Book picks similar to
A Gift from Saint Francis: The First Creche by Joanna Cole


picture-books
childrens-lit
christmas
juvenile-christian

Miracle of Saint Nicholas


Gloria Whelan - 1997
    Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl--before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas." Alexi had many questions, including, "Why can't we celebrate Christmas tomorrow in St. Nicholas?" Babushka sadly replied that it would take a miracle after sixty years. Well, Alexi had heard enough. If there truly was such a thing as a miracle, why couldn't it happen here? And so unfolds a story that poignantly reveals how, though quiet and hidden, faith and hope cannot be suppressed--by soldiers or by time.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Saint Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures


Katherine Paterson - 2011
    Illuminated with the exquisite illustrations of cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton, this picture book offers a stunningly beautiful tribute to nature.

The Lady of Guadalupe


Tomie dePaola - 1980
    The patron saint of Mexico who appeared to a poor Indian in 1531.

Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest with CD


Dan Farr - 2005
    Finnegan (Dick Van Dyke) is no ordinary toymaker. His providential meeting with Maggie, a resentful girl who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas, is the beginning of a series of miracles that will change her heart forever.

The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus' Birth


Dandi Daley Mackall - 2008
    Cookie jars held pennies, not Christmas cookies.So when Jack smells something delicious coming from the kitchen, he can’t believe his nose. Cookies!But his excitement turns to disappointment when he learns the cookies aren’t for him. Instead, Mother is baking them for the needy people at their church. While Jack helps roll out the dough, his mother tells him the legend of the Christmas cookie.In a captivating interplay of simple words and beautiful illustrations, The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells a tender story of giving—not just cookies, but gifts of the heart that last forever.

The Gingerbread Cowboy


Janet Squires - 2006
    You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!"The Gingerbread Cowboy can run from the rancher, he can dash past the javelinas, and he can giddyup right by the cattle grazing on the mesa. But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun?Janet Squires and Holly Berry retell this classic tale with a Wild Western flair, filled with rodeo-romping fun.

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect


Richard H. Schneider - 1988
    Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection...Young readers will want to read and reread the story of how Small Pine's love and charity for its friends helps make it the most "perfect" Christmas Tree of all.This magnificently illustrated story of a warm-hearted Christmas tree will surely become one of the most beloved classics of future generations. Schneider's storytelling will enthrall children and adults alike.

The Legend of the Christmas Rose


William H. Hooks - 1999
    William Hooks's retelling of this unusual Christmas legend transports readers back 2000 years to Bethlehem to follow nine-year-old Dorothy on her journey to see the Baby Jesus and to witness the miracle of a tiny flower delicately transforming into a beautiful Christmas rose.

Goggles: The Bear Who Dreamed of Flying


Jonathan Gunson - 2019
    Then one day, he discovers a BIG SECRET that means his dream might just come true...The perfect picture book for parents and grandparentsThis sweet book will be loved by both boys and girls, age 3 - 9. It is written to inspire children's imagination and encourage them to follow their dreams, making it a magical experience when reading it to them.Beautiful, illustrations with hidden surprises!There are bears hidden in the clouds, a mischievous mouse on every page, an amazing fantasy airplane, and an animated honey jar in the page corners: Just flip the pages, and magically, the honey jar fills up!Plus: Special history page about the famous Wright BrothersThe bears in the story are the first bears to fly, so they're called "The Wright Bears", after the famous Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the first people to fly. There's a dedication page to the brothers, with photographs of their famous plane "The Wright Flyer."More flying bears coming soon...The series includes a teddy bear picnic, bear magic, and bear pirates. Kids will cherish the books and learn from the fun-to-read stories.

The Very First Christmas


Paul L. Maier - 1998
    Christopher learns the Real Christmas story when he asks his mom to tell him only true stories.

Little Mouse on the Prairie


Stephen Cosgrove - 1978
    But Tweezle and her friends help one another-she shows them the value of hard work while they teach her that laughter can make work more fun!

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend


Julie Stiegemeyer - 2003
    This picturebook rendition of the historical roots of Father Christmas recounts the life of Saint Nicholas, a pastor in 4th-century Lycia (modern-day Turkey), whose generosity was so profound that he became known as Father Christmas.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Peek-Through Picture Book


Britta Teckentrup - 2016
    This interactive and lively book is sure to be a family favorite at Christmastime year after year.

Snow Bear


Jean Craighead George - 1999
    Snow Bear and Bessie are instant friends, but Bessie's brother and Snow Bear's mother are worried. The grown-ups wait and watch the little ones play until something happens that will break up the happy pair. With simple text and lavish illustrations, this Arctic picture book will warm readers' hearts.

Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World


Pope Francis - 2016
    All too often, the big spiritual questions from children are ignored or written off as quaint, but Pope Francis helps every child feel God’s love and know that their voices are valued and heard. With each question charmingly illustrated by the child, Dear Pope Francis lets the Pope respond directly to each child with inspiring, meaningful answers. Pope Francis's joyful warmth and wisdom shine through for parents, grandparents, teachers and, of course, children.