M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman & Teri McKinley
A beautifully written and illustrated children’s picture book about Christmas. The authors go through the alphabet, using each letter to tell part of the biblical story of Christmas in chronological order. From Angels to Manger to Savior to Wise Men, all the various pieces of the Christmas story are woven together in this board book for ages 1-5. An illustrated letter appears on the left side of each page (ex. K is for King) and a short 4-line rhyming stanza is followed by a Scripture verse on opposite page. It’s a book your toddler will want to hear over and over again.
Dachshund Through the Snow by Michelle Medlock Adams
This adorable Christmas story will become a holiday favorite for kids and adults alike. With colorful illustrations and an adorable main character, kids will easily identify with Cosby, the world’s teeny-weeniest dachshund. Readers may even shed a few tears with Cosby as he’s bullied for being so tiny and can’t participate in the “Arctic Animal Olympics.” Cosby may be little, but he has a special gift of courage and perseverance that helps save Christmas! Kids will also discover that, like Cosby, they each have unique gifts and talents that make them special.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry
My daughter is grown and married, but this was one of her favorite Christmas books. It was “scratched and sniffed” so often, that I had to purchase a new one! (Yes, you can still find the book.)
This story tells all the preparations the Bear family goes through preparing for Christmas Day—baking, decorating, cutting down a tree, etc. Throughout the story, all the smells associated with Christmas—pine trees, apple pie, candy canes, gingerbread, etc. have a scratch and sniff sticker so kids can actually smell the items! It’s definitely a fun book.
Simply Christmas by Tama Fortner
This Christmas devotional is just what moms need to slow down and appreciate life during the Christmas season. It reminds us of what is important and why we celebrate the season. From practical advice, to reminders of God’s miracle from Scripture, Tama invites us to “Be a Child Again—see the extraordinary and love in the middle of it.” Make memories with your family. Treasure and ponder them.
HOWIE’S BROKEN HEE-HAW by Josie Siler
Kid’s will love this picture book about Howie, a donkey who thinks he’s broken because his Hee-Haw doesn’t sound like others donkey’s hee-haws. But when Jesus asks Howie to help Him, Howie realizes He is perfect just the way he is. A great book for Easter about Palm Sunday and a message that helps children understand they are unique and of great value because Jesus made them.
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