The First Christmas {Books 4 Christams}

Beautifully illustrated books are very high on my list when looking at children's books and I'm equally as happy to set aside extra dollars to invest in beautiful books.  This book is no exception and I remember grabbing every spare cent I had fifteen years ago to purchase it. The paintings by Francisco Ordaz are the type of paintings that invite you in to enjoy them.

The First Christmas

• Format Hardback 
• Publication date 01 Oct 2001 
•  Publisher Lion Hudson Plc&nbsp ;
• Imprint Candle Books Publication 
• Illustrations note Colour illustrations 
• ISBN10 1859853285 
• ISBN13 9781859853283
• Author: Tim Dowley
• Illustrated: Francisco Ordaz

This rendition of the Christmas story is traditional in it's telling, and is one that your family will return to year after year.

 Check out the other books in this years Books 4 Christmas line up.

• Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
• Bartholomew's Passage : A Family Story for Advent
• Tabitha's Travels : A Family Story for Advent
• Ishtar's Odyssey : A Family Story for Advent
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens {Illustrated}
• Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
• An Angel's Story by Max Lucado
• The Wonder of Advent Devotional  
• A Christmas Carol - Ladybird Classics  
• The Christmas ABC  
• The Animals' Christmas Eve 

This post is part of the Homechool Review Crew Favourite Christmas Book Round UP

The Christmas Mouse {Books 4 Christmas}

Here's another beautifully illustrated little book for your younger students to enjoy leading up to Christmas.  The Christmas Mouse follows a little mouse who accidently finds himself inside a beautiful warm home and goes to investigate the beautiful tree.  He slips on a gift and decides to burrow into it to see what it is and finds himself in a far away land in a barn where he discovers the story of Jesus and finally finds his way back home.

The Christmas Mouse

• Format Hardback 
• Publication date 12 Feb 2014 
• Publisher CWR 
• Publication City/Country Farnham, United Kingdom 
• Edition New edition 
• Illustrations note chiefly col. Illustrations 
• ISBN10 1853453153 
• ISBN13 9781853453151 
• Author Stephanie Jeffs
• Illustrated: Jenny Thorne

The Animals' Christmas Eve {Books 4 Christmas}

Following on from yesterday's Little Golden Book today I'd like to introduce you to The Animals' Christmas Eve.  This is such a cute story from 1977. It's the retelling of the story of the birth of Christ from the perspective of the animals in the barn.  As they gather together to retell to their offspring of that first Christmas many years ago.

The Animals Christmas Eve

• Format Hardback | 24 pages 
• Dimensions 168 x 203 x 5.59mm | 108.86g 
• Publication date 05 Oct 2007 
• Publisher Random House USA Inc 
• Imprint Golden Books Publishing Company, Inc. 
• Language English 
• Edition statement Random House ed. 
• Illustrations note Full Colour 
• ISBN10 0375839232 
• ISBN13 9780375839238 
• Author: Gale Wiersum
• Illustrated: Alexandra Steele-Morgan

 In the barn on Christmas Eve,
After all the people leave,
The animals, in voices low,
Remember Christmas long ago . . .

So begins a sweet rhyming story in which a group of animals recounts the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it. This is also a counting book. - Book Depository

The Christmas ABC {Books 4 Christmas}

Since it's Advent and the days are beautiful and warn here in Australia I thought I would share some of my favourite Christmas books with you.  This week I want to focus on books for younger people in our homes.  I think the test of a good book for little people is if the adults enjoy the book too.  This Little Golden Book is a classic and is no exception.  It's the kind of book that you can look at year after year and not grow tired of.

 The Chrismas ABC

• Format Hardback | 24 pages 
• Dimensions 168 x 203 x 5.08mm | 104.33g 
• Publication date 30 Sep 2013 
• Publisher Random House USA Inc 
• Imprint Golden Books Publishing Company, Inc. 
• Language English 
• Illustrations note Full Colour 
• ISBN10 0307978915 
• ISBN13 9780307978912
• Author Florence Johnson
• Illustrator: Eloise Wilkin

"C" is for Christmas-y fun in this festive Little Golden Book reissue from 1962. Classic illustrations from Eloise Wilkin show her famously adorable toddlers decorating the tree, opening gifts, and running to the mailbox! Young readers will see themselves in this book as they learn their ABCs and aniticipate Santa's visit. - Book Depository

 Here is a taste of the lovely alphabet rhymes you will find in this gorgeous book

• A is for Angels looking down from above, Guardians of Heaven that sing of God's love.
• G is for Giving of gifts to each other. A package for Daddy and something for Mother, And let's give a present to some girl or boy Who surely would like a nice Christmas toy.
• V is for Voices of boys in the choir, Singing God's praises in festive attire.

A Christmas Carol - Ladybird Classics {Books 4 Christmas}

This is one of those stories that are synonymous with Christmas.   The story itself is now 175 years old.  One of the most surprising things about reading A Christmas Carol is that it's not a very long book.  We read it out loud in less than a week a few years back. Last week I shared a beautifully illustrated version of A Christmas Carol and today I would like to share another gorgeous version specifically for younger children.   This one is by Ladybird Classics.

 Ladybird Classics: A Christmas Carol

• Format Hardback | 72 pages 
• Dimensions 142 x 210 x 12mm | 272g 
• Publication date 01 Sep 2015 
• Publisher Penguin Books Ltd Imprint Ladybird 
• Language English 
• Edition Abridged 
• Edition statement Abridged Illustrations note w. ill. 
• ISBN10 1409312216
• ISBN13 9781409312215 

This beautiful hardback Ladybird Classic edition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a perfect first illustrated introduction to the classic Christmas story for younger readers. It has been sensitively abridged and retold to make it suitable for sharing with young children from 5+, whilst retaining all the key parts of the story including the three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, little Tiny Tim and his father, Bob Cratchit and, of course, the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Detailed full-colour illustrations throughout also help to bring this classic tale to life.- Book Depository.

The Wonder of Advent Devotional {Books 4 Christmas}

Collecting beautiful books for Christmas is a tradition that started many years ago. Each year I add one new book to my collection.  This year when exploring our local Christian bookshop I came across a beautiful devotional specifically for Advent.

Today marks the beginning of the second week of Advent for 2018. The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.

 The Wonder of Advent Devotional

• Format Hardback | 160 pages 
• Dimensions 145 x 193 x 15mm | 272g 
• Publication date 01 Oct 2017 
• Publisher Tyndale Momentum 
• Language English 
• ISBN10 149641909X 
• ISBN13 9781496419095 
• Language: English
• Author: Chris Tiegreen
• Scripture: New Living Translation

This book is beautiful.  It's cover is royal blue, the title is gold in-lay. When I hold this book I feel like I am holding a treasure beyond measure.  Chris has masterfully written short daily devotions which focus you on the One who calls us to Himself and eternity. I have found each day's reading to be thought provoking.

Rediscover the heart of the Advent season As the year comes to a close and the stress and busyness of the consumer Christmas holiday grows, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season really calls us to: worship. In today's world, is it even possible to slow down, to ponder, to wonder in the coming birth of Christ?This Advent, recapture the mystery and beauty of the season with The Wonder of Advent Devotional. In this insightful and thought-provoking book, beloved devotional author Chris Tiegreen brings you into a deeper experience of this integral time in the church calendar. After completing a week of short readings to prepare your heart for the Advent season, you'll journey through December with daily Scripture readings, prompts for reflection, and guided prayer to help you savour this remarkable divine story. With each day, The Wonder of Advent Devotional will reconnect you with what happened in Bethlehem long ago--and experience it anew in your life right now. - Book Depository  

The book is divided into three sections:

1. Introduction
2. Preparation: 24 - 30 November
3. Advent: 1-31 December

As you can see the daily devotions do not follow the traditional four Sunday's before Christmas but rather the last week of November and the entire month of December.

What's your favourite Advent resource?

An Angel's Story by Max Lucado {Books 4 Christmas}

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to reenforce the story of our Christian heritage with our children.  Yes commercialisation has grabbed it fully and as Christians we have the power within us to give our children beautiful stories to carry with them where ever they go in life for they will see Christmas which will remind them of the stories we have filled their lives with.  Angels brought the news to Mary, Angels brought the news to the Shepherds that night long ago.  They announced HIS birth to the world.  This beautiful book:  An Angel's Story gives us a glimpse into that special aspect of Christmas.

An Angel's Story by Max Lucado

• Format Hardback | 64 pages 
•  Dimensions 181.4 x 184.9 x 9.9mm | 258.55g 
• Publication date 06 Oct 2002 
• Publisher Thomas Nelson Publishers 
• Language English 
• Illustrations note Illustrations, unspecified 
• ISBN10 0849917786 
• ISBN13 9780849917783 
• Author - Max Lucado

Spiritual beings populate the stories of Scripture. Angels singing. Demons infecting. Heavenly hosts fighting . . . Ignore the armies of God and Satan and you ignore the heart of Scripture. Ever since the snake tempted Eve in Eden, we've known: there is more to this world than meets the eye. In this classic Christmas novella, best-selling author Max Lucado imagines the spiritual conflict that surrounded the coming of Christ. Surely there was much. If Satan could pre-empt Christ in the cradle, there'd be no Christ on the cross. Journey back in time to the very throne of God ... and witness firsthand the glory, the wonder, and the battle that took place on the very first Christmas.

Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien {Books 4 Christmas}

A few years back our family went on an odessy journey with Mr Bilbo Baggins curtesy of J.R.R. Tolkien. I was admiring a beautifully illustrated version of The Hobbit when my friend showed me the cutest book with real pull out Letters from Father Christmas.  I couldn't resist adding this book to my Christmas collection. Sadly this version is out of print however there are paperback and hardback editions still in print today to delight children of every age.

 Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

• Format Paperback | 160 pages 
• Dimensions 129 x 198 x 13mm | 330g 
• Publication date 01 Oct 2009 
• Publisher HarperCollins 
• Language English Edition statement Enhanced edition 
• Illustrations note 60 col illus 
• ISBN10 0007280491 
• ISBN13 9780007280490 
• Author - J.R.R. Tolkien
• Edited - Baillie Tolkien

Tolkien's complete Father Christmas letters, including a new introduction and rare archive materials. Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house into the dining-room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house! Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humour to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and `authenticity' of Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens {Books 4 Christmas}

Did you know that A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843? It is the book that changed the face of Christmas to what we know it today (read about it in the beautifully written history book - The Man Who Invented Chrismas: How Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits).   I always assumed that it would be a rather long book to read and was surprised when we finished it within a week!  It's a beautiful book to read aloud together as a family.  I have a few editions on my shelf and today would like to share this beautifully illustrated one with you.  It's a part of the Walker Illustrated Classics series.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

• Format Paperback | 160 pages 
• Dimensions 182 x 210 x 17mm | 521g 
• Publication date 07 Sep 2009 
• Publisher Walker Books Ltd 
• Language English 
• Illustrations note w. numerous col. ill. 
• ISBN10 1406305790 
• ISBN13 9781406305791 
• Author - Charles Dickens
• Illustrated - PJ Lynch

 Dickens's ghostly tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has become as much a part of Christmas as trees and stockings, plum pudding and mistletoe. First published in 1843, this lavish, unabridged new edition resonates with the true spirit of Christmas. It is superbly illustrated by Ireland's fourth Laureate na nOg, PJ Lynch, whose detailed, atmospheric artwork brings Dickensian London vividly alive.

Ishtar's Odyssey : A Family Story for Advent {Books 4 Christmas}

The excitment of a new book never dulls, however the excitment over an unexpected addition to an already spectacular trilogy of books is indescribable.  We love every book we had read so far in the series and this book had some rather high expectations placed upon it.  It did not disappoint at all and is a worthy addition to the three that came before it.

 Ishtar's Odyssey : A Family Story for Advent

• Format Paperback | 176 pages 
• Dimensions 211 x 231 x 10mm | 408g 
• Publication date 18 Dec 2015 
• Publisher Kregel Publications,U.S. 
• Language English Illustrations note Illustrations, unspecified 
• ISBN10 0825443938 
• ISBN13 9780825443930 
• Author - Arnold Ytreeide

A new Advent family devotional from the author of Jotham's Journey! Fourth in a set of Advent adventure books for families, Ishtar's Odyssey follows the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. Ishtar would just as soon stay in the comfort of the palace, but slowly he learns that there's much to see, do, and learn in this world that can't be experienced in school. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

Tabitha's Travels : A Family Story for Advent {Books 4 Christmas}

We so enjoyed Jotham's Journey and Bartholomew's Passage that when Tabitha's Travels : A Family Story for Advent was published we couldn't wait for Advent to begin so that we could read it and follow along her journey. Arnold Ytreeide is a story teller and has woven Tabitha into the two books that came before with the ease of a master.

Tabitha's Travels : A Family Story for Advent

• Format Paperback | 159 pages 
• Dimensions 216 x 235 x 8mm | 376g 
• Publication date 22 Jul 2010 
• Publisher Kregel Publications,U.S. 
• Language English 
• Illustrations note Illustrations, color 
• ISBN10 0825441722 
• ISBN13 9780825441721 
• Auther - Arnold Ytreeide

Following in the footsteps of the immensely popular Jotham's Journey and Bartholomew's Passage, this captivating story will take families through Advent to Christmas as they share in Tabitha's adventures. Curious, competent, and courageous Tabitha is the daughter of a shepherd who is taking his family on caravan to his birthplace. Along the way, she meets and becomes friends with Jotham and Bartholomew, watches as Romans take her father prisoner, spends time with Zechariah and Elizabeth, helps Mary and Joseph just before Christ's birth, and ends her travels at the stable in Bethlehem.

Bartholomew's Passage : A Family Story for Advent {Books 4 Christmas}

Over the years my library of books has continued to grow and so has my Christmas book pile.  This year I've decided to share with you some of my favourites.

Bartholomew's Passage : A Family Story for Advent

• Format Paperback | 173 pages 
• Dimensions 215 x 230 x 9mm | 413g 
• Publication date 01 Sep 2009 
• Publisher Kregel Publications,U.S. 
• Language English 
• ISBN10 0825441730 
• ISBN13 9780825441738 
• Author - Arnold Ytreeide

 Bartholomew's Passage is an engaging story that guides families through the Advent season. Young Bartholomew's adventures start when Roman soldiers destroy his village and disperse his family, continue through his enslavement to a tyrannical master and his escape with his new friend Nathan, and end with a reunion with his family in Bethlehem. Along the way Bartholomew makes a new friend, a young boy named Jotham!

We celebrated the release of this books so much. We had been read Jotham's Journey a few times and had loved every minute of spending time with him.  Bartholomew was a welcome addition to our families new Advent tradtion.  Each year we purchase chocolate wafer sticks and enjoy them whilest reading our Advent book.

Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent {Books 4 Christmas}

It was almost 21 years ago when I first heard about Jotham's Journey.  There were mixed reviews of forums.  It was during the time before the internet had mega bookstores or blogs with reviews. Timothy and Jane were little and I had just attended a GEMS (Godly Encouragement for MotherS) where I'd learned about taking Christmas back and creating memories, purposefully building Christmas traditions and I had also just discovered the Jesse Tree which started with a quest to know more and I ended up learning about Advent - The season of Anticipation and Hope.

Upon a little more research I took the plunge and purchased Jotham's Journey and I can see without a shadow of a doubt that it was the best decision ever.  If you are looking for a new family tradition and a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with adventure and encouragement I highly recommend you add Jotham's Journey to your family Christmas book collection.

Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent

Book 1 of 4

• Format Paperback | 
• 167 pages Dimensions 214 x 234 x 8mm | 395g 
• Publication date 26 Aug 2008 
• Publisher Kregel Publications,U.S. 
• Language English 
• Illustrations note Illustrations, black and white 
• ISBN10 0825441749 
• ISBN13 9780825441745 
• Author - Arnold Ytreeide