Christmas Reading

This is our 2nd year to celebrate advent, it is a really special way to keep our focus on what this Christmas season is truly about. I've been doing this book with Emma each day. She really loves it. I've copied a summary of the book from Children's Lit.com

Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before ChristmasAntonie SchneiderIllustrated by Maja Dusikova As little Benjamin Bear opens each door of the advent calendar that marks off the days until Christmas, Mother Bear tells him a short story that goes with the little hidden picture. Each story connects to the next as a young bear follows the Star of Bethlehem, encountering a variety of people and creatures along the way. Mother Bear uses each story as the springboard for a short affirmation. When the bear meets Santa Claus she tells Benjamin "that sharing with others brings us closer to God." In the story about two angels (each with just one wing) that help each other to fly to Bethlehem, she says "...it's nice to know the God gives us friends and loved ones to help us on our journey." All along the way the questing bear learns about what it means to be a good person and to love God. 24 stories later all of the characters arrive at the stable and are rewarded with the joy of the infant Jesus' laughter. The lovely, color-washed illustrations are nostalgic and magical without over-powering the story line. This would make a lovely family gift to share year after year--helping the little people learn some powerful messages about the season and to count the days until Christmas.

This is also a great book! Emma recieved this as a gift last year and it has been a wonderful story to teach Emma all about the real meaning of Christmas. It does talk about Santa Claus but the main point of this book is to show little ones that God is everywhere all the time. That even though we can't see Him, He's everywhere. So, the mother and daughter polar bear go on a journey learning about God in His creation. If you have children into animals as much as Emma is, they are sure to love both of these.

Just thought I'd share these with you!