lot of noise around the manger and wonders about the fuss. The sight of the newborn baby melts the cricket’s heart and he responds with a very special song. Children will enjoy this bug’s-eye view of the Nativity. Ages 4 to 8.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

by Barbara Robinson

HarperTrophy, 2005 reprint

128 pages, $5.99

Available in bookstores

The Herdmans are simply horrible. These six siblings steal, cheat and lie — and that’s on their better days. Not regular churchgoers, they bully their way into the annual Christmas pageant. How this young clan interprets the story of Jesus’ birth — a story completely new to them — keeps parishioners glued to their pews the night of the performance. Both funny and poignant, this chapter book is mostly about transforming hearts, including those of the readers. Ages 9 and older.

WHAT STAR IS THIS?

written by Joseph Slate illustrated by Alison Jay

Putnam, 2005

32 pages, $15.99

Available in bookstores

A tiny comet sets sail for earth. Ducking planets and skirting constellations, the speedy beacon captures the attention of wise men. “What star is this that lights the sky?” they wonder. At journey’s end, the comet shines brightly over a stable. As the wise men “kneel to see” as the comet’s light reveals “the Baby Jesus — it is He!” Ages 8 and older.

LITTLE OWL AND THE STAR: a christmas story

written and illustrated by Mary Murphy

Candlewick, 2003

32 pages, $12.99

Available in bookstores

Little Owl is waiting for something important, but he doesn’t know what it is. When a twinkling star invites him to follow, Little Owl comes right along. So do the camels, traveling men and shepherds they meet along the way. Everyone comes to a stable, where they meet a loving family with a beautiful, happy baby. When the baby smiles, Little Owl rests easy: That waiting feeling has gone away. Ages 4 to 8.

Kerry Crawford writes from Pittsburgh. Patricia A. Crawford writes from Steubenville, Ohio.