I really enjoy celebrations and using this time of the year to create family traditions. One of the things I have done over the years is find a Christmas book to add to the read in December box. I'm passionate about beautifully illustrated books so that is one of the criteria I have for when looking over a book to add to the Christmas Book Box. Today I want to share the books we love with you.
Jotham's Journey Trilogy.
The very first book that I purchased is
Jotham's Journey. We loved this book so much that we have purchased the three books in trilogy. These books help to change our focus from all things Christmas to Christ. We are currently reading Jotham's Journey this Advent season. If you have never participated in Advent before I highly recommend this series of books for your shelves.
Tabitha's Travels
Bartholomew's Passage
The Jesse Tree
By (author) Geraldine Mccaughrean, Illustrated by Bee Willey
This book is fairly new on the Advent scene. It's the story of short tempered Mr Butterfield the wood carver and the annoyingly persistant boy who arrives at different points in the church where Mr Butterfiled is carving a Jesse Tree. It's a story of redemption, forgiveness and healing. The story of the Jesse Tree, the Word of the Lord and a young boy who knows about neither.
Format: Paperback 93 pages
ISBN 13: 9780802854032
ISBN 10: 0802854036
Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas
By (author) Antonie Schneider, Illustrated by Maja Dusikova
This
is an Advent book for younger audiences. Follow Benjamin Bear as he
impatiently waits for Christmas to arrive. Follow Benjamin each day on
his journey to Bethlehem along with full colour illustrations.
Format: Hardback 64 pages
ISBN 13: 9780735819634
ISBN 10: 0735819637
The Animals' Christmas Eve
By (author) Gale Wiersum, Illustrated by Alexandra Steele-Morgan
This little Golden Book is a story of where a group of animals recount the events of the birth Jesus.
Format: Hardback 24 pages
ISBN 13: 9780375839238
ISBN 10: 0375839232
An Angel's Story
Author Max Lucado
Illustrator: Greg Dearth
I really enjoy Max's encouraging books and I am always attracted to books with beautiful illustrations. This is a story of imagination and many parts are true. Through the
story we can focus on the One who made us, His greatness, His plan, His
mercy and most of all His TRUTH. It is truth that sets us free (
John 8:32) You can
read an excerpt from the book over at Max Lucado's website along with why he wrote An Angel's Story formally published under the title A Cosmic Christmas.
Number of Pages:96 pages
ISBN: 9781418512712
The First Christmas
By (author) Paul L. Maier (Illustrated) by Francisco Ordaz
A beautifully illustrated narrative of the the nativity story that is a wonderful read aloud for young children. Old and young alike will enjoy the pictures in this book.
ISBN 13: 9781859853283
ISBN 10: 1859853285
Two from Galilee
(author) Marjorie Holmes
A love story of Mary and Joseph. I read this book when I was about 15 years old and spent the next 20 looking for a copy of my own it impacted me so deeply. Marjorie does an amazing job of taking you on the journey of Mary and Joseph from an earthly perspective. These two, chosen by God to provide the earthly home for His son. This teenage woman and young carpenter who had to live on earth and face the reactions of the unbelieving around them. Who walked the streets with unbelievers and suffer at the condemning glances of the town. This is a beautifully written account of the nativity written with sensitivity and insight. A worthwhile book for any well stocked library.
Format: Paperback 224 pages
ISBN 13: 9780553281002
ISBN 10: 0553281003
Christmas Doll
By (author) E Woodruff
This is a new book for me I have not read it yet the write up in the catalog caught my eye: "Lucy and Glory are orphaned sisters with no real place to call home. Only their memories of a beautiful doll named Morning Glory brighten their bleak lives. When a deadly fever sweeps through the workhouse where the girls live, Lucy and Glory flee to the mean streets of London.
One day the girls find an old battered doll that Glory senses is their beloved Morning Glory. But Morning Glory is no ordinary doll--the girls learn that she has magical powers that will change their lives in amazing ways.. With the help of the doll, the sisters discover the true meaning of the Christmas spirit." {
Amazon}
ISBN 13: 9780613573047
ISBN 10: 0613573048
The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas
By (author) Bruce Whatley
This is another beautifully illustrated book. Follow Peter the boy upstairs and the watch maker as they repair a very special pocket watch. A story of precious things, friendship, time and sacrifice. Beautifully written.
Format: Paperback 32 pages
ISBN 13: 9781741662245
ISBN 10: 1741662249
The Christmas Mouse
By (author) Stephanie Jeffs, Illustrated by Jenny Thorne
Follow the adventures of this little mouse as late one cold wintery night he finds a beautifuly wrapped gift beneath the Christmas Tree. Upon opening it he finds himself
ISBN 13: 9781853453151
ISBN 10: 1853453153
The Christmas Mystery
By (author) Jostein Gaarder, Illustrated by Rosemary Wells, Translated by Elizabeth Rokkan
This one is new to our shelves and I am looking forward to reading it out loud next year. "
In the corner of a dusty old bookstore, Joachim discovers a magic Advent calendar. When he opens the first door on December 1, a small piece of paper falls out. On it is the beginning of a story about a little girl named Elisabet who traveled through time to be present at the birth of Jesus.-
Book Depository".
Format: Paperback 222 pages
ISBN 13: 9781559213950
ISBN 10: 1559213957
Do you have any favourite Christmas books you take out each year to enjoy as a family ? I'm always on the look out for beautifully written and illustrated books to add to our Christmas / Advent collection.
If you would like to find some more book lists be sure to check out the
Schoolhouse Crew Blog tomorrow. There are over 50 lists and books to look through for inspiration from the crew.
Blessings
Chareen
