True Meaning and Fun, Too,
for Little Ones Who Seek

Review by Mike and Amy Nappa

If you're concerned about visions of sugar plums and Santa floating in your children's heads while the real reason for the holiday drifts by, you're in luck! Here are a variety of new books to help you bring home the true meaning of Christmas.

Linda and Alan Parry have done it again! Every book they write is a delight for children, as well as adults, and The Herald Angels is no exception. This charming book tells the Christmas story through the visits of five "Herald Angels" to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, etc. Included with each bit of the story is a portion of a popular Christmas hymn such as "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger."

As children read the story, they can remove the angels from pockets within the book. The final pocket contains the remaining items needed to make the Herald Angels into a mobile to hang as a Christmas decoration. Easy language, cheery pictures, and the chance to interact with the story make this a perfect gift for young children.

Another new set of interactive books from the Parrys, perfect for the preschooler, features Holly the Lamb. In Holly the Lamb Finds Baby Jesus, the curious, rambunctious lamb overhears the angel telling the shepherds that Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Immediately Holly tries to follow them rolling down hills, climbing over mounds, opening every door in town until she is exhausted and falls asleep in the stable -- where there's a big surprise in the morning!

Holly the Lamb Meets David also uses lift-the-flap and pull-tab interaction on every page as Holly is frightened by the giant's enormous shadow and takes refuge in David's pouch. This title is not as easily manipulated but illustrated with the same bright appealing kid-friendly art, and opening the giant's mouth is loads of fun.

But don't let the Christmas fun stop there! Warm your home and hearts with the aroma of baked goodies using The Christmas Story: Cookie Cutter Set and Recipe Book as your guide. This bright box contains five Christmas cookie cutters as well as a book chock-full of ideas. Laura Kelly uses a short section of the Christmas story to introduce each cookie cutter, with a donkey-shaped cutter traveling to Bethlehem, a sheep-shaped cutter with the shepherds, and so on. She provides five different cookie recipes, and a variety of decorating tips, plus verses and prayers to share as your family bakes together. Open this gift early for Christmas baking and share the cookies and their story with family and friends.

After having warm cookies and cocoa, cuddle with your little ones and enjoy two new Arch books. Mary's Christmas Story, by Teresa Olive, tells all that happened to Mary, from the visit of the angel and her stay with Elizabeth to the shepherds coming to see the newborn Jesus. As with all Arch Books, the story is told in rhyme, and Olive's ability to tell the original story accurately and in verse is remarkable. Nancy Munger's warm hues give a soft, cozy feeling, perfect for bedtime reading.

Arch's second Christmas book, Three Presents for Baby Jesus, by Joanne Bader, tells of the Magi who followed the star to Bethlehem. The story reminds children that Jesus came as a Savior for people all over the world, not just those closest to his home. Bader's verse, coupled with the colorful drawings by Corbin Hillam (check out Herod's wicked grin!) make Three Presents for Baby Jesus, a wonderful book for young children.

So grab these books and plan several evenings of cooking, decorating, and sharing the love of Jesus as you celebrate his birth!



The Herald Angels
Tommy Nelson, $12.99
ISBN 0849913063


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Holly the Lamb Finds Baby Jesus
ISBN 6513562805


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Holly the Lamb Meets David
ISBN 6513562813
Broadman & Holman, $8.99 each


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The Christmas Story: Cookie Cutter Set and Recipe Book
Standard Publishing $9.99
ISBN 0784705356


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Three Presents for Baby Jesus
Concordia $1.99
ISBN 0570075246


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Mary's Christmas Story
Concordia $1.99
ISBN 0570075262


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