Advent and Christmas Books to Share with Children

Dear Friends,

My first spiritual director was my own dear Mama, who told me in countless ways about the deep and welcoming love of Christ. One of the mediums for this message was through the reading aloud of books, after school and before bed, at the table, in the car and snuggled up on the sofa. Mom studied children’s literature at university and to this day, children’s books burst out of baskets and bookshelves all over her house.

Mom has complied a list of some of her favourite sacred books to share with children during Advent and Christmas and I’m delighted to share it with you here. If you’re looking for books that cover a diversity of cultures and traditions, this list at Here Wee Read is beautiful (and has a bit of overlap with Mom’s).

Some of these titles are out of print, but all are available to purchase online.

Gail Hatch spent her career in schools and churches, teaching children and parents how to read, sing and love well.

Enjoy.

Books for the younger child up to 5 years old:

The Bearer of Gifts by Kenneth Steven, Dial Books, 1998

In this book we join an older Laplander who sets out in his cart to follow the sky’s brightest star that leads him to the babe in a manger and changes the Laplander’s heart forevermore.

Who’s Coming To Our House? by Joseph Slate, G.P. Putnum Sons, 2001

The question “who’s coming?” gets repeated on each page with a repetition that children love as one by one the animals prepare to welcome a surprise visitor into their stable.

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones; Zonderkidz, 2015

Beautifully illustrated, this book leads the younger child into the mystery and wonder of all creation while welcoming the Christ child into the world.

The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola, Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012

Join the colorful curious birds page by page as they discover why the Bethlehem sky above them is so bright. Enjoy reading another beautiful nativity story that captures the flight and wonder of nature while visiting our Lord in the Manger.

Books for older children and young teens:

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books, 2002

Ten year-old Jonathan is miserable after a family move from Memphis to Michigan. Missing his friends and frustrated that his pastor Dad is now responsible for a broken down church building in an unfamiliar city, Jonathan learns an amazing lesson when one of the church walls becomes severely water damaged. Patricia Polacco spins a tale she believes is based on a true story and one Jonathan and her readers will never forget!

An Orange For Frankie by Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books, 2004

Set during the Great Depression, Frankie is faced with a Christmas family tradition dilemma. Based on a true story from one of the author’s family members, read how dishonestly, fear, forgiveness and renewal all reflect the true meaning of giving and the reason we celebrate Christmas. In an addendum the author includes some interesting facts both fascinating and sad about the “real Frankie”.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola, Turtleback Books, 1999 

Lucida is forced to bring a bouquet of weeds as she joins a Christmas procession into her church for the Holy Family. While kneeling before the Christ child she offers her prayers along with the weeds and suddenly a beautiful red miracle plant emerges surrounding the holy family. Traditions of the season educate the reader in one of Tomie de Paola’s most colorful, poignant stories set in Mexico. 

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston, Puffin Books, 1996 

Waiting for Papa to return from the First World War to the their homestead in the Blue Ridge Appalachian mountains during Christmas 1919 is more than young Ruthie can bear. A lovely balsam tree was promised by her papa to be the village church’s tree that year. Just when all seems hopeless, her prayers and mama’s tenacious creativity bring many lovely surprises to the “pretty young-in’ Ruthie”. Beautiful illustrations by award winning Barbara Cooney adorn this gem of a Christmas tale. 

The Shepherd Girl of Bethlehem: A Nativity Story by Carey Morning, Lion (Children’s) Books, 2011 

Alan Marks’ magical illustrations help to draw the reader up and out into the hills and fields of Bethlehem with a young shepherd girl who we meet suddenly running through the night air calling out, “Papa! Papa! Where are you?” Leap over new paths with her as she runs towards a bright light that eventually leads her straight into her Papa’s arms in a stable that takes her breath away. 

Books for all ages to enjoy together:

The Animals Christmas by Catharine Gardam, Macmillon Publishers, 1990

The family at Hawthrorn Farm anticipates another typical Christmas Eve when local families decorate the village church. Dad and the kids contribute a freshly cut tree for the service. But once back home they are met with a strange surprise. Mother is up the road from the house frantically waving and yelling to them: “All the animals are missing from the farm-even the pets”! What is it that lures their animals away on Christmas Eve?

The Christmas Choir: Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne, Lincoln Children’s Books, 2018

With each page the lyrics lead you through the beloved Christmas carol with illustrations to match the awe and wonder of that holy night. This delightful book may invite a sing- through as well as a second read.

They Followed A Bright Star by Joan Alavedra, Putnum Publishing Group, 1994

Settle in for a family reading of this unique telling of the nativity story from Germany that details all of the familiar characters and then some. Enriched by Ulyses Wensell’s rich illustrations, meet several new characters you may never forget along the way to Bethlehem. Guaranteed to keep all ages enthralled.

The 24 Days before Christmas: An Austen Family Story by Madeleine L’Engle

Count down the days of Advent together as the Austen Family navigates the anticipation and celebration each day brings. When unforeseen circumstances interrupt important plans and preparations, disappointment follows. But the Austen children can’t know the surprise that awaits their Christmas day.