Book picks similar to
Bethlehem by Fiona French


christmas
picture-books
childrens
christmas-picture-books

When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky: Two Artists, Their Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot


Lauren Stringer - 2013
    When their radically new ballet, The Rite of Spring, was first performed in Paris on May 29, 1913, the reaction was so polarized, there were fistfights and riots! Brilliant or disastrous, the performance marked the birth of modern music and dance. Stringer’s rhythmic text and gloriously inventive, color-rich paintings capture the wild and imaginative collaboration of composer and choreographer. The fascinating author note includes photos of the dynamic duo and The Rite of Spring dancers.

Funnybones


Janet Ahlberg - 1980
    A special edition of this classic picture book to celebrate its 40th anniversary - with a glow-in-the-dark cover!In the first ever Funnybones book, we are introduced to the wonderful humour and fun of the much-loved series.The Funnybones books are a must for children just starting to learn to read - these funny skeletons are definitely not the scary sort!Allan Ahlberg has published over 100 children's books and with his late wife Janet, created many award-winning children's picture books.The Ahlbergs' books are nursery bookshelf standards and have been the recipient of worldwide acclaim and awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal.__________ Look out for these other classics by Allan Ahlberg: Burglar Bill; Cops and Robbers; Each Peach Pear Plum; The One and Only Two Heads; Son of a Gun; The Little Worm Book; Two Wheels Two Heads; The Baby's Catalogue; A Pair of Sinners; Happy Families; Peepo!; The Ha Ha Bonk Book; Help Your Child to Read; Ten in a Bed; Please mrs Butler; Daisy Chains; Yum Yum; Playmates; Foldaways; Woof; The Cinderella Show; The Jolly Postman; The Jolly Christmas Postman; The Jolly Pocket Postman; The Clothes Horse and Other Stories; The Mighty Slide; Starting School; Heard it in the Playground; The Bear Nobody Wanted; It was a Dark and Stormy Night; The Giant Baby; Baby Sleeps; Blue Buggy; Doll and Teddy; See the Rabbit; Please Mrs Butler; The Better Brown Stories; The Boyhood of Burglar Bill

The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent


Ulf Stark - 2012
    That's the last straw...he won't be the Yule Tomte anymore!Binny and Barty, the rabbit children, live with their family in the forest. They've never heard of Christmas, or the Yule Tomte, until the wind brings them some strange gifts...All the animals in the forest prepare for the arrival of Christmas. They make presents, bake sweet treats and even write a song. But will the Yule Tomte ever bring Christmas to the big forest?This charming and funny Christmas story of a grumpy tomte and the hopeful little rabbits is told over twenty-five chapters--one for each day of Advent -- with delightful festive illustrations. Perfect for families to share together.(Ages 5-8)

The Message of the Birds


Kate Westerlund - 2011
    “People no longer listen,” is the sad realization. The birds decide to share the message once more, but this time to the children of the world. And what unfolds is surely a Christmas wonder.

God's Very Good Idea: A True Story of God's Delightfully Different Family


Trillia J. Newbell - 2017
    This stunningly illustrated journey from the garden of Eden to God's heavenly throne room shows how despite our sinfulness, everyone can be a part of God's very good idea through the saving work of Christ.This book will help children see how people from all ethnic and social backgrounds are valuable to God and how Jesus came to rescue all kinds of people. It will also excite them about being part of church.

God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas


Dietrich Bonhoeffer - 2010
    These are the manger and the cross of Jesus Christ." "No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human." These stirring words are among forty devotions that guide and inspire readers as they move thematically through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation, and joy. Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies


Justin S. Holcomb - 2015
    This misconception fuels confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy, and often prevents children from recognizing or reporting sexual abuse.God Made All of Me is a simply-told, beautifully-illustrated story to help families talk about these sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. Because the private parts of our bodies are private, the home is the ideal environment where a child should learn about his or her body and how it should be treated by others.God Made All of Me starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. God Made All of Me allows families to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes.God Made All of Me is the first children's book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. Their simple and relatable story, designed to help children protect their bodies, will be an important resource for every family with young children.Simple, relatable story for two- to eight-year-old children, designed to help them protect their bodies.Includes colorful, age-appropriate illustrations.Conveys a clear message that God made every part of the human body and that every part is, therefore, good (the doctrine of creation.)Gently opens the conversation about sexual abuse that every family needs to have.Facilitates open conversations about appropriate and inappropriate touch.Overcomes confusion, secrecy, and embarrassment about bodies with truth.

Christmas Playlist: Four Songs That Bring You to the Heart of Christmas


Alistair Begg - 2016
    This is perfect for giving out at church events, or with a present. Music is everywhere at Christmaschart-toppers, carols, children's tunes]] Alistair Begg takes us to four songs that were sung by people at the very first Christmas (and his favorite carol). In this short, winsome book a teenage girl, a respected priest, a group of angels and an old man bring readers to the heart of Christmas, showing them the joy and peace that comes from meeting a baby who lay in the food trough and changed eternity.

Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel


Shirley Climo - 1982
    The old lady decorates a wonderful tree and makes certain to have something for all who come to visit, be it the nearby village children or the shy animals of the pine forest.The only creatures Tante overlooks are the spiders she has swept out of her cottage while cleaning. But the curious spiders want to come inside and see Tante's tree, too. When a midnight visitor lets them into the old lady's home, they unknowingly spin Tante the very gift she has longed for—a gift that has inspired the draping of tinsel on Christmas trees ever since.“A charming story.” —Publishers WeeklyAll her life, Tante had heard tales about marvelous happenings on Christmas Eve. Animals might speak aloud. Bees might hum carols, or cocks crow at midnight. Tante wished she could witness a bit of Christmas magic, too....

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening


Robert Frost - 1969
    For this special edition with a new design, trim size, and three new spreads, Susan Jeffers has added more detail and subtle color to her sweeping backgrounds of frosty New England scenes. There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter. The handsome new vellum jacket will attract new and old fans as it evokes a frost-covered windowpane. This celebration of a season makes an ideal holiday gift for a child, a teacher, or a host. Robert Frost (1874-1963) is one of America's most celebrated poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.Susan Jeffers is the illustrator of such distinguished picture books as Three Jovial Huntsmen, a Caldecott Honor Book; Rachel Field's Hitty; and the ABBY Award-winning Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, which was also a New York Times best-seller.

Lighthouse Christmas


Toni Buzzeo - 2011
    After all, would Santa even know how to find them in this faraway spot? But when Christmas Eve is ushered in on a wild storm and Papa risks his life to rescue a drowning man, the children realize that the most important thing about the holiday is being together.As in all great Christmas stories, a happy ending is in store, and Santa finds them after all. Cozy and nostalgic, this story was inspired by the Flying Santa program, a New England tradition since 1929. It's the perfect book for a family to read together in front of the fire on Christmas morning.

The Story of Holly and Ivy


Rumer Godden - 1958
    and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she's sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney's luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.

Planes


Byron Barton - 1986
    With simple text and vibrant illustrations, readers will learn about transportation by plane. Byron Barton's Planes "will delight the youngest, and have enough meat for older preschoolers and beginning readers."—Kirkus ReviewsSupports the Common Core State Standards

Thankful


Eileen Spinelli - 2015
    Eileen Spinelli, bestselling and award-winning children's author, charms with rhymes and whimsy in Thankful, perfect for any young reader and their family.Thankful is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children ages 4–8 to:Focus on the blessings that we tend to take for grantedAppreciate essential workers and what people in our everyday lives provide: “Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out.”Meant to be read aloud, Thankful features:Endearing storytelling with engaging rhyming text, making reading fun for readers young and oldWhimsical illustrations with soft colors and bold lines, perfect for any season

Refuge


Anne Booth - 2015
    A book with timeless crossover appeal and a message that couldn't be more relevant.GBP5 from the sale of each book will go directly to War Child.War Child UK is caring for Syrian refugee children in camps and host communities in Jordan and Northern Iraq. They provide safe spaces for children to play and talk about their experiences, counselling for children and also their parents, to help them get past the trauma they have experienced, whilst also providing education for children in the camps.