Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Ignatius, 2024
48 pages, $16.99
Mary points to Jesus — noticeably so, as we celebrate the patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Advent. This classic story, released again for a new generation of readers, retells the story of the humble St. Juan Diego encountering the Mother of God on the hill of Tepeyac. Our Lady leaves her mark — her miraculous image on the cloak of Juan, her “smallest and most beloved son,” and her imprint on the many souls of Mexico and throughout the Americas whom she continues to draw to Christ. Ages 5 and older.
Happy Birthday, Christmas Child!
Written by Laura Sassi
Illustrated by Gabi Murphy
Paraclete, 2022
10 pages, $9.99
“One stable on a busy hill/ with only ox and donkey ‘til … / Tap, tap. “Hello?” Two heads appear. / “The inn is full. Can we stay here?” Young readers can count to 10 and celebrate the first Christmas with this short, sweet and sturdy board book. The lyrical rhyming text and warm illustrations are just right for introducing kids to the sights, sounds and wonder of the Nativity story. “As Mary counts ten tiny toes/ all feel the love that overflows./ Each praise the newborn, meek and mild, / “Happy Birthday, Christmas Child!” Ages baby to 4.
The Night the Saints Saved Christmas
Written by Gracie Jagla
Illustrated by Michael Corsini
OSV Kids, 2021
36 pages, $16.95
When St. Nick awakes on Christmas Eve, he’s alarmed! “He tried ‘Ho-ho, ho’-ing.’ / Would that do the trick? No way around it, / Saint Nick was just sick!” His saint friends come to the rescue. Peter takes charge, assigning each to a region that he or she has known and loved. “Max” heads to Poland, Pier Giorgio scales the mountains, and John Paul II straps on skis and carries presents on his back. The flying priest, Joseph of Cupertino, drops gifts from on high. It’s a big job, to be sure, but Thérèse reminds them, “If we each do a little, our parts will be small.” Many, many saints combine to make Christmas special and to remind readers of the gifts God gives to them, especially Baby Jesus. Ages 3 to 7.
A Very Noisy Stable (2nd Edition)
Written by Jan Godfrey
Illustrated by Paula Doherty
Ascension, 2022
32 pages, $13.99
The town of Bethlehem is so noisy! Innkeepers slam doors. Donkeys clip-clop through the streets. The cacophony of the animals inside the stable reaches to the rafters. Suddenly, a deep silence falls, only to be broken by the happy cry of a baby! Angels fill the air singing, “Glory to God and peace to all on earth!” In that very noisy stable, so many years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was born! This new edition features fun activities for young readers. Ages 3 to 5.
Written by Anthony DeStefano
Illustrated by Bernadette Carstensen
Sophia Institute, 2024
40 pages, $17.95
When a little boy wonders how Grandma, who has recently died, might celebrate Christmas in heaven, Grandfather shares an imaginative story of what just might be. “The reason we celebrate Christmas on Earth / is that it’s the day of our dear Savior’s birth,” he begins. “In heaven they’re having a great affair. / All of the saints and angels are there.” Through the eyes of faith, readers see these heavenly friends as they bustle about, doing what they each do best, to celebrate Our Lord’s birthday. Sts. Cecilia and Gregory sing a duet, St. Lucy strings lights on the tree, and so many others offer their talents. For the boy and his grandfather, hope overcomes grief when Jesus welcomes Grandma to the heavenly celebration on that special Christmas Day. Glossary of the featured saints is included. Ages 4 to 8.
The Friendly Animals: A Christmas Story
Attributed to Bishop Pierre de Corbeil (died 1222)
Illustrated by James Newman Gray
Gibbs Smith, 2023
32 pages, $18.99
In this beloved folk hymn, passed down through the ages, animals retell how they welcomed the Newborn King. Each gave a gift to “Baby Jesus, sweet and good,” a gift only he or she could give. “‘I’, said, the cow, all white and red, / ‘I gave Him my manger for a bed; / I gave Him my hay to pillow His head.’” On that starry night, the barn animals opened their hearts and gave their best. The large illustrations, with a touch of both whimsy and warmth, invite readers to join in welcoming Emmanuel. Ages 3 – 8.
Written by WorthyKids
Illustrated by Madeleine Marie
WorthyKids, 2023
20 pages, $7.99
Short sentences, each highlighting a special word of Christmas such as angel, manger and Jesus, introduce the Nativity story to babies and toddlers. From Mary learning that she will have a very special Baby and traveling to Bethlehem with Joseph, the story unfolds with the birth of Jesus. Angels, shepherds and Wise Men all play a part. This sturdy board book with its rounded edges is just right for little hands to hold and filled with colorful illustrations to help the youngest readers imagine the wondrous story. Ages baby to 3.
The Christmas Elephant: A Nativity Story
Written by Maria Antonia
Illustrated by Laura Zarrin
Paraclete Press, 2024
32 pages, $16.99
Ellie can’t wait for the Christmas play: She loves Jesus and is so excited to be part of this special celebration! Trouble starts when Ellie insists on being an elephant for the pageant, and her big sister declares that elephants don’t belong in Christmas plays. Ellie’s best efforts to mingle her elephant-self with the requisite lambs, camels, Magi and angels are thwarted. But, when the doll needed for the Baby Jesus role goes missing, Ellie, with her elephant-like memory, and adorable elephant costume, quickly remembers where the doll is and saves the day. This is a great book that celebrates the Christmas story, while highlighting the unique and important role everyone has in celebrating Christ’s birth. Ages 3-8.
BONUS BOOKS
The Crawford sisters write from Pittsburgh.
This post was originally published on here
