I've been working on sorting all our Christmas books this year into categories.The books shared here are simply our favorites this Advent season. Someone shared them with me, so now I'm paying the richness forward.
When filling our Advent reading basket, I'm looking for books that are well-written, beautifully illustrated, and hopefully will stir and engage the boys' affections toward the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christmas.
Books about the real meaning of Christmas and also books that are good for the heart because they capture the love and generosity that characterize Christmas.
The week before Christmas is here.
Some of the best snuggle time of the year. Especially when it's with a good story.
We've read again most of the books from our 2014 Christmas Favorites. Drummer Boy, Apple Tree Christmas, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and others have become traditional favorites.
As I sorted many of our picture books according to each theme of Advent in our home, I added them to the appropriate Advent posts. The links below will take you to specific book links and more details.
As I sorted many of our picture books according to each theme of Advent in our home, I added them to the appropriate Advent posts. The links below will take you to specific book links and more details.
What About Santa Claus (post from 2014):
Some other favorites this year:
For your littles...
Sing along to this whimsically illustrated book
Perfect for toddlers
Two pigs - Toot and Puddle - with lots of personality. Get ready to smile.
Other books specifically for littles:
Nativity Books
(scroll to the bottom of Advent Day 1 post)
Other books specifically for littles:
Nativity Books
(scroll to the bottom of Advent Day 1 post)
One of my favorite books for helping the littlest people in my house understand the Christmas story.
King of the Stable by Melody Carlson
This little boy who has lost both his parents, finds a special connection with the baby Savior.
We enjoy immensely the audio book of James Herriot's Treasury for Children.
A New Coat for Anna by Harriet Ziefert
Anna's mother trades some of her last precious possessions to get Anna a new coat.
Silent Night by Margaret Hodges
Journey back to Austria to discover the origination and rapid spread of one of the most famous Christmas carols - Silent Night. How it brought Christmas peace even between enemies at war. This is a special story.
Christmas Around the World with Tomie dePaola
Tomie dePaola's unique artistic style of children's books is immediately recognizable. His careful research is evident in his enlightening and charming stories.
A French Legend retold by an Italian
Christmas in Italy
A German AmericanFamily
Christmas in Mexico
Patricia Polacco is another gifted author/illustrator whose children's books emphasize family and tradition. Her Jewish heritage comes through in a lovely way. My mother-in-law is a Messianic Jew, so though these "Christmas" books are not written from a Christian perspective, Polacco's gift as a master storyteller holds a special place in our hearts and has sparked good conversations.
Hanukkah story
A pastor and his family move from Memphis to Detroit.
Two faiths, two families, united by fate... or as we say a sovereign God.
This year's Advent chapter book read alouds:
The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle
Not technically a chapter book but long enough that we needed to read it in chunks. Join the Austin family as Advent unfolds in their home each day in a special way. The children wonder if their mother will have a Christmas baby.
Not technically a chapter book but long enough that we needed to read it in chunks. Join the Austin family as Advent unfolds in their home each day in a special way. The children wonder if their mother will have a Christmas baby.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
As I was reading, I did edit the language a bit for my crew. They didn't seem to notice, and they laughed loud throughout this book! Let the Herdmans help you hear the Christmas story for the very first time.
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