Dear Santa: Please Bring Christmas Books
Amid all the excitement and buildup of the season, it's easy for kids to miss the true meaning of Christmas.
Here are some books that will help steer young hearts and minds toward Bethlehem — and may even instill a hunger to learn more about what comes next.
JESUS, ME, AND MY CHRISTMAS TREE
written by Crystal Bowman
illustrated by Claudine Gevry
Zondervan, 2005
18 pages, $6.99
Available in bookstores
“My tree tells a story of long, long ago / From the star on the top to the presents below.” Christmas is at time of glitter and glow, full of hearty pine trees, shiny ornaments, clear-ringing bells and wished-for presents. This book celebrates some of the symbols and customs of Christmas, and connects them to the story of Jesus’ birth. An oversized board book that opens in the shape of a Christmas tree, this book is as much fun to hold as it is to read. Ages 3 to 6.
ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE:
A CHRISTMAS TALE
written by Martin Waddell
illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
Margaret K. McElderry, 2004
32 pages, $15.95
Available in bookstores
On a cold winter's night, Kind Ox offers to share his stable with one cold stranger after another. In turn, Old Dog, Stray Cat and Small Mouse take up their residence. But it's Old Donkey who brings the most special guest of all. He escorts the Holy Family into the special stable, where the baby Jesus will be born. The simple storyline, warm tone and mesmerizing acrylic illustrations make this an excellent addition to any Christmas collection. Ages 3 to 8.
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
based on the traditional rhyme
illustrated by Lesley Harker
Scholastic, 2000
Available in bookstores
“Twinkle, Twinkle” as a Christmas carol? In this clever picture book, the traditional words of the nursery rhyme are paired with illustrations that depict the story of the first Christmas. Two modern-day children are intrigued by the stars. One night they set out to follow a special glimmering one and they are transported to ancient Bethlehem. When they arrive at the manger, they have a present for baby Jesus. Even very little readers will enjoy the captivating illustrations and the simple, well-loved tune. Ages 3 to 6.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Written by Debbie Trafton O'Neal
Illustrated by Fiona King
Augsburg Fortress, 2003
32 pages, $8.99
To order: (800) 328-4648
augsburgbooks.com
The Christmas sing-along continues with this beautiful edition of the popular folk tune. The intricate illustrations do more than just depict the story of the first Christmas. They also show evangelization in action. Each time the “Go tell it” refrain is repeated, the characters are shown calling out, sharing the good news and inviting others to witness the miracle of the Christmas season. The final pages offer great ideas for hands-on Christmas activities that the whole family can enjoy. Ages 3 to 8.
CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN
written by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by Diane Goode
HarperCollins Publishers, 2004
32 pages, $15.99
Available in bookstores
“In a big warm barn in an ancient field / The oxen lowed, the donkey squealed” begins this retelling of the birth of Christ. Parents and even some grandparents will remember this story, first released in 1952 by the author of Goodnight Moon. New full-color illustrations of the barn and its many visitors that one wintry night complement the simple rhyming verse. Ages 3 to 6.
SAINT FRANCIS AND THE
CHRISTMAS DONKEY
written and illustrated by Robert Byrd
Dutton Children's Books, 2000
40 pages, $17.99
Available in bookstores
An unhappy donkey complains to St. Francis of Assisi. Why, he asks, do donkeys have to carry such heavy loads on their small backs? St. Francis tells him about the love, devotion and courage of the Christmas donkey. That donkey, selected by Joseph to carry Mary and her unborn child from Nazareth to Bethlehem, uses all his strength to bring his “burden” safely to the stable. His warm breath comforts the newborn Jesus. Ages 4 to 8.
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING
written by Pearl S. Buck
illustrated by Mark Buehner
HarperCollins Publishers, 2002
40 pages, $16.99
Available in bookstores
The 15-year-old son of a farmer yearns to give his dad a special gift. Why not, the boy wonders, give that gift out in the barn — a barn much like the stable in which Jesus was born? Working alone in the wee hours of Christmas morning, the son milks all the cows. When his father discovers his “present,” he promises to remember it every Christmas morning for as long he lives. Now an old man, the son remembers fondly the gift of love he gave. Ages 8 and older.
THE STABLE WHERE JESUS WAS BORN
written by Rhonda Gowler Greene
illustrated by Susan Gaber
Aladdin, 2002
32 pages, $6.99
Available in bookstores
“This is the baby in swaddling clothes, the small precious baby, the one whom God chose…” This tale provides a great introduction to each member of the Holy Family and the wonder of that first Christmas night. The warm, inviting pictures and repetitive cadence of the text are just right for young readers. Ages 3 to 8.
THE HURON CAROL
written by St. Jean de Brébeuf
illustrated by Frances Tyrell
Eerdmans, 2003
32 pages, $16.00
Available in bookstores
Originally written in the language of the Huron Indians, this hymn reveals the zeal of the French Jesuit missionary and martyr St. Jean de Brébeuf to make Christ known in a culture vastly different from his own. “The chiefs from far before Him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt,” for example, describes the visit of the Magi. Ages 6 and older.
CHRISTMAS SOUP
written by Alice Faye Duncan
and Phyllis Dooley
illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Zondervan, 2005
Pages, $15.99
Available in bookstores
It's Christmas Eve and times are lean for the Beene family — nothing but the same old watery tomato soup for dinner. When the youngest Beene prays for “something more,” the prayer is answered in an unexpected way — one that changes their perspective on what it really means to celebrate Christmas. This book serves up hearty lessons on gratitude and the importance of helping those less fortunate. Ages 4 to 8.
Patricia A. Crawford writes from
Winter Park, Florida.
Kerry A. Crawford writes
from Pittsburgh.
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- December 18-31, 2005