Our favorite picture books that walk your family through each week of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Week 1: HOPE
The Christmas Promise
by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri
From Riley:
This book connects children to the reason WHY Jesus needed to be born a baby to rescue the world. They will see firsthand the HOPE that is found in Jesus.
From the Publisher:
This hardback storybook is a captivating retelling of the Christmas story, showing how God kept his promise to send a new King, a rescuing King, a forever King!
Ages: 3-6
Week 2: PEACE
The Tale of Three Trees
Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
From Riley:
This is one of those picture books that not only connects with your child, but will change you as well. It’s marketed as an Easter book, but it’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas bookshelf. It showcases the journey of three trees who find PEACE in what they are created in to, despite what they originally hoped for.
From the Publisher:
Children will be deeply touched as they understand the significance of Christ's life and his atoning sacrifice on the cross.
Ages: 3-7 (however, we think this is great for all aged kids)
Week 3: JOY
Great Joy
by Kate DiCamillo
From Riley:
This story shows children the JOY in choosing to think of others and extending compassion. Highly recommend adding this to your shelves and returning to it year after year.
From the Publisher:
It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street outside Frances’s apartment. When it’s quiet she can hear their music, and when she looks out her window at midnight, she sees them sleeping outside. Finally the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, but when it’s Frances’s turn to speak, all she can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until a door opens just in time, and she finds the perfect words to share.
Ages: 4-8
Week 4: LOVE
You are Special by Max Lucado
From Riley:
This is a relatable book for all ages that will help your kids see how Jesus came to earth to clean up our mess. We end advent by reminding them of His great LOVE for us, in spite of how we fail.
From the Publisher:
Tully wants to be a part of all the Christmas festivities along with his human family, but they are always telling him, “No Tully. Sit down. You will make a mess.” When his leash gets tangled around the Christmas tree, the whole tree falls down, creating a big mess! Tully is afraid his family will be mad that he ruined Christmas, but instead they are reminded of the very first Christmas when Jesus came to Earth to clean up our messes.
Ages: 4-8
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