Today I'm going to highlight 6 books that are lovely to read and essentially feature characters from the story of the birth of Jesus in some way that is beautiful, sweet and not too-churchy (if that makes sense). I think they are the type most people would enjoy sharing with their little people during the Christmas season.
If you want to add to your Christmas collection and would like to add some that are of the Bethlehem story can I recommend these as a really good start point that will delight and enchant.
One of our traditions is that I buy the boys a Christmas book each year (not always Jesus based) and we have our Christmas stories out over the month of December to get us in the mood.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by
This book is the story of a grumpy woodcarver who is commissioned to remake a wooden nativity for a widow and her son and the process which softens Jonathan Toomey and connects him with his own grief. The son's description of each of the characters of the nativity and how they felt is so beautiful.
Not strictly a Christmas book this fable style story follows the destiny of 3 trees who had lofty wishes and how each of their hopes are realised in being part of the Jesus story - including one becoming the manger in which he slept.
Little Owl and the Star by Mary Murphy
By the author of the Maisy books. Little owl follows the star and comes across a beautiful baby who fills him with great delight. Very sweet and simple - a perfect introduction to the characters.
The Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
This is my new favourite and one I will be ordering the boys this year. All of creation passes the message from animals to trees 'it's time, it's time' and what most of the world misses the whole of creation rejoices over. Poetic and with gorgeous, 'old master' style illustrations this book is one I want for me.
Julie's illustrations are very distinctive and this story is pretty much a straight telling of the Biblical narrative in simple language accompanied by her wonderful, slightly dreamy illustrations. A great choice if you'd like to give your kids the bible story but you aren't sure where to start. I picked this one up at an op-shop this year and tucked it away.
Jesus' Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan
This story is delightful and humorous. The innkeeper gets one disruption after another by Mary and Joseph and their succession of visitors until he has absolutely had enough and that's when the party really kicks off. Funny and engaging the traditional story from a different perspective. Also captures the gorgeousness of new life.
FYI - links provided for your shopping assistance sadly I make nothing from them :o)
Do you have a favourite Christmas story?
We Recommend for Christmas
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Love you more than a book in the post xxxx
