Our family loves to read picture books and as we begin the Advent season I’m excited to be sharing a Christmas story that I wrote. Recently rereleased in a new edition, Raven’s Gift: A Feathered Flight of Faith tells of a young raven who hears the angels announce the birth of Christ. He sets out to share the message with the other birds who all have gifts to bring, except Raven. When he arrives at the manger with no gift, the others assure him that he has, in fact, brought the best gift of all.
This year I’m starting a new tradition by creating an Advent book stack calendar using favorite old books as well as new titles I’ve discovered.
How to make an Advent Calendar Book Stack:
1. Wrap a book for each day of December leading up to Christmas.
2.Number each book 1-24 and stack them up.
3.Children take turns each day unwrapping a book.
4.Snuggle up and enjoy reading the book together as a family.
There are many wonderful Christmas books but this list is special as all of the books are focused on keeping Christ at the center of this holy season. These books not only celebrate the birth of Christ but include diverse characters as well as multicultural traditions. Let me know if you have suggestions of other books to add to this list.
To keep within a budget, begin with the Christmas books that you already own. Then visit thrift shops where used books can often be found. Don’t forget that you can request most of these books from your local library. All of these books would be great gift choices for friends and family. Don’t forget to check out the printable gift tags at the end of this post.
Raven’s Gift: A Feathered Flight of Faith by Claire Annette Noland illustrated by Desirée Cordón
Share The Joy: A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book Keep Jesus at the Center This Advent & Holiday Season with This Rhyming Storybook about the Nativity for Children by Valerie Ellis with illustrations by Sergio de Giorgi
Little Mole’s Christmas Gift by Glenys Nellist illustrated by Sally Anne Garland
Who Built the Stable by Ashley Bryan author/illustrator
Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo illustrated by Randy Gallegos
Bethlehem Barn by Debra Westgete-Silva illustrated by Marcin Piwowarsk
Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb and Laura Ramos
TWAS the SEASON OF ADVENT: Devotions and Stories for the Christmas Season
Glenys Nellist (author) Elena Selivanova (illustrator)
WOMBAT DIVINE: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
by Mem Fox illustrated by Kerry Argent
‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong illustrated by Sara Palacios
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren illustrations by David Hohn
The Christmas Blessing: A One-of-a-Kind Nativity Story about the Love That Brings Us Together by Erin Guendelsberger illustrated by Gail Yerrill
Christmas in the Manger Board Book by Nola Buck illustrated by Felicia Bond
Brown Baby Jesus by Dorena Williamson illustrated by Ronique Ellis
I LOVE this idea! Too bad I don’t have any little kids in my home.
Hi Tina,
I did this in my classroom but used fewer words.
Nice edition of your newsletter this month!
I have had a similar idea for an Advent Book Calendar! Love it. Raven’s Gift is definitely in the mix.
Cute idea to include your tags.
Hi rine,
Thanks! My daughter designed the tags.