Elementary

Stations of the Cross for Children Poster Set

Book cover: 'Stations of the Cross for Children Poster Set'
Author(s): 
Julianne Will
Illustrator(s): 
Patricia Mattozzi

This is a very nice, very inexpensive, large-size set of the Stations of the Cross created especially for children (the same pictures as are in the Stations of the Cross for Children book, also reviewed here) appropriate for homes and classrooms. The drawings are simple (they remind me a little of Tomie dePaola's drawings) and what my husband would describe as "sanitized".

The Jesse Tree

Book cover: The Jesse Tree
Author(s): 
Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrator(s): 
Bee Willey

Take a grumpy old man working in a Church, add an inquisitive little boy, assorted other characters and mix in the greatest story ever told and you have the book, The Jesse Tree, written by British author, Geraldine McCaughrean. This is sure to be an Advent classic!

The Miracle on 34th Street

Book cover: The Miracle on 34th Street
Author(s): 
Valentine Davies
Illustrator(s): 
Tomie de Paola

When I was little, there was one Advent tradition that really stands out in my mind: the annual viewing of the movie, Miracle on 34th Street. It usually aired on the last weekday before Christmas Eve – we'd be home on Christmas Break, wrapping presents or decorating the house, and this classic would be playing in the background. I'm talking about THE classic 1947 movie – Natalie Wood as the little girl, Maureen O'Hara and John Payne as the "love interest", Gene Lockhart as the judge with a heart, and the ultimate St. Nick: Edmund Gwenn.

On That First Christmas Eve

Book cover: On That First Christmas Eve
Author(s): 
Carol Schulze Dowgiallo
Robert Dowgiallo
Illustrator(s): 
Dorothy Perez

This is one of those delightful children's books that I wish was hard-covered instead of paperback! This book is a simple idea: a 40-some page poem that details the first Christmas Eve. Sounds pretty traditional and common, yes? The unique thing about this book, though, is that the authors link that first Christmas Eve to Jesus' baptism and death on the Cross and then come back full circle to the first night, but now with children of the world surrounding the manger. It's a beautifully done explanation for WHY Christ was born.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Book cover: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Author(s): 
Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrator(s): 
P.J. Lynch

This is a lovely story about a gruff woodcarver who is commissioned to make a Nativity Set for a young boy and his mother. The story is beautifully written and lovingly illustrated. This is such a favorite for my children that we keep it out year-round and it has been read over and over and over again. This is simply a can't-miss book – at least check it out from your library. When you buy a copy, I certainly recommend the hardcover for durability. There are many copies available used online – at Amazon.com there were over 50 used copies available – most for well under $10.

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