Can't Get Enough of Christmas Books for the Kids? (part one)

I know I can't! And I don't have little readers. Well, I'm young at heart. Don't judge.;)

What was the first Christmas present? Who gave it? Who received it?

As children eagerly await the arrival of their toys and gifts this Christmas, The First Christmas Present shares the story of the perfect, first Christmas present, Jesus. Parents will appreciate how this book invites compassion instead of materialism through a simplified retelling of the Christmas story.

Preschool children and their parents are encouraged by the reminder to focus their Christmas celebration on Christ and His gifts to us. At the conclusion of the book, children are invited to respond to Jesus in prayer, song, and service.

Makes a great book to read as a family before opening gifts on Christmas morning! (ages 4 & up)

The First Christmas Present is available now from Concordia.

Christmas is celebrated around the world and children love to discover how their brothers and sisters in different lands celebrate Jesus' birth. Through stories and art, contemporary scenes portray Christmas preparations from a variety of cultures, including the United States, Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and more. This book colorfully portrays the unique ways that people of different cultures prepare for the Savior's birth, what they sing, how they say Merry Christmas, and what they do to celebrate Christmas, including their traditions with decorations, festivities, and food.

Makes a great teaching tool! You may read this book with your child focusing on one region at a time. Follow your child's lead, pointing out different facts, noting details in the illustrations and photographs, and asking questions to stimulate discussion. (ages 5 and up)

Christmas Around the World is available now from Concordia.

Since I missed doing Thanksgiving books, I thought I'd slip one in.

Most days, Mary loves her new home in America. But now it’s Thanksgiving time, and her family has little food. Mary begins to wish she could go back to Ireland. Life isn’t fair. Even the gift of a pumpkin pie from a kind neighbor doesn’t cheer her. So, Father tells Mary a story of how the Pilgrims struggled when they first came to America. The seeds they brought with them wouldn’t grow. Native Americans showed the new settlers how to make the soil grow crops. That instruction helped, but the Pilgrims still faced hardships. There were times when they had barely enough food. But five kernels of corn helped the Pilgrims survive and made their faith stronger.

Will the legend of the five kernels help grow a new faith in Mary too? (ages 4 and up)

Mary's First Thanksgiving is available now from ZonderKidz.