Picture Book:
Mouse’s Christmas Gift
Author: Mindy
Baker
Illustrator: Dow Phumiruk
Summary: Mouse
lives in the sanctuary of a village church from long ago. Puzzled that the
Christmas decorations are not in place, Mouse finds his favorite - the creche.
After much effort, Mouse has the delicate figures in place where he will sleep
with them in view. Then Mouse scurries to the living quarters of the pastor and his wife. The pastor is sick. His wife places a notice on the church door
that states “Christmas Eve Service Canceled.” Mouse has an idea to light a
candle in the window, hoping the village will be inspired by the light. Various villagers do bring decorations for the church door and nearby evergreen. A blacksmith
creates a star. A woman bakes a sweet treat. On Christmas Eve, they gather, not sure what will happen. They find the church door mysteriously unlocked, so they enter and create their own
Christmas Eve service. The pastor and his wife enter the sanctuary and
realize that Christmas has come.
Hanna’s
Comments: There are many Christmas themes in this beautiful story. Here are a few I see: humility, small acts of service, faith and trust in God's Spirit, hope for meaning and healing, loving community, and the joy that is ours when we participate for the common good. Let your audience find their own meaning here and be inspired to make this Advent and Christmas a time of participation in Christian community and service to those who need us most.
Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2018
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: This book connects with any scripture about light or scriptures that
encourages us to get involved, such as those about The Body of Christ and those
about being servants.
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to inspire your audience to step up
and be a part of The Body of Christ during this season in which we celebrate Christ's birth.
Picture Book:
I Got the Christmas Spirit
Author: Connie
Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Summary: You’ll
want all your church family to meet this "spirited" young girl! She’ll teach them what Advent & Christmas are all about. She hears the spirit in the air and sings the
spirit in her heart. All her senses are in play as she tastes and skates and
sees the spirit in the sparkling lights and many more signs of the season. BUT this wise one is not just about
having Christmas fun. Outside a store, she sees a homeless mother and child and
“feels the spirit deep down in my soul.” Then she promptly goes in to let Santa
know something must be done! Santa and a small crowd bring gifts to the family
that needs help. On those pages, you read, “The spirit is here! The spirit is
you!”
Hanna’s
Comments: I’m
so glad I discovered this new book. It was perfect for my 3rd Advent
lesson in Trinity Treasures, the lectionary-based preschool curriculum that I’m
writing. The theme for that day is “A Noisy Time” which I connected to Isaiah
12:5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for God has done gloriously; let this be known
in all the earth." And Zephaniah 3:14 "Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” My lesson that day involves lots of singing and making joyful noises! Notice that here spirit is written with a lower-case s. Consider
with audiences older than preschoolers how the story’s meaning would be different had the
publishers chosen to use an upper-case S. Then explore all the ways the word "spirit" shows up this time of year.
Original Publisher & Date: Bloomsbury, 2018
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Besides the 2 scriptures mentioned above,
connect this book to any verses about being spiritually inspired to spread love
and joy.
Idea(s) for Application: Read this fun book to a group of children during Advent
and have them explore what The Holy Spirit inside them encourages them to do
and be and feel and sense during this holiday season. Then offer lots of noisy, spirited praise!
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